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At the outset I can already tell: this is a good book. There are some reservations I have however, as I go into it: clericalism is not always such a bad thing, and I am a bit wary when it comes to institutional destabilizing books – they tend to carry a bit heavy on the polemical side. Furthermore, I am also cautious around the strong emphasis on the revolutionary spirit of the Protestant Reformation at the expense of the merits of Catholic and Eastern theologies. Indeed, this appears to be the operating presumption as reflected in the section titles: “The Church in the New Reformation, The Pastor in the New Reformation, Leadership in the New Reformation.” Also, the use of “institution” in the pejorative sense pervades: “The Institutional Entrapment of the Church” (62), “Unveiling Our Institutional Mind-Set” (78), “Shifting from Institution to Organism” (94). I appreciate the latter distinction of Organism over Institution yet find myself still wary at the pervasive denigration of institution.

Upon further review I can say that this book is a little dated. The introductory chapter speaks of trends and movements that are well under way or are already eclipsed by newer things (e.g., “Third-wave” charismaticism – 19, small groups movement – 27, church growth movement – 36). Nonetheless, this emphasis on the Church as Organism is still fresh, relevant and a highly necessary message to hear.

There is something else important here, namely the question of whether laity can administer the Lord’s Supper or not. While I am constantly made aware of Ogden’s aversion towards ecclesial hierarchialism, I am inclined to agree with him that the administration of the Table ought to be unlocked and made accessible to laypersons. He cites John Stott in arguing that this is a matter of church order and not doctrine (106-7).

The following chapters on the “Dependency” model vs. the “Equipping” model are very helpful. I have one question however: equipping to what end? Is it for ministry or for mission? There is scant mention of the idea of mission, or missional church for that matter, but perhaps “deploying the entire body for ministry” contains the same emphasis (136). The tri-fold model of an equipping ministry (136) is particularly helpful, and Ogden does great biblical / exegetical work to prove his point. I noticed Ogden cites Stott a lot, and for good reason:

The New Testament concept of the pastor is… of one who helps and encourages all of God’s people to discover, develop, and exercise their gifts. His teaching and training are directed to this end… Thus, instead of monopolizing all ministry himself, he actually multiplies ministries (155).

So what does this equipping model look like? In chapter 7, Ogden defines a new set of rules, boundaries, and self-expectations. He locates three admonitions from the Jethro-Moses story: “Change your role, Share and develop leaders, Decentralize your structure” (158). He also defines how he divided his time as a pastor on pages 163-4. Although I would follow similar suit, I would probably divide my time a little differently. If I were to summarize this section in a word, it would be decentralization, and it does appear that small groups are the key (175).

In closing, Ogden wraps up his thoughts on this “New Reformation” with a discussion of Leadership that operates in this equipping paradigm. Naturally, he turns towards a discussion on ordination, and here gives full vent to some of his anti-institutional polemic. I get what he is saying. But at the same time see that Ogden has fallen into some classic dichotomizations; sacred vs. secular, symbol vs. reality, universals vs. particulars. I think he plays too deeply into this philosophically nominalist worldview that views all practices as mere symbols and nothing more. I am concerned about the trajectory of this outlook where there is in fact, nothing sacred, and only symbols, instantiations, and particulars.

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