December 2012 Ordained Servant

From the Editor. We all long for that day when we shall meet the Lord face to face. But the metaphor of face to face is significant now. The meaning of interpersonal relationships is deeply embedded in this synecdoche. The face represents the doorway into a person’s soul. It also reminds us that human life is embodied existence and that the physical and spiritual aspects of human beings are inextricably united. One of the dangers of the electronic environment is that it tends to undermine the importance of face to face relationships. Of course, it may also enhance face to face relationships. In my editorial essay “Face to Face: The Importance of Personal Presence in Ministry and Life” I explore the relevance of the biblical concept of the face in all of our relationships.

Also in this issue Dariusz Bryćko completes his article, “Steering a Course between Fundamentalism and Transformationalism: J. Gresham Machen’s View of Christian Scholarship,” reminding us of the remarkable scope and prudence of J. Gresham Machen. My hope is that his reflections on education will help us navigate this complex subject as the title of Bryćko’s article suggests.

As we think, during this season, of the incarnation of our Lord, Bryan Holstrom’s article on the name of our Savior should enhance our sense of wonder, “ ‘Thou Art the Christ’: Reflections on the Name of the Lord.”

Only a poet could see what Francis Thompson sees in a snowflake in his “To a Snowflake.” Have a wonderful Christmas season. May you be able spend rewarding face to face time with church and family.

Blessings in the Lamb,
Gregory Edward Reynolds

From the Archives "PERSONAL PRESENCE IN MINISTRY"

Subject Index

• “Avoiding the Dangers of Distance in Officer Training.” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 15 (2006): 19–21.
• “On Being Connected.” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 15 (2006): 13–15.
• “Princess Adelaide and Presbyterianism: The Death of Context and the Life of the Church.” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 15 (2006): 16–18.
• “The Wired Church.” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 16 (2007): 26–34.
• “Transforming Presence: A Meditation on the Lord’s Supper.” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 17 (2008): 23–34.

Ordained Servant exists to help encourage, inform, and equip church officers for faithful, effective, and God glorifying ministry in the visible church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Its primary audience is ministers, elders, and deacons of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as well as interested officers from other Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Through high quality editorials, articles, and book reviews we endeavor to stimulate clear thinking and the consistent practice of historic, confessional Presbyterianism.