Out of this world: An assessment of Christian community within St. Mark UMC, Pensacola, FL

This paper examines congregational perceptions of the quality of Christian community at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Pensacola, Fl. The research seeks to determine existing factors within the congregation which are believed by its members to be inhibiting its experience of Christian community. Results of the data indicate the congregation's distrust and disdain toward the United Methodist system of itinerancy, a noted disconnect between evangelistic principles and actual practices, and a seemingly debilitating fear of death. The author identifies a consistent theme of individualism throughout the congregation's responses. Using the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and John Wesley, the author evaluates these concerns in relation to the ecclesiological notion of the church as "Christ existing as community" whose purpose is to "spread scriptural holiness across the land." The common critique of both Wesley and Bonhoeffer toward the tradition of German pietism is noted, and is believed by the author to be instructive in this case. Furthermore, Wesley's views on the work of grace and the doctrine of Christian perfection are used to assess the disposition of this congregation, while Wesley's rationale for the itinerant plan is also illuminated and upheld by the author as a viable means of mission. In addition, the author draws on the work of sociologist Robert K. Merton to evaluate the social functioning of the St. Mark congregation within the larger connection of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. By assessing the cultural goals of the congregation in relation to the institutional means of United Methodist polity, the author uses Merton's theories of individual adaptation within social structures to further explain the apparent deviation of the congregation from its "all important goal" of outreach and disciple-making Finally, the author makes subsequent recommendations to those who exercise authority in the appointment making process, as well as all who bear responsibility for the health and faithfulness of Christian communities within the United Methodist Church. This paper is a Princeton Theological Seminary Final Project Report for the Doctor of Ministry degree. The faculty advisors for this project were Dr. Dennis T. Olson and Dr. Geddes W. Hanson.