Reading Report 5 - Bartman Barrientos

Center Church – (50 Pages, pp. 1-75)

DESCRIBE THE THEOLOGICAL VISION OF CHURCH PRESENTED BY TIM KELLER. IN YOUR

OPINION, WHAT IS “CENTER CHURCH” AND WHAT CONTRIBUTION DOES THIS CONCEPT

BRING TO TODAY’S MISSIOLOGY?

Timothy Keller’s “Center Church” advocates for a gospel-centered approach to ministry,

emphasizing the need for churches to be deeply rooted in the gospel while engaging with the surrounding

culture. Keller’s vision of the “Center Church” finds a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring

that the church remains true to its theological foundations while being relevant and accessible in the

modern world. This concept contributes significantly to contemporary missiology by offering a framework

that values evangelism and social justice, urging churches to be a counterculture for the common good and

contextualize the gospel without compromising its core message.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE AUTHOR’S DECISION TO START A NEW MINISTRY IN

THE CITY AND WHICH VALUES HE IMPLEMENTED? WHY? IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT IS THE

CONTRIBUTION THAT THE REDEEMER BRINGS COMPARED TO OTHER URBAN CHURCHES?

Timothy Keller’s decision to start a new ministry in New York City with Redeemer Presbyterian

Church was driven by his belief in the strategic importance of cities in shaping culture, values, and global

trends. He recognized that cities are centers of influence and power but also contain deep spiritual and

social needs. Keller believed that by planting a gospel-centered, culturally engaged church in the heart of a

global city, there would be a ripple effect, influencing the city and the broader culture. The values

implemented at Redeemer include:

Gospel-Centeredness. Everything at Redeemer is grounded in the gospel. It is not just about

evangelism but about allowing the gospel to shape all aspects of church life and personal transformation.

Cultural Engagement. Rather than retreating from or assimilating into the culture, Redeemer seeks

to engage with it, affirming what is good and critiquing what is not in line with the gospel.
 Wholistic Ministry. Redeemer focuses on spiritual needs and addresses social and cultural issues,

emphasizing evangelism and social justice.

Church Planting. Keller believes in the importance of church planting as a strategy for gospel

renewal in the city, leading to Redeemer’s commitment to planting new churches in NYC and globally.

Compared to other urban churches, Redeemer’s contribution lies in its unique blend of deep theological

grounding and active cultural engagement. It is not just a church in the city but a church for the city. Its

emphasis on church planting, leadership development, and holistic ministry has made it a model for urban

ministry globally. While many urban churches have made significant contributions in their contexts,

Redeemer stands out for its vision of gospel renewal in major global cities and its comprehensive strategy

to achieve that vision.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN ATTITUDE REGARDING THE CITY? WHAT IS THE

BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF CITY? HOW WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO LOOK FOR “PEACE AND

PROSPERITY” IN YOUR CITY?

Attitude Towards the City and Biblical Concept

Cities, for many, represent hubs of opportunity, innovation, and cultural exchange, but they also

come with challenges like social disparities and economic inequalities. The Bible offers a nuanced view of

cities. In the early scriptures, cities such as Babel symbolize human hubris (Genesis 11), while others like

Jerusalem are depicted as God’s chosen places. The New Testament positions the city as a locale for

evangelism, as seen in Paul’s missionary journeys, and a place of resistance. The biblical narrative

culminates with the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21, symbolizing a perfected city where God

resides with humanity.

Seeking “Peace and Prosperity” in the City

Drawing from Jeremiah 29:7, believers are encouraged to “seek the peace and prosperity” of their

cities. This entails being proactive in community engagement, advocating for justice, and fostering

understanding among diverse groups. It is about praying for the city’s welfare, supporting educational and
health initiatives, and collaborating for the common good. By immersing themselves in improving their

urban communities, individuals can contribute to a city’s holistic well-being and, in turn, find their

prosperity.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH MODEL OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE

CULTURE IS THE MOST ADOPTED BY SDA LEADERS? WHY?

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has a rich history of engaging with culture in various

ways. Suppose we were to categorize the SDA Church’s approach using H. In Richard Niebuhr’s “Christ

and Culture” typology, it appears that the SDA Church has adopted multiple models at different times and

in different contexts. However, two models seem particularly relevant:

Christ Against Culture. Historically, the SDA Church has often adopted a separatist stance,

emphasizing the distinctiveness of its beliefs and practices. This can be seen in its observance of the

Saturday Sabbath, dietary practices, and end-time beliefs. The church has often emphasized the importance

of being “in the world, but not of the world,” leading to a certain level of cultural separation.

