Quotes from James W. Thompson

Paul's goal is the transformation of the community that will turn from self-centeredness to a corporate existence shaped primarily by the love exhibited by the self-denial of Jesus.

Evangelism is not mere initiation into a relationship with God but the formation of a community within a narrative that is not yet complete.

To believe is therefore not only to come into the faith but to be conformed to the image of the crucified Christ. To be baptized is to share the existence of the crucified one.

Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and singing celebrate the story that created the community and continues to unite it. Although one may not dismiss the evangelistic dimension of worship or the effect of worship on the outsider, the primary challenge of worship is to contribute to the transformation of the entire community.