Editor's Notes

Biblical Case Studies

The Lord's Supper Turned into Disaster

Eung Chun Park, San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, California

An incident that occurred in Antioch shortly after the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem is examined. It reveals the diverse behaviors of the leaders of the church at a moment of crisis. It also raises various theological issues concerning mission.

Historical Case Studies

When in North Umbria, Do as the Romans Do?

Jeff Childers, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas

A missionary bishop in Seventh-century England must decide whether to advise his king to accept the authority of Rome fervently advocated by Wilfrid of Ripon, or reject Rome's pretensions and continue the isles' ancient Celtic traditions. His dilemma represents the oft-observed clash between tradition (or personal conviction) and political expediency.

Wittenberg 1934

Craig Nessan, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa

Issues facing those who joined the confessing church in resistance to Nazism are investigated. Historical and theological information is introduced about the German church struggle and the complexity of the issues.

Theological Case Studies

What Kind of God?

Karl Peters, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

A female candidate for the ministry has been supervised for eleven years. She had finished seminary and graduate school during which time her theology – specifically her ideas about God – have changed significantly. She now wonders if she should continue to seek ordination.

Missiological Case Studies

Not in My Back Yard

Warren Dennis, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, New Jersey

A progressive African-American minister faces his greatest challenge when he attempts to lead his congregation to become advocates for the homeless who routinely sleep on the church's steps. The neighborhood block council calls an emergency meeting to convene in the church's sanctuary to petition city hall to have the men evicted from the area.

The Call

Alan Neely, Princeton Theological Seminary Emeritus, Princeton, New Jersey

The recruitment secretary for a Protestant mission agency has worked with a young couple seeking missionary appointment. Their records, recommendations, and motives appear good, but the secretary has a lingering doubt. Should he recommend them for appointment?

Ecological Case Studies

Down in the Valley

Judy Chan, Hong Kong Christian Council; and Lisa Hopkinson, Citizens Party, Hong Kong.

Members of an indigenous community are divided about the sale of its land to a developer. There are attempts to sabotage the efforts of local "green groups" trying to stop the sale. Hong Kong officials, eager to expand available housing, are caught in the middle.

Ethical Case Studies

Not in This Church

Youtha C. Hardman-Cromwell, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

When a member of a predominantly Caucasian congregation tries to stop an African-American preacher from leading a revival in his church, issues of power, mission, and racism emerge. This case gives seminary students, clergy, and laypersons a vehicle through which to identify, articulate, and become more aware of these issues.

Just A Matter of Time

Marjorie Hall Davis, Granby, Connecticut

After three years of attempting to reach compromises between Christian fundamentalists who want to determine the public school curriculum, and members of the mainline clergy who have been intimidated into silence, a turning point is reached when the fundamentalists demand that creationism be a part of the science curriculum. A United Church of Christ minister is challenged to become a candidate for the local school board.

English Spoken Here

Lucinda Smith, ESL Tutor, Refugees Immigration Services, Roanoke, Virginia

A volunteer ESL tutor working out of a local Refugee Resettlement office is asked by an ESL student about how to buy a gun in the U.S., for protection. An individual in the Bosnia immigrant community is apparently practicing extortion against other community residents. Raise awareness of the potential for violence in refugee communities and to explore ways ESL teaching can help open communications.

Practical Case Studies

They Said "No" to Sharice

Richard Stewart, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

After a successful first year and a recommendation for a raise in salary, a pastor wrestles with the dilemma of what to do when no one will second the motion for his raise.

To Supervise or Not

Kenneth Swetland, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Massachusetts

A prominent pastor fails to give time and direction to a seminary intern he had agreed to supervise, despite the fact that the pastor had participated in the seminary's training program for supervisors and had been reminded several times throughout the year that a monthly evaluation from him of the student's work was required. After doing none of these things, the seminary's director of supervised ministry writes the pastor informing him that he will no longer be considered an approved supervisor. The pastor responds by saying his "busy schedule" has prevented him from doing what he should, but he also implies that he had not adequately understood what was expected of him.