‘If it is teaching, then teach!’ (Romans 12:7): ministry, big issues and grown-up discipleship

After addressing the teaching and learning context in which contemporary theology exists, this article seeks to address contemporary Methodism and Methodist theology. Drawing on Scripture and theologians, it is argued that the Church is a creation of the Holy Spirit, and knows itself as such not only as it is created intensely so by an event of the Spirit of God, but also that the purpose of this intensive indwelling work of the Holy Spirit is to push the Church beyond its boundaries and orientate it onto the world. In light of this, seven motifs are identified for a theology which seeks to serve the Church.