Toward a theory of dynamic asymmetry and redeemed power: A case study of reflexive agents in German Pentecostal churches

This study explores how social context and theology converge in Christian communities to form patterns of relational power, and therefore ecclesiological structures in German Pentecostal churches.;An application of Mary Douglas' Grid/Group theory as well as Giddens' Theory of Structuration demonstrates the impact that the extensive changes in the German cultural context of the last century, from aristocratic authoritarianism to institutionalized individualism, have had on church structures.;Field research, involving a cultural survey and over 140 structured interviews in four present-day German Pentecostal churches, explored the dual impact of biblical understanding and cultural preferences on church structures and the legitimacy of lay participation in the power actions of determining truth and mission. As a result, it was possible to gauge the effectiveness of structures (patterns of power between members and clergy) to nurture members to become reflexive agents and mature laity in God's mission in the individualized social context.;The findings demonstrated that members preferred culturally legitimate decentralized structures and greater laity participation. A corresponding shared biblical understanding was not present in three of the four churches. Neither did members feel they had legitimate right to participate in two ecclesiologically constitutive areas: the determination of truth and mission.;In order to critique the trend towards egalitarianism in church structural preferences, Miroslav Volf's Trinitarian theology and ecclesiology were examined through Douglas' Grid dimension, demonstrating the influence of sociological bias on Trinitarian theology and ecclesiology. Volf's Free Church ecclesiology then provided a model to critique mono-centric power keeping leadership, and promote participation of all members.;Unlike the Trinity, the church exists in a framework of sociological constructs and relational dyads that are unequal in their distribution of power, due to the brokenness of humanity. An eschatological community is challenged to practice redeemed patterns of power. To that end, a structural theory of dynamic asymmetry and a theology of redeemed power are explored that serve to critique Weberian type of power found in the social theories of Geert Hofstede and Mary Douglas. The counter-rational investment of power and authority make it possible to enfold cultural individuals as redeemed agents into a covenant community.