Christ Transforming Culture: Conversely, the SDA Church has been actively involved in various

societal sectors, especially health and education. The church’s health message, vegetarianism, and

emphasis on holistic well-being have significantly influenced certain cultural practices and norms.

Moreover, establishing schools, colleges, and universities worldwide shows an investment in shaping

minds and transforming culture through education.

In my assessment, while the “Christ Against Culture” model might be more traditionally associated

with the SDA Church, many SDA leaders and members today lean towards the “Christ Transforming

Culture” model, seeking to impact their communities and the world positively. The shift might be

attributed to a globalized world with greater emphasis on dialogue, understanding, and positive community

engagement. However, it is essential to note that individual leaders and regional contexts might influence

the approach adopted.

CHRISTIANITY, IN WHAT “SEASON” ARE YOU? ADAPTING THESE “FOUR SEASONS,” WHAT

DOES KELLER PROPOSE?

H. Richard Niebuhr’s seminal work, “Christ and Culture,” does not directly use a “seasons”

metaphor to describe the relationship between Christianity and culture. Instead, he proposes five

typologies: “Christ Against Culture,” “Christ of Culture,” “Christ Above Culture,” “Christ and Culture in

Paradox,” and “Christ Transforming Culture.”

However, in his writings and teachings, Tim Keller has sometimes used a “seasons” metaphor to

describe various approaches churches take towards culture, drawing inspiration from Niebuhr’s typologies.

The metaphorical “seasons” can be understood as different postures or attitudes churches adopt concerning

the surrounding culture:

Winter (Christ Against Culture). A season of resistance and opposition to the surrounding culture.

Spring (Christ of Culture). A season of embracing and identifying with the culture.

Summer (Christ Above Culture). A season of both engagement with and critique of the culture,

aiming to bring Christian principles into it.

Fall (Christ and Culture in Paradox). A season of recognizing the tension between the church’s

beliefs and the world’s values, leading to a dualistic approach.

Keller suggests that churches should aim for a “summer” approach, which aligns with Niebuhr’s

“Christ Transforming Culture” typology. In this stance, the church neither wholly rejects nor uncritically

embraces culture but seeks to engage with it, affirming its good aspects and critiquing its shortcomings

from a gospel-centered perspective.

PRESENT AN OUTLINE OF A STRATEGY USING WHAT YOU LEARN FROM THIS BOOK IN

YOUR MINISTRY.

Drawing inspiration from Timothy Keller’s “Center Church” and its principles on gospel-centered

ministry within an urban context, here is what a strategy for my ministry:

Deep Discipleship. Implement a robust discipleship program that roots members in the gospel,

ensuring that personal transformation is gospel-driven.

Theological Training. Equip leaders and members with theological training to ensure a deep

understanding of the gospel’s implications for all of life.

2. Cultural Engagement

Cultural Assessment. Regularly evaluate the local culture to understand its values, challenges, and

opportunities.

Apologetics. Offer training in apologetics to address contemporary cultural objections to

Christianity.

Arts & Culture. Engage with local artists and cultural events to affirm and critique from a gospel

perspective.

3. City-Centered Living

Urban Investment. Prioritize ministry opportunities that cater to urban needs, such as housing, racial

reconciliation, and social justice.

Community Groups. Establish small groups within neighborhoods to foster community and engage

directly with urban challenges.

4. Missional Approach:

Church Planting. Invest in planting new churches in unreached areas of the city.

Wholistic Mission. Emphasize evangelism and social justice, ensuring the gospel addresses spiritual

and physical needs.

Partnership.: Collaborate with other churches and organizations to maximize impact and resources.

5. Adaptive Structures
 Innovative Worship. Ensure worship styles are both biblically faithful and culturally relevant.

Flexible Programs. Evaluate and adapt church programs to meet the changing needs of the urban

community.

Leadership Development. Continuously invest in raising new leaders who understand the gospel

and the city.

6. Prayer & Spiritual Renewal

Citywide Prayer: Organize regular prayer events focused on the city’s well-being and spiritual

renewal.

Retreats. Host spiritual retreats to rejuvenate members and leaders, ensuring they remain rooted in

Christ amidst urban challenges.

Implementing this strategy requires ongoing assessment, feedback, and adaptation. The essence is

to remain centered on the gospel while actively engaging with the city’s cultural, social, and spiritual

needs, aiming to be a transformative presence.