A critical evaluation of Avery Dulles' different models of the church applied to a contemporary world.

Abstract

We are living in post-modern time that was preceded by the pre-modern and modern time. All the negative happenings and unfulfilled promises of the modern period gave rise to the post-modern period. This present post-modern period is characterized by a disillusionment with all the harmony, truths and prosperity promised, that didn’t materialize during the modern era. Also the post-modernist challenges the church with its claim on absolute truths. Even so, the missionary task of the church hasn’t changed. However, the church is increasingly under pressure to be relevant and effective in a post-modern world where the church is only one generation away from extinction (Gibbs & Coffey 2001:10-11). From this perspective Averly Dulles’ operational models as presented by different church traditions are evaluated in terms of there effectiveness in our post-modern world. These operational models are researched and explained as an avenue to move people beyond their own limitations and to open conversation between people with different outlooks (Dulles 1987:12). To increase the saving capacity according to God’s salvation plan, a Biblical perspective to missions was added to each of Dulles six models. They include: the visible power structures and functions of the church must recognize the sovereignty of God in saving people; the church as mystical communion must use relationships to reach out to the lost; the church as sacrament must become an event; herald dimension must capture people’s attention; the servant approach must be taken to people’s hurts, needs and interests; disciples must become doers of the word. God’s saving plan works in the post-modern period with the focus on the postmodernist as a person. The post-modernist is drawn away from modern activities and dimensions towards a religion of experience. The model that is introduced is the Pentecostal model where the self-revelation of God is prominent.Prof. JA Du Ran