BERLIN — Sixty-seven Baptist theologians, leaders and pastors from around the world gathered at a Baptist World Alliance (BWA) symposium March 21–24 at the German Baptist Seminary in Elstal, near Berlin.
Called to discuss Baptist ecclesiology — the theology of the church — the symposium focused on the autonomy of the local church, primarily the relationship of the local church to the larger Baptist community of associations, national conventions and unions, regional fellowships and the BWA. At the end of the symposium, a final statement was issued. Among the affirmations was the declaration that "For Baptists, the local church is wholly church but not the whole church," and "Historically, Baptists have affirmed the theological and practical necessity of relating to sister churches for discernment and action." But the foundational understanding of the church is that "Christ is in the midst of His church as its Lord. As the head of the church He empowers and equips it for holistic mission and ministry, and grants it its freedom."
Delegates also made a plea that the BWA "convene an international group of theologians, pastors and denominational leaders to produce a discussion paper about the ecclesial significance of structures beyond the local church" that could be used as a basis for discussion and action.
Share with others: