Rethinking the Ekklesia - 1
Rethinking the Ekklesia
A series of conversations exploring church and gathering
In this second part of Rethinking the Ekklesia, I am joined by Todd Wiebe and Alison Williams in conversation with Rev. Ken Bell. Todd asked me to reflect a little on ideology and how it may easily turn theology into what is foreign to the Gospel. Following this brief reflection Ken Bell speaks about his early notion of the church as an extended family. In his time as an angelical priest his understanding moves through several stages: the church as “those who are called out”, as a vanguard for morality in an increasingly troubled society, and, a place of spiritual renewal.
Over the last few years and exacerbated by the pandemic many clergy have found themselves questioning the shape and purpose of the church. Who is she? Is she, our denomination? Does she only exist when we gather? Does she exist on-line? Why gather? Along with these and other questions it is also noteworthy that many clergy are facing a crisis of vocation, and many parishioners have had their sense of ekklesia stirred or troubled.
In this series of conversation, Rethinking the Ekklesia, I talk with clergy and committed laypersons about how they understand the ekklesia and its work for the life of the world. In some conversations I am joined by Todd Wiebe, a pastor in Vancouver who anchors a set of lovely podcasts titled The Rector’s Cupboard https://www.rectorscupboard.ca.
Welcome to our conversations as we think about the shape and place of the ekklesia in the life of the world.
David Goa focuses on deepening the capacity of the faithful to think through the gifts of their traditions: the spiritual life, the theological traditions and our responsibility to the public world. Supporters help him continue to do this important work.
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