Considering a Model of Christian Maturity

I just finished D.A. Carson’s A Model of Christian Maturity: An Exposition of 2 Corinthians 10-13.  It was formerly published as From Triumphalism to Maturity.

It covers on of the more difficult passages of Paul’s letters, one which seems particularly appropriate in these times.  As I read the book, I could not help but think of many instances to “triumphalism” or an over-realized eschatology.

Carson writes in an understandable fashion that addresses the various exegetical problems of the text.  It is a book that is helpful for those wanting to better understand this passage of Scripture, or wanting to have a better understanding of mature Christian leadership.

In this passage of Scripture, Paul is trying to distinguish himself from the “super-apostles” who have entered the Corinthian church, seeking to supplant him.  Their ‘credentials’ lead us to believe that they are Judaizers who measure ministry by worldly standards of success rather than biblical standards of faithfulness.  They continually discredit Paul as not meeting their superior standards, seeking to win the Corinthians’ hearts and wallets.

They measure success by power- both in word and deed.  Their rhetorical style is worldly wisdom rather than the wisdom and scandal of Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 1-2).  Like the Hellenistic teachers of the day, success is measured by the number of followers and the amount they are willing to pay to be taught by you.

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Considering the Auxilium Network

That is a funny name isn’t it.  It doesn’t really give you much of a clue as to what it really is.

The Auxilium Network is essentially a ministry designed to help PCA churches speed up their search process, AND increase the probability of finding a good match.  They are trying to build a data base of pastors, utilizing the Ministerial Data Form, they can search to compare with a church’s profile.  They would then ask those pastors who seem to be good fits if they are interested in being contacted by the church.  So, your information remains private unless you decide to release it.

This was born out of a frustrating event in the life of a guy I went to seminary with.  He ended up leaving one church for another.  When he got there, he discovered he was not a good fit for them.  They had very different priorities.

This is a great start, but I think they could add some things about the theology of ministry that could fine tune it.  I’m not sure how to actually do that beyond asking additional questions  in terms of HOW one preaches, what someone thinks the goal of discipleship is, etc.  That may all come with time, but something like this is a step in the right direction to make a lengthy, sometimes ineffective process short and more effective.

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