Announcements

WEA TC and National Evangelical Fellowships—a fruitful partnership

April 2008

National Evangelical Fellowships (NEF) are called to bring people, churches and para-church bodies together as an expression of Christian unity, fellowship, and joint witness for the sake of the Gospel. Their common ground is the lordship of Jesus Christ as unique Saviour and Lord, and the authority of Scripture as the Word of God. There are many ministries and services that NEFs develop to enable them to carry out their important role in the Kingdom of God. In this complex, ever-changing and multi-faith world in which we are called to live and serve, the ministry of NEFs is needed as never before. But if it is to be strong, well directed and dynamic and fruitful, it will of course need good leadership, but also solid foundations and healthy spiritual fibre—which is where the work of a TC can be vital.

A diverse team of well trained theologians can bring to an NEF the biblical and spiritual resources of its various member groups, the rich heritage of the Christian church and the keen awareness of the needs and opportunities presented by our social setting. By working together across denominational and even cultural boundaries, the members of a TC can harness the various perspectives on the gospel enjoyed by its members. With their training in understanding and applying Scripture, they are able to bring new treasures out of the old (Mt 13:52).

Their interaction in a missional and prayerful context as they wrestle together with difficult doctrinal and ethical issues, challenges to the gospel, and differences of opinion within the churches, can open up new approaches, develop fresh perspectives and find deeper roots for our common faith, discipleship and witness. Their participation together in their tasks of teaching, research and ministry can overflow into a greater sense of the unity of the Body of Christ in other areas of the life of the NEF and its members. This wide fellowship and rich understanding is enhanced even further as national bodies relate to the global scene through affiliation with the World Evangelical Alliance Theological Commission’s work. Our Global Membership scheme allows National Fellowships to participate directly in our work at our annual gatherings, through our study projects and by regular news and information from the TC. By taking out this membership, national fellowships can keep in touch with others and find stimulus and encouragement for regular activities and on-going ministry in their own areas.

NEFs with active TCs have found that these teams of dedicated theologians can supply much needed authority, maturity and resilience for the work of the whole body as it seeks to advance, confirm and defend the gospel (Phil 1) and thus provide a strong basis for Christian unity and the expansion of God’s kingdom. Examples of projects undertaken include informative consultations and papers on controversial doctrinal topics like the after life and hell, revision of the EA doctrinal confession, comments for the guidance of members on social and public ethical matters, advice on new doctrinal, spiritual and pastoral trends and negotiations with other faith groups.

For more information on how to establish and manage a national or regional Theological Commission, and how to affiliate with the WEA Theological Commission, contact the WEA TC Executive Director, Dr David Parker, and visit our web site— http://www.worldevangelicalalliance.com/commissions/tc