Ecclesiology in Context: by- Johannes A. Van Der Ven

Ecclesiology in Context

by- Johannes A. Van Der Ven

Ecclesiology in Context contains a theory of the church that applies a combination of theological and social-scientific approaches to the development of practical models and strategies for the church’s interaction with modern society. Because the church is localized in the context of modern secularized society, Johannes van der Ven sees the church’s main function as the “development of religious communication.” In order to achieve this function properly, the church must first redevelop four core functions in relation to four key theological codes.

The first function refers to the religious identity of the church, expressed in the church’s religious convictions, its vision, and its mission from the theological code “People of God.” The second core function relates to the social identity of the church, which is endangered by the individualization process in modern society. This function requires inspiring and professional church leadership in order to cope adequately with all kinds of conflict. The church’s integration has to be realized from the theological code “Body of Christ.” The third core function concerns the policy of the church, its programs and projects, and its organizational structure. Its permanent renewal has to be developed from the theological code “Building of the Spirit.” The fourth and last core function refers to the administrative infrastructure of the church, which has to be developed from the theological code “Church of the Poor.”