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A study of the theology of church government and the practice of church administration, with special reference to the churches in Asia

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SilvaJW_1972redux.pdf (78.75Mb)
Date
1972
Author
Silva, John Wilbur
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Abstract
 
 
The theology of church government and administration is held to he of real relevance to the important question of church growth. It is the argument of this thesis that there is no theological barrier to the pragmatic adaptation of the structures of church government. It is held that, subject to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the adaptation of church structures to meet the demands of differing historical, cultural, social and spiritual conditions is both theologically possible and practically necessary to assist in the fulfilment of the mission of the Ekklesia.
 
The importance, limitations and methodology of the study are discussed in the introduction. Important definitions are also included in this portion of the study. The major body of the, research is divided into three sections.
 
In the first section, study is made of the theological implications of church government as it relates to four major areas: the nature of the Ekklesiaj the relationships within the Ekklesia; the authority for government within the Ekkleaia; and the role of church government In the fulfilment of the mission of the Ekklesia. Comparison is first made of the traditional Western polities, and the conclusion is drawn that major theological differences do exist between Catholic and Protestant Christians in regard to these four bases of church government. However, it is seen that Protestant polities are divided only in expression of a fundamental unity regarding these theological bases of church government. Pragmatic adaptation of church structures is seen as both theologically acceptable and practically necessary to promote church growth.
 
The second section deals with paternalistic structures of church government as seen in the Mission Churches of Asia. These structures are examined both historically and for their effect upon the development of the Asian churches. These paternalistic structures are rejected on the basis of their detrimental influence upon the development and growth of the churches in Asia.
 
The third section of the study centres upon the close relationship between church structures and the historical, cultural, social and spiritual Influences at work within the Asian churches. As the churches of Asia become truly Indigenous, they would seem to modify inherited church structures to fit the totality of the Asian milieu.
 
Examination is made of the present practices and structures of ohurches in Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Japan and the Philippines. These structures are discussed In terms of the four theological bases of church government.
 
First, examination is made of the nature of the Ekklesia and structures of the churches. It is seen that the incarnational nature of the Ekklesia places the churches in a role of reconciliation. This reconciliation of the world to God through the Ekklesia demands that the nature of the Ekklesia be thought of in terms of missionary activity.
 
Thus, the natur.e and the purpose of the Ekkleaia dec ermines the nature and form of the various structures of church government. This applies to the churches of Asia, for these churches must act for God in the world to which God has commissioned them. It is seen that the world of Asia is experiencing a thorough-going revolution, demanding a corresponding revolution within the churches to meet the new situation The missionary activity of the Asian churches is entering a new phase, with these churches fulfilling their role of reconciliation within the Asian milieu, and at the same time, resolving the relationship between the Indigenous Church and the Universal Church.
 
Second, authority for church government is considered on three levels. In relation to the clergy, there is the question of ordination and training. Yet another area of concern is the relationship of authority as claimed by Church and State. While there is widespread religious liberty, the Asian churches must be prepared with structures to express the authority of Christ under all conditions. A final area of authority in structures which must be considered is the role of the Mission Society in the on-going mission of the Asian churches. The place of the Mission Society involves social, practical and theological problems. Authority in all church structures is closely concerned with the relationships within the Ekklesla.
 
Third, church government and the relationships within the Asian churches is of importance to the missionary activity of the churches. Examination is made of church structures and the relationships within the local congregation, between the local congregation and larger church structures, and between the clergy and the laity. Relationships within the Asian churches also involve the need for structures to define and practice discipline at all levels.
 
Fourth, structures to assist in the fulfilment of the purpose and mission of the Ekklssla are considered. It is seen that the purpose of church government is directly related to the world of Asia, for it is in this world that the Ekkleaia must win the people of Asia. To this end, where necessary, church structures must be revised and adapted to the needs of the Asian situation. The present time is seen to afford a new opportunity to develop structures for mission; the Asian churches will need to seize this opportunity.
 
On the basis of the study of these four areas of churoh structure the final two chapters of the section deal with contemporary reforms in governmental structures as the churches of Asia seek to take advantage of these new opportunities to re-form structures for mission. It is seen that larger ohurch structures are being reformed, as polity is adapted to the missionary purpose of the Ekkiesia. Reforms are also being planned and instituted on the oongregational level, as local structures are adanted to fulfill the mission of the Ekklesia in their own locale. Patterns for the full utilization of the resources of the laity and the ministry, as well as practical arrangements for missionary activity at all levels are seen to be developing.
 
The study closes with one final chapter of principles and suggestions for the adaptation of ohurch structures for missionary activity and church growth. It is hoped that these suggestions and principles may prove to be of some value in the promotion of church growth, both in Asia and throughout the world, through the pragmatic adaptation of church structures.
 
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http://hdl.handle.net/1842/30754
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