THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

Summary: The Pastor: Agent of Vision in the Education of a Community of Faith,

In Pastor as Religious Educator, by Charles R. Foster

SUBMITTED TO DR. MAISHA I. HANDY

IN PARTIAL COMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
CAM 801: FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

BY
ANTHONY D. CLINKSCALES

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

OCTOBER 28, 2009

The faith community has been established on the reality of communal vision.
Walter Brueggemann affirmed that biblical faith is formed around and empowered by a
communal vision. Vision has several connotations, such as that which can be seen by
the functioning of the eye with regard to amounts of light reflected, and the images
portrayed and interpreted by the brain. On the other hand, vision can be that which has
nothing to do with physical light and reflected colors that are perceived by the brain, but
indeed has everything to do with the spiritual light, the revelation that is direct
communication with the Creator. Much as Paul suggested, in this instance, we know in
part even as also we are knownfurthermore, we see through a glass darkly. In other
words, the faith community sees only partially the vision of themselves. Essentially, it is
the prerogative and obligation of the leaders in the faith community to clarify the
communal vision. Leaders in the faith community have to be sensitive to the Spirit and
connected with the community, in order to offer a vision that is true and relevant. When
so many people have resorted only to thinking and seeing with their heads, there is a
deficiency in the Christian education that reaches the head and the hearts of people.
The heart is neglected when we reduce everything to what is seen by the physical eye,
and what is proven by facts and tangibles.
Inside each person, lie faith muscles. When we are born, these faith muscles are
quite strong. Apparently, this is our connection with the Creator when we are
wonderfully and fearfully made, being knit together in our mothers womb. However, as
we mature and discuss worldly topics and secular issues, we allow our faith muscles to
weaken. People talk too much about what they think is rational or what they think
others should be. We allow our destiny and dreams to be put on hold because of the
doubt and unbelief of other people. Many church goers listen to messages that do not
empower their faith muscles as individuals and as a community. These faith muscles
have been neglected far too long by reckless and negligent teaching and preaching. In
order for the faith community to flourish and be the children of God, we need Christian
leaders who are sensitive to the needs of the people and begin to make teaching and
preaching palatable and relevant, juxtaposing our reality with our spirituality. The
pastor/teacher is scholarly and rational, but also confessional and visionary; he or she is
the agent of transcendence beyond human experience and rational comprehension.