How might I use the Unity Quadrilateral in my ministry? Let me count the ways. I see the Unity QuadrilateraI as a theological
tool that can be used in different ways at many levels. I see it
as an instrument for providing assessment, balance, and inspiration for my
ministry in addition to being a tool for the assessment of beliefs.
As I work through my
studies I can see that assessing different theological questions that arise
through the components of the Unity Quadilateral; Scripture, Experience,
Reflection and Tradition, can help cast light into the darker corners of
understanding. As a Minister I see that as I research topics
for study for talks these “fantastic four” (Dr. Tom coined this phrase) will
provide a framework for both inquiry and the service itself. I can pick a topic and use any one of the
lenses to put a certain slant on the talk or include all of them when speaking
of a common theme to give it some new light. In putting together the entire service, I can
include all four components in varying percentages based on the needs and
desires of my congregation. I see the “Quad”
as a tool for providing assessment, balance, and inspiration for my ministry in
addition to being a tool for the assessment of beliefs.
As discussed in
class, people come to church for different reasons and this tool is perfect for
assessing a congregation formally or informally in terms of where they are
coming from. Might my congregation be seeking
more discussion of scripture or are they seeking ways to apply the teachings to
their lives? Do they want to be
challenged to think about their faith or would they prefer to be mollified by
the traditions of ritual? (Now you know what
my leanings are.) I realize that there
will probably be some of each kind of lens, but to be aware of their leanings
will help me to better tailor my work to their needs, beliefs and desires. Additionally, it gives me an understanding of
where I may need to lead the congregation (gently) to a better balance of
understanding if necessary.
I also see this quadrilateral
as a tool for assessment of my congregation from the perspective “their church”. What is the tradition of this particular
church? What are its traditions? What has been its recent and past experiences
that would color their experience of a new minister? Has there been reflection about what their
church is or are they bound by tradition?
What are their scriptural preferences, understandings and biases?
This tool can be
used in many ways to facilitate deeper understanding of all aspects of ministry
and I’m quite sure that it will be a cornerstone of my practice as a minister.
Once again Keri you provide me with tools to use in my world. Your practical application of the Unity Quadrilateral is descriptive and useful for me to understanding a context for using it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour assessment mirrored my thinking of the Unity Quadrilateral. I believe it will be an excellent tool to use in our ministries. For me it represents a balance approach to being able to attempt to meet many needs in our community. Intuition and personal experience are where I live. This tool provides me a way to balance out my approach.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting it in print. Aah, great minds...
Excellent discussion of applying this tool to preparing for talks and for giving the congregation multiple touch points with which to anchor the message. I appreciate your thoughts in this post. Very helpful.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful examination of the role the Unity Quadrilateral can play in ministry, from sermon preparation, assessment of congregational makeup, beliefs and needs, to addressing the ongoing theological questions we will facing as ministers. Thank you!
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