James W. Thompson > Quotes

“Paul’s goal is the transformation of the community that will turn from self-centeredness to a corporate existence shaped primarily by the love exhibited by the self-denial of Jesus.”
― James W. Thompson, Pastoral Ministry according to Paul: A Biblical Vision

“Paul’s pastoral theology, which is largely ignored in contemporary conversations about the nature of the ministry, offers valuable insights for our own understanding. He challenges the individualism of our culture by insisting on a corporate understanding of the Christian faith. He envisions a community composed of people from a variety of backgrounds who are brought together by a shared story of the one who gave himself for others and who are sustained by the constant reminder of this narrative. As he articulates the goals of his ministry through his prayers, he offers insights for the outcome of our own work. If we adopt the Pauline understanding, we will work with God for church growth that consists of an increase in ethical sensitivity and care for others within the community. We will challenge the self-centeredness of our own society, measuring our effectiveness by the community’s capacity to live in harmony with each other.”
― James W. Thompson, Pastoral Ministry according to Paul: A Biblical Vision

“Evangelism is not mere initiation into a relationship with God but the formation of a community within a narrative that is not yet complete.”
― James W. Thompson, Pastoral Ministry according to Paul: A Biblical Vision

“To believe is therefore not only to come into the faith but to be conformed to the image of the crucified Christ. To be baptized is to share the existence of the crucified one.”
― James W. Thompson, Pastoral Ministry according to Paul: A Biblical Vision

“Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and singing celebrate the story that created the community and continues to unite it. Although one may not dismiss the evangelistic dimension of worship or the effect of worship on the outsider, the primary challenge of worship is to contribute to the transformation of the entire community.”
― James W. Thompson, Pastoral Ministry according to Paul: A Biblical Vision