by the Helwys Society
The 2019 Free Will Baptist Theological Symposium was held on the campus of Welch College on October 28-29. Over the course of two days, students, professors, pastors, and denominational leaders listened carefully and responded to ten presentations, most of which had some bearing on the doctrine of the church. Attendees were from ministry contexts as diverse as Oklahoma and New York because they wanted to think about what faithful practice would mean for us as Free Will Baptists in an increasingly secular, post-denominational world.
In this post, Forum contributors who attended will share insights from presentations they heard. For a more thorough account of this event, readers can visit fwbtheology.com to purchase a digest of the paper presentations, or visit https://www.facebook.com/commisionfortheologicalintegrity/ to view presentations.
Chris Talbot
Robert Picirilli, “The Infinite, Immutable God, Creation, and the Real, Changing World”
Those who were present during this year’s Symposium enjoyed Dr. Picirilli’s theological reflections on how an immutable God interacts and engages with a changing world. Picirilli began by interacting with a variety of logical arguments that may otherwise constrain those who misunderstand how our sovereign God deals with a finite mankind. Further, Picirilli surveyed a handful of biblical passages that deal with foreknowledge, free choice, creative activity, contingency, and more. As always, it was a delight to hear Picirilli explore various theological possibilities with care and curiosity. Even more, while, Picirilli is not satisfied simply to chalk up all theological inquiry to “mystery,” he did remind listeners that while we may know God truly we do not know Him exhaustively. Further, he challenged listeners to consider how our unchanging God has entered into our world in powerful and personal ways.
Thomas Marberry, “The Eschatology of Luke”
Thomas Marberry seeks to describe a specifically Lucan eschatology. He notes that while the other synoptic gospels discuss the second coming of Christ, Luke does not offer that same level of emphasis. Instead, Dr. Marberry argues that Luke is more concerned with how followers of Christ should live as they await His return. That is, Luke seems more concerned with the practical implications of eschatology rather than the speculative. Marberry explains how Luke’s perspective contributes to one’s understanding of the Kingdom of God and offers implications for discipleship. In doing so, Marberry argues that Luke is providing “information which is necessary for faithful Christian service even in difficult times.”
Jackson Watts
Matthew Steven Bracey, “Conservatism and the Church”
Many Free Will Baptists style themselves as “conservatives.” But what is conservatism? In his presentation, Bracey steered listeners away from popular ideas about conservatism, as well as from policy-specific definitions. Instead, he helpfully narrated a more historic-philosophical overview of conservatism as defined by one of Western conservatism’s great heroes: Russell Kirk. Drawing on the work of Kirk, Burke, Scruton, and others in the Western canon, Bracey briefly outlined seven principles of conservatism. What’s more, he showed how these principles resonate especially with the theological commitments of a Christian worldview. I appreciated so much the approach Bracey took. He provided us with the grounding for a conservative worldview that is consistent with Scripture, leaving room for thoughtful Christians to further debate the best application of those principles in modern life, whether in the domain of education, law, or even ecclesiology.
Eddie Moody, “Denominations and Denominationalism: Is there a Future in a Changing Culture?”
Free Will Baptists’ new Executive Secretary, Dr. Eddie Moody, spoke to the largest audience of the entire symposium. It was fitting that he would give his presentation during the chapel hour to Welch students, faculty, staff, and other guests. Attendees listened carefully to Moody’s summary and synthesis of much of the recent research on the vulnerabilities and possibilities of a vibrant denominational life in the twenty-first century. However, in his own unique way, Moody called attention to the historical and practical reasons why the National Association may have some of its best days ahead if we learn from the past and face the challenges of the future with boldness and unity. Especially helpful was the Q&A session that followed his presentation. Several asked practical questions about what Moody’s suggestions would look like for those involved in youth ministry or those not entering vocational ministry and what the role of history was in recommitting ourselves to a vibrant denominational life. Moody gave specific answers that reflected his many years of thinking about these problems and practicing what he was himself commending.
