New Commandment Men’s Ministries Blog
How My Master’s Thesis Changed my Life and Ministry
Herb Reese recounts how researching and writing his master’s thesis reshaped his understanding of the church. His study of Christian community challenged assumptions formed in a large commuter congregation and ultimately influenced decades of ministry. The thesis became a foundation for emphasizing committed relationships, enduring practical service, and biblical community.
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3 thoughts on “How My Master’s Thesis Changed my Life and Ministry”
I received this excellent comment in an email from Jim McLachlan and he gave me permission to publish it:
“Good post!
Communism, especially the way it has been practiced, has not been successful. However, Capitalism and the seeming ?freedom? it has engendered, has been hurtful to the mission and scope of relationships in the body of Christ.
We were meant to be involved in one another’s lives on a daily basis for the sake of God?s perfect plan and will for our lives. Sadly, we have become isolated (though not all) and have compartmentalized our relationships with each other and the world. We have become economic units striving to be independent and self-secure.
The early church did have aspects of what could be termed as ?classical? Communism but it wasn?t. Nonetheless, we could take a clue from it and see.
Finally, I believe America is a lost cause. The vast majority of Christians are more involved finding their own way than helping others find theirs (a self indictment). I wonder what we will know about how we did church when we are with Jesus on the other side.”
Great to hear from you, Rich. Here is a link to download my thesis: newcommandment.org/Herb’s Thesis.doc
Herb, Don’t know if you remember me: from Boulder (the old Tango days). I would LOVE to read your thesis. Would this be possible? Just what the doctor ordered!