Theologie van kerk en ambt voorbij de tegenstelling hoogkerkelijk – laagkerkelijk

Samenvatting

A plea for a theology of ministry beyond High Church / Low Church qualification: this contribution argues that the lack of understanding of the theology of church and ministry among candidates for the ministry in Reformed churches creates a risky situation. High church and Low Church qualifications no longer effectively unravel the choices churches have to make. The importance Calvin attached to the theology of church and ministry contrasts with the general neglect of ecclesiology within Reformed theology. The advanced approach tends to serve mainly apologetic purposes. What is necessary is an understanding of ministry within the nature and the mission of the church as being one, holy, catholic and apostolic. The author argues for a re-appraisal of the concept of tradition within the Reformed tradition.