Week 9: “Mission of the Church” -Fuellenbach

In his final chapter Fuellenbach discusses the role and mission of the Church both from the point of view “as the Kingdom of God”, “mediator of the Kingdom”, or as merely another servant within the Kingdom. This chapter presented some very interesting ideas, especially in the area of the Church’s role in the salvation of humanity. The two views that Fuellenbach posits are a) The Church as chief mediator, and only avenue through which one can join the Kingdom. and b) The Church as one of several avenues within the Kingdom, but is not intrinsically necessary for one to embark in Kingdom activities. This brings up a larger issue within pluralistic debate, and the role of the “saving knowledge of Christ” and one’s ability to experience salvation. Fuellenbach, I believe, answers this question by stating that downplaying the Church as chief kingdom mediator and only avenue for which individuals can experience Kingdom life is not watering down the necessity of Christ, but instead is merely opening doors for new ways in which individuals can experience Christ both inside, as well as outside the Church. It is my belief that this view fosters a larger view of God and His truth, one that is not a box with borders and boundaries, but is instead a tangible force that exists both in the world through humanity, and around the world in creation.