Can Karl Barth's Canonical Narrative Theology guide rural parishes in the Anglican diocese of Carlisle as they attempt to respond to the challenges set out in the recent Mission and Evangelism strategy? John Reeves

Abstract

This practical theology thesis investigates the theology gy of the Swiss theologian Karl Barth (1886-1968)in order to see if this can help the rural parishes of the Carlisle diocese as they face the challenges set ot in the latest mission and evangelism strategy Growing Disciples Vision and Strategy: 2011-2020 (GD). The exercise brings together, in a sharp conversation, Barth and the content of GD.The dialogue leads to several practical evangelistic outcomes that are offered to the traditional churches of the diocese. The partnership that is created between Barth and Carlisle is galvanised by focusing on several concerns about discipleship expressed by both parties.These include: the nature of revelation; the possibility of knowing God; the content of the gospel; the task of minisrty and the challenge of mission and evangelism.The strategic plan expresses anxiety over declining church attendance in the Carlisle diocese. This was a matter Barth faced during his early years as a pastor and it is argued that it is an issue that should not dominate the thinking of traditional churches or deflect them from the main task of mission and evangelism. By placing the roots of Barth's thinking in the arena of Canonical Narrative Theology, the Bible becomes the main source of instruction from which creative insights are derived. However, to aviod giving the impression that Barth's theology of mission and discipleship can be transferred uncritically to Carlisle, the argument is deliberately reflective as it weaves in and out of both Barth's theology and Carlisle's strategic mission plan. An attempt is made to construct practical outcomes in the form of resources which can be offered to the rural parishes of the diocese where there is eagerness to make new dosciples.