Cultivate the Theology of Holistic Ministry

CULTIVATE THE THEOLOGY OF HOLISTIC MINISTRY

Philippians 2:2 instructs us, “Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in
full accord.” Church leaders have to help the congregation become of one mind regarding
the theological foundations for holistic ministry.

Sermons, Sunday school classes, and Bible studies are important vehicles for
sharing the biblical basis for holistic mission. However, “You can’t totally communicate a
vision to your congregation through your sermons,” advises a lay leader at First
Presbyterian. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a big tool, but you’ve got to be doing it on every
level.” What church leaders say is only part of the theology that church members absorb.
Explicit theology is what is taught in sermons or recorded in official documents like the
membership covenant.

Implicit theologies, on the other hand, “inform the congregation’s life but are not
necessarily acknowledged or overtly expressed,” explains the Studying Congregations
handbook. Implicit theologies are communicated in church rituals (like fellowship meals or
the way the church collects tithes and offerings), in songs, in congregational prayers, and
in the example set by church leaders. From these aspects of church life, people learn
informally about God’s character and what God expects of them.

Leaders can be intentional about conveying a holistic theology through implicit as
well as explicit channels. One important way to do this is to tell stories. Like Jesus’
parables, stories communicate theological truths that impact people’s hearts as well as their
minds. David Frenchak explains the value of storytelling: “Stories open options and
energize people to do new things they previously had not imagined or sometimes even
resisted. Herald the heroes and heroines of holistic mission, whether from your
congregation or other churches and agencies. Tell tales of personal and community
transformation. Relate ministry stories from the pulpit, from the pews, in the pages of
newsletters, or in devotional booklets. Create a time slot during services for the purpose
of sharing inspiring holistic ministry testimonies.

Changes in the church’s routine or environment can also help nurture a holistic
theology. We are often unaware of how powerfully external surroundings shape people’s
world view and motivate them to action (or inaction). For example, stunning murals in the
sanctuary of Church of the Advocate surround all who enter with images related to the
themes of liberation, justice, solidarity, and pride in the African American heritage. The
words of the pastors’ sermons on these themes sink in with a powerful visual
reinforcement. Christian Stronghold Baptist Church makes its holistic beliefs clear every
time the receptionist answers the phone: “Christian Stronghold, how may I serve you?”
asks the kindly voice on the line. As you enter the church office, you can’t miss the slogan,
painted in big letters on the wall: “How may we serve you?” Everywhere you turn at
Christian Stronghold you find reminders of the Christian calling to be salt and light in the
world.

Adapted from Ronald J. Sider, Philip N. Olson and Heidi Rolland Unruh, Churches That Make a Difference:
Reaching Your Community with Good News and Good Works, chapter 13. Used by permission of Baker
Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, copyright (c) 2002.