The Confrontation Between Quakers and Clergy 1652-1656: Theology and Practice

The conflict between the clergy and the earliest Quakers can be better understood in the context of the ‘mainstream’ Puritan tradition. Analysis of the pamphlets interchanged is used to investigate what the participants in the confrontation were hoping to achieve, what background they were were drawing on and what theological issues arose. Analysis of the pamphlets interchanged shows that the Quakers gave priority to the abolition of the paid professional ministry, while the clergy argued that the Quaker movement should be suppressed. The Quakers claimed to be guided by the inward light of Christ, but they supported their arguments with biblical references. Neither group were willing to admit to a source for their methods of biblical interpretation, but the clergy were clearly drawing on the patristic tradition, to which Jean Calvin and William Perkins were indebted; the Quakers may have learned from earlier radical groups. Each group used theological arguments to support very different codes of conduct. The clergy claimed to be entitled to the support of the magistracy in suppressing Quakers, but in the confused circumstances of the Interregnum the extent to which such support was forthcoming varied from place to place. This article focuses on different approaches to practice arising from these theological differences.

Literature Review of Clergy Resilience and Recommendations for Future Research

Clergy often experience a call to help others; however, this passion is hard to sustain because of the chronic and traumatic stress that are components of the job. Because of the unique stressors that are part of professional ministry, clergy need targeted support that is systemic as well as individual to practice resilience. This review of the research provides insight into what factors most impact clergy well-being; as congregations, supervisors, and denominations learn more about these factors, they can more effectively create environments in which clergy can be resilient. This review of the literature also illuminates what clergy might do for themselves to create a sustainable work life that supports their growth and thriving in the midst of adversity in ministry. In addition to articulating the specific stressors clergy face, this review resources congregations, clergy, and supervisors with practical applications of resilience research.

Reclaiming Professional Jurisdiction

There is much concern and debate over the state of professional ministry and the quality of leadership available to religious communities. A deeper understanding of the current situation requires an investigation of the profession of ministry as it relates to the larger, changing matrix of other professions. Ministry historically has lost its professional jurisdiction (area of expertise and authority) to newer professions that brought greater expertise and more effective solutions to human questions and problems. However, the growing postmodern recognition of the inherent inability of natural science to interpret (not explain) human experience now opens up the opportunity for ministers to assume a new professional role as public interpreters of meaning.

Servants without Hire

Based on the Reed Lectures from 1967, Smith traces the anti-clerical message that accompanied the frontier religious preaching of Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone. Their hopes were that congregations could appoint their own leaders without the undue influence of outsiders. These evangelists were to be first and foremost servants, with no distinction between lay members and ministers. Smith, then traces the development of a professional ministry system within Disciples of Christ into the 1960s as churches called for greater levels of training among their preachers. Chapters include: ▪ A Nineteenth Century Revolution: A Free Ministry in a Free Society ▪Pastors-Evangelists-Bishops and Sometimes Deacons ▪Changing Ministries for Changing Times