The Fullness of Christ: Paul's Vision of Universal Ministry

NOTE: In troubling contrast to his work, we know that John Howard Yoder’s life was seriously flawed by acts of sexual violence against many women. Although his writings on nonviolence continue to be influential, we acknowledge that Yoder was, ironically and tragically, perpetuating violence, over many decades, in his private life. No reading or interpretation of Yoder can be done faithfully without understanding the extensive harmful legacy he has also left.

For more information, see Rachel Waltner Goossen’s research, published in Mennonite Quarterly Review, entitled “Defanging the Beast”.

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In this study, Yoder searches for the New Testament vision of ministry. The author examines the vocabulary used by Paul and other NT writers in relation to the universal ministry of the church. The theological and sociological distinctions that have since developed between clergy and laity are also examined.

Yoder concludes that the biblical texts point to the existence of a spirit-filled ministry given to all believers.

Also available in Spanish and Korean.