Universal Priesthood of All Believers: Unfulfilled Promise of the Reformation

Abstract

This article articulates theological grounding for implementing the universal priesthood of the baptized as the primary expression of the church’s mission. The Gospel of Jesus Christ sets us free from every form of bondage and for serving neighbors in the arenas of daily life: home, work/school, local community, and world. The “churchification” of Christianity functions as a Babylonian captivity that has led to the church’s decline. Renewal of the church involves the sending and scattering of the baptized to live out Christian vocation in daily life. Baptism is the primary ordination. Worship practices are life practices that form Christians for this vocation. The author calls for a Life of Faith movement to address this unfulfilled promise of the Reformation.