Introduction-Dr Karkkainen lets us know that ecclesiology and pneumatology are connected and defines "ecclesiology proper" as the study of what makes church church?
Chapter 1-The Eastern Orthodox understanding of church draws on the church fathers of the east and is very spirit sensitive. The church is the image of the trinity and represents identity and mutuality or unity in diversity. Unity is seen as a result of the church being the body of Christ. Diversity is seen as a result of the church being the fullness of the Spirit.
Chapter 2-The Roman Catholic church is so large that our understanding of a particular ecclesiology can result in a generalization. Church is seen as a mystical communion and most hold that there can be no unity without primacy of the bishop of Rome otherwise known as the Pope
Chapter 3-Lutheran ecclesiology emphasizes the two marks of the church: The Word and the Sacraments. There is also an emphasis on the priesthood of believers and all Christians being called to minister in word and sacrament although some are called for public service i.e. pastors, preachers etc.
Chapter 4-Reformed ecclesiologies were responses to existing needs and not an attempt at systematic theology. Because of this there are tensions and inconsistencies. Calvin cared more about a right order of ministry in the visible church. Barth in the 20th century emphasized that the state needs a free church to remind it of its limits and calling
Chapter 5-The free church model is a result of global social change. It has its origins with the anabaptists. There is no visible and invisible church. Only the visible church. The church is created because of voluntary commitment of believers.For free churches mission is not just task of church but the purpose of the church.
Chapter 6-The common thread in Pentecostalism is that spiritual gifts are normative for contemporary church life. Fellowship or communion in Pentecostalism is the community gathered together for mutual edification. Pentecostalism has grown because of its ability to contextualize in the third world because of ability to contextualize.
Chapter 7-In Ecumenism ecclesiology determines the approach to seeking church unity. The issues being debated in ecumenical conversation is what unites the church? Do the sacraments and episcopacy unite the church? Does personal faith unite the church?
Chapter 8-John Zizoulas' ecclesiology is based on communion as an ontological category. In his thought there should be no isolation and the church must transcend natural divisions and obstacles.
Chapter 9-Hans Kung defines the real church as a visible community shaped by invisible aspects. It is an act of faith to believe in the church because it is included in the creeds.
Chapter 10-Pannenberg defines church as a sign of the kingdom of God. The church as a sign points to when all people will be united under one God. He also emphasizes that because of its public nature it should bring justice to society.
Chapter 11-Moltmann's ecclesiology is messianic and relational. He advocates for an open church which means it is for others. It is the opposite of the state church which is absent of community and commitment. For him the mission of the church is not to spread the church but to spread the kingdom of God.
Chapter 12-Miroslav Volf's ecclesiology attempts to give person and community their proper due. Matthew 18:20 is a guiding scripture which regulates the subjective and objective activities of church. It is the coming together in his name that defines church.
Chapter 13-James Mclendon Jr. says church is the flesh and blood assembly and the place to live out a new way of Christian discipleship. In this way ecclesiology is always provisional and looks forward to fulfillment not yet achieved.
Chapter 14-Lesslie Newbgin says the essential nature of the church is missionary. In being missionary the nature of the church's witness is to humbly bear the truth and witness to the truth but not possess the truth. For Newbigin, there is no church without mission and no mission without church.
Chapter 15-The non church movement started in Japan and is based on the principle that church is invisible because faith is invisible. It is also fueled by opposition to the institutional church.
Chapter 16-Base communities are an example of the church from below. They are connected through the faith of the church and the sharing of the gospel. There is no need for an ordained priest.
Chapter 17-Feminist church advocates for a church in the round model of table fellowship and a discipleship of equals to counter the hierarchical ways of patriarchy. The structure of church would only allow for no more than one hundred so all people no matter their age, sex, race, or status can learn to be family
Chapter 18-African independent churches emphasize communion as communal living. This is similar to the African pattern of life but it is based on the activity and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 19-The Shepherding movement focused on discipleship and care through a one on one relationship with a shepherd. Although it failed because of abuse of authority; the existence of the movement is a sign that there is a need in the western church for holistic care and discipleship.
Chapter 20-The world church is born out of the idea of stripping away all cultural baggage from Christianity. It is a church that reaches beyond boundaries and emphasizes creation and not salvation
Chapter 21-The postmodern church of another city is an alternative community with no permanent place. It is a call for the church to return to its jewish roots and bring faith into the public sphere of everyday life which include building houses, tending gardens, marrying etc.
Epilogue-The study of ecclesiology is important because people are looking for a community to give them meaning, hope, and a purpose. A 21st century ecclesiology must take into account other cultures and voices.
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