The Ecclesiological Product of the Ecumenical Movement -- By: Michael Pocock

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 12:3 (Summer 1969)
Article: The Ecclesiological Product of the Ecumenical Movement
Author: Michael Pocock


The Ecclesiological Product of the Ecumenical Movement

Michael Pocock, Th.M.*

*Professor at Toccoa Falls Bible College, Toccoa Falls, Georgia.

This paper is the culmination of a much larger study of the Church’s nature in representative literature of the Ecumenical Movement. The reasons for undertaking this study of the Church’s nature in an ecumenical context may seem obscure to some evangelical readers. Evangelicals have, on the whole, been trained not to expect much of value from ecumenical sources. Disillusioned by the current social and political involvement of the World Council of Churches, many have overlooked the fine work done in the past by the Ecumenical Movement in the crucial area of the Church’s nature.

As an evangelical who hopes to be involved in the missionary task of the Church (from which the Ecumenical Movement grew), the writer believes be should understand the nature of the Church which Christ is seeking to build through him and others involved in the work. Since evangelicals have published very little in the twentieth century on the nature of the Church, the writer has turned to the Ecumenical Movement, which has undertaken such a study. He has found help in this doctrine of the Church, but at the same time that help has not been, he trusts, uncritically received.

The Ecumenical Movement, which has such auspicious possibilities, has frankly disappointed the writer in its recent trends. He feels disappointed that a movement of such positive value has been betrayed by the radical forces of subjective, non-normative theology. In response he has selected that which is good and tried fairly to show its relevance for the evangelical church.

With some nostalgic regrets, the writer must turn his back on the movement which could have claimed his own heart fifty years ago, as it does the hearts of so many today. In responding to the failure of the Ecumenical Movement truly to realize, or even now essay to realize, its original goals, this writer associates himself with what be believes to be the true continuation of nineteenth century ecumenism; the evangelical interdenominational missionary movement and its partners in evangelical denominations. In this context he hopes to experience the blessing of God, as, with an irenic but discerning spirit, he seeks to witness to the world of the riches in Christ Jesus.

The often jaundiced eye, of evangelical evaluators of the Ecumenical Movement, has largely overlooked the doctrinal fruit of ecumenical encounters. Many have so busily engaged themselves in pointing out the

insidious dangers of a “Super-Church,” with a move toward subservience to the ...

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