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Models of the church

Father Avery DullesJesuit priest (later cardinal) who developed the Models of the Churchthe Models of the Church_ helps us understand the Church’s identity as well as her mission in the world throughout history. modela representation, an example, a symbol, and a pattern used to explain a larger concept; offer some useful information for understanding the subject at handmodel(s)No one _____ is complete in itself; all ______ offer unique perspectives and must be used together to deepen our understanding of the subject.
The subject is always bigger than the ______ describe. 1st modelChurch as Institution2nd modelChurch as Mystical Body or Communion3rd modelChurch as Herald4th modelChurch as Servant5th modelChurch as SacramentChurch as InstitutionFocus: church as visible society with formal structures and organization (official teachings, Sacrament system, etc.)Church as InstitutionStrength: provides strong sense of identity for members, clarity of beliefs, and sense of stability and continuity in the midst of a changing worldChurch as InstitutionWeakness: can put too much emphasis on rules and traditions, can seem too concerned about status quo, can be slow to changeChurch as Mystical Body/CommunionFocus: relationships of person who are gathered in God through Jesus: horizontal (with others) and vertical (with God) dimensions maintainedChurch as Mystical Body/CommunionStrengths: faith life in the Holy Spirit developed through strong, intimate relationships, gives evidence of the enduring Body of Christ image of ChurchChurch as Mystical Body/CommunionWeakness: can become too inwardly focused on relationships and without a sense of outreach to others, can minimize need for appropriate Church leadershipChurch as HeraldFocus: power of the Word of God to challenge, comfort, heal, and encourage the world that God’s Word (Jesus) is active in the world, Church as messenger of Jesus that brings his Gospel to allChurch as HeraldStrength: clear mission for the Church to proclaim and live out the Word of God in the world, especially in creative use of media and the artsChurch as HeraldWeakness: can be perceived as too ” preachy” and too focused on getting to know just the text of the Word of God (the Bible) and not the Word of God as Jesus in our lives. Church as ServantFocus: Church’s identification with Jesus as the one who was “[among us] as one who serves” (Luke 22: 27); direct service to all people is how the Church most embodies ChristChurch as ServantStrength: clear sense of mission to transform human society into an image of the Kingdom of God through direct service (corporal and spiritual works of mercy)Church as ServantWeakness: could obscure the ultimate meaning of the service as preparation for the spiritual work for the coming Kingdom of GodChurch as SacramentFocus: summarizes other models; brings together the Church’s institutional sense of itself as being a special sign to the world of Christ’s faithful, transforming presence; Church celebrates those unique signs of Christ’s presence called Sacraments so she can herself become a better Sacrament of Jesus in the world through her heralding, servant, and Spirit-led community building. We are called to become more and more what Christ is forming here to be. Church as SacramentStrength: a strong sense of Christ’s gift of himself in the Sacraments for the life of the Church and for the world, Church meant to be visible manifestation of Christ to the worldChurch as SacramentWeakness: can become too ritualistic or formulaic in its Sacraments, can focus too much on the sign or gesture and miss the point of the Sacraments as meant to nourish the ChurchInstitution Key Wordsteach, sanctify, govern, Magisterium, The Church authority comes from Apostolic TraditionInstitution Signs and FunctionsPope, bishops, priests, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Canon Law, diocesan directoriesInstitution Membersall those who formally recognize themselves in relationship to an official Church community and Church teachingsInstitution Connection to JesusMatthew 16: 13-20Institution Early ChurchActs of the Apostles 6: 1-7Mystical Body/Communion Key WordsPeople of God, fellowship, unity and diversity of gifts in community, Christ is the Head, Church is the BodyMystical Body/Communion Signs and Functionsprayer groups, intimate relationshipsMystical Body/Communion Membersall who share in the body of Christ through the grace of the Holy SpiritMystical Body/Communion Connection to JesusJohn 15: 5Mystical Body/Communion Early ChurchActs of the Apostles 4: 32-37Herald Key WordsWord of God, conversion, witness, salvationHerald Signs and FunctionsBible studies, evangelization, missions, mediaHerald Membersall those who give witness to their life in Christ and see the Word of God as keyHerald Connection to JesusMatthew 28: 16-20Herald Early ChurchActs of the Apostles 2: 37-41Servant Key Wordsservice to the world, dialogue, liberation, justice, peace, propheticServant Signs and Functionshospitals, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Relief ServicesServant Membersall who serve the needs of others as Christ did; ” Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40)Servant Connection to JesusJohn 13: 3-15Servant Early ChurchActs of the Apostles 5: 12-16Sacrament Key Wordsgrace, nourished by the Sacraments, ” Be what you have received.” Sacrament Signs and Functionsliturgy, light and salt for the world (to be a sign of Christ), communal prayer, source of graceSacrament Membersall who share in the liturgical life of the Church so as to be transformed by grace to be a sign of Christ in the worldSacrament Connection to JesusLuke 21: 19-20Sacrament Early ChurchActs of the Apostles 2: 42-47 ONMODELS OF THE CHURCH SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUFOR ONLY$13. 90/PAGEOrder Now

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