Torch, Fall/Winter 2012

14 TORCH A Tool for Assessing Change How do we evaluate the necessary changes that occur as the Church seeks to live out its mission amid the culture of its day? Perspective and priority The top level is that of the creeds of the Church, which contain universally agreed-upon doctrine that is definitional to orthodox Christianity. The creeds, worked out by church leaders in the early centuries of Christianity, many times in response to doctrinal challenges or deviations by certain individuals or groups, define an essential core of Christian belief that undergirds such doctrines as the nature of God, the Trinity, the divinity and humanity of Christ, the personhood of the Holy Spirit, and the second coming of Christ. To embrace the foundational creeds is to acknowledge the work of the Spirit in establishing and defining the Church’s doctrine and identity in the course of history. The second level is that of major confessions of various denominational and theological bodies. These confessions, though often reflecting doctrinal concerns, encompass more refined issues and debates of theology such as Calvinism and Arminianism, church order, ordinances, and governance, among others. Classic examples of these confessions include the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Anglican Church of 1571, the Westminster Confession of 1648, and the 1689 London Baptist Confession. These confessions reflect concerns of smaller bodies than the universal Church and many times are responses to certain challenges that occur at particular points in history or within ecclesiastical bodies. 1 2 The lowest level is that of church form and structure, which has been and is still the most negotiable level and open to review and change. Though the majority of churches claim to be faithful to the ecclesiastical structure revealed in the New Testament, few limit themselves to that model (apostles, elders, and deacons), and all embrace developments that came about subsequent to the apostolic era (ending generally at A.D. 100). This level encompasses issues such as local church governance (rule by bishops, elders, congregation, or, more recently, staff), church buildings, order of worship, music styles (if any musical instruments are allowed), use or non-use of liturgy, and degrees of association with or separation from other Christian groups. 3 are essential. The following chart provides a tool for evaluating change based on three levels of Christian doctrine and practice. These levels do not tell us what is important and what is not. All three levels address beliefs and practices that are important to consider and hold. This chart helps us determine significance . Issues that are associated with levels two and three are not equally significant in determining Christian orthodoxy as those of level one, which are fundamental to being a Christian. Second- and third-level issues tend to determine denominational or theological perspective. This does not mean that second- and third-level issues should not be held with conviction and tenacity. Cedarville University and many other religious institutions and church bodies seek to honor institutional history and faith traditions by upholding doctrinal statements. This is an important and worthy task. Level 1: Foundational Creeds Level 2: Denominational Confessions Level 3: Church Form and Structure Define the essential fundamentals of the Christian faith. Refine theological positions. Express church governance and practice.