Exocentricity in the theological anthropology of Wolfhart Pannenberg: A methodogical, theological, and systemic rationale for leadership and conversation in congregations

This dissertation seeks to generate a theologically adequate, systemic conception of the congregation, grounded in the theological anthropology of Wolfhart Pannenberg and demonstrated by the ethnographic congregational study conducted at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar, Minnesota. The particular area of Christian ministry and practice toward which this study is focused is the question of leadership.;After briefly suggesting three dynamics driving the current burgeoning interest in leadership, critical questions are posed regarding the question of leadership. Subsequently, core theological commitments and principles that guide a God-centered systems analysis of congregations are stated.;Five movements direct the thesis that is being advanced. Initially the theological anthropology of Wolfhart Pannenberg is explored. Pannenberg wants to develop what he calls a "fundamental theological anthropology." Of particular interest is Pannenberg's understanding and use of the concept "exocentricity", which suggests that the fundamental structure of human life is openness to the world.;The next move is to expand Pannenberg's theological anthropology beyond the individual human to its implications for human systems. The concept of exocentricity is a fruitful resource for considering systems theory, particularly as it relates to the life of congregations.;The third movement begins properly an attempt to practice something like Pannenberg's "critical appropriation" by methodologically applying his theological anthropology to systems theory. General and family systems theory are juxtaposed and critically appraised in relationship to the life of congregations.;The fourth movement is a crossing move that allows one congregation to demonstrate, in part, the thesis that is being advanced