Matthew Bracey
Christopher Talbot, “Toward a Confessional-Practical Theology”
Talbot presented on a confessional-practical theology. He surveyed some scholars who treat practical theology as its own discipline, often emphasizing experience over doctrine. In contrast to these, Talbot explained that all theology is confessional and, indeed, practical. While he pointed to the importance of experience, he explained that doctrine must have primacy over experience. Talbot writes, “[T]heology is for all people. . . . When one seeks to know God and His truth, they are doing (and practicing) theology.” Again, “If the theologian wishes to work from a more conservative, historically orthodox perspective, then they must begin with doctrine as their foundation, rather than their personal experience.”
Zach Vickery
Jeff Cockrell, “Showing the Good God to Pagans: A Contextual Understanding of Paul’s Apologia in Acts 17”
In his paper, Cockrell highlighted how Paul presented Yahweh to a pagan culture. He points out that, though the culture influenced Paul, Paul remained true to his faith at all times. Cockrell provides a thorough analysis of the context of Paul’s apologia by noting that Athens was a place of ideas, law, order, religion, apologetics, and conviction. Paul understood his context, which enabled him to present Yahweh effectively to the inhabitants of Athens. Cockrell concluded his paper by urging his readers to strive to learn the language of our audience as Paul did. In so doing we will be better prepared to reveal the one true God to our own culture.
Danny Dwyer, “Paul’s Address to the Ephesian Elders: The Ministry Ethos of the Apostle Paul as a Model for Pastoral Leadership”
Dwyer’s paper focused on the ten sermons and sermon summaries in Acts and what contemporary pastors can learn from Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders. First, Dwyer pointed out that Paul uses his personal ethic as the model to follow, noting Paul’s selflessness and sacrifice, as well as the scope of his work. Second, he highlighted Paul’s challenge to the elders to guard the ministry. He suggested that there’s always a need for personal/spiritual assessment, that the church ultimately belongs to the Lord in design and ownership, and that there have always been false prophets who prey on God’s flock. Finally, Dwyer noted that Paul appeals to the elders with honorable motives to keep. He concluded by making several applications that focus on the pastor’s integrity, work ethic, and humility.
Jackson Watts, “Cultural Analysis and the Dynamics of Leading Change in the Church”
Watts’ paper engages with one of the most difficult challenges for church leaders: leading change in the local church. He starts by emphasizing the need to listen and to learn. Though we can learn many things in college or seminary, if we fail to listen, we will fail to understand what changes are needed, which ones don’t work, and how to implement change effectively. He says that we need to be empathetic to church members experiencing change because these changes are affecting things they may view as rites of passage or as the culture of their church and lives. He concludes by suggesting that the best way to lead change in pastoral ministry is by being “in touch with the culture of one’s flock before, during, and after changes are made.”
Jesse Owens
Ron Davis, “The Church as Embassy: An Ecclesiology for the Modern World”
Ron Davis made a compelling argument that viewing the Church as an embassy is a helpful metaphor for biblical ecclesiology. When viewed this way, Christians realize that they are strangers and aliens in this world and that the Church is an outpost of the Kingdom of God which signals its in-breaking on the present. Members of the universal church, through the life of the local church, act as “agents of redemption” in the world. They are governed by the living Christ and the living Word. Therefore, if the local embassy would function properly, it will require the faithful teaching of the Word. In turn, each local embassy must faithfully communicate the Word in their local contexts. This is, Davis argues, the mission of the Church as an embassy.
Matt Pinson, “Do We Need to Keep Having Associations?”
Few pastors or lay people get excited about association meetings. That may be because many associations have fallen into ruts where little is accomplished and most meetings seem to have little purpose. But it shouldn’t be this way, and, as Pinson argues, it hasn’t always been this way. Associations used to be vibrant and served an important role in encouraging and keeping ministers and local churches accountable in matters of doctrine and practice. As Pinson notes, there seems to be a resurgence of interest in local associations among young Free Will Baptist pastors and lay people. That’s a good sign, Pinson maintains, since associations have always been essential to the flourishing of Free Will Baptist churches.
Recent Comments