"Discipleship in Community" (Mark E. Powell, John Mark Hicks, and Greg McKinzie)

TITLE: Discipleship in Community: A Theological Vision for the Future
AUTHOR: Mark E. Powell, John Mark Hicks, and Greg McKinzie
PUBLISHER: Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press, 2020, (192 pages).

Who are the "Churches of Christ" and the "Disciples of Christ" organizations? What do they believe in? What is the Stone-Campbell movement and their "restoration perspective?" For the authors of this book, the key operative word answer is "discipleship." Thus, the title for this book. Such discipleship mirrors the two greatest commandments: Love God and Love People. Discipleship is about participation in the life of the Triune God as well as building up a community of disciples in order to share in God's mission. This theme of discipleship is anchored on six fundamental convictions:

1. A Trinitarian vision of God
2. An eschatological outlook
3. Strong biblical orientation in its teaching and spirituality
4. The Believers Church tradition
5. The sacramental presence and working of God, especially in baptism and the Lord’s Supper
6. The church’s participation in God’s mission  
   

Each of these basic convictions is given a chapter. (The concise summary can be found at the website here.) The authors caution us that we cannot reduce "Stone-Campbell theology" to a particular "method or hermeneutic." The reason being the right methods do not necessarily lead to the right conclusions. The conclusion must trump methods. Theological commitment needs to be foremost while the methods and interpretations are accorded secondary importance. Some of the distinctiveness of the Churches of Christ are:

• Believers' Baptism
• Weekly Participation of the Lord's Supper
• Irenic Trinitarians (Peaceful resolution via non-divisive discussion)
• Eschatology as hope for Christian living and discipleship
• Presents an alternative to both Roman Catholic as well as mainline denominations
• 
  

My Thoughts

This book is primarily written from a Churches of Christ perspective. It incorporates many different perspectives and theological methods from within the adherents of this denomination. With a tradition that goes way back to the Early Church, their beginnings are noble. Thus, this book forms a great summary of what the members believe in. This is particularly important for the present generation and the many more generations to come. It helps members answer simple questions such as "What do the Churches of Christ believe in? How are they similar (and different) from the rest of the Christian world? Compared to some of the other mainline denominations, there is a relative lack of resources from the standpoint of the Churches of Christ. This book is a needed resource for members of CoC to know more about what they believe. I would suspect that the theological uniqueness might appeal more to the more academic or theologically inclined members. That said, it is always good to have a ready reference on the bookshelf.

I believe many readers might not belong to the Churches of Christ denomination. Nevertheless, they can still appreciate the various theological convictions and conclusions drawn. The differences are not that significant as far as fundamental Christian doctrine is concerned. For example, Christians believe in the Trinity, but the theological methods to arrive there might be different. In other words, the basic agreements are the same but the emphases vary in degree and scope. I appreciate the honest struggles pertaining to interpreting the Trinity as One God. The processes might be difficult, but the different strands eventually come back to the affirmation of the Nicene Creed. I find it heartwarming to see the members of the Churches of Christ eagerly seeking Truth in Scripture. That should be the focus for all Christians. It reminds me that the Christian community is a diverse one, yet united in the common tenets of faith. The emphases might be different but the beliefs are common.

I was attracted to this book based on the title itself. Upon reading it, I realize it is more of a theological statement of faith from the perspective of the Churches of Christ. Having said that, the theology described would resonate with a lot of mainstream Christian thought. For that reason, I would warmly recommend this book as one that provides foundations for doing and living discipleship.

ACUP is associated with the Churches of Christ in America. Mark E. Powell is Professor of Theology at Harding School of Theology. He teaches courses in systematic theology, historical theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. His research and writing interests include the doctrine of the Trinity, religious epistemology, and theology in the Stone-Campbell Movement.

John Mark Hicks is Professor of Theology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has taught in institutions affiliated with Churches of Christ for over 38 years.

Greg McKinzie is an Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies at Lipscomb University.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Abilene Christian University Press, Leafwood Publishers, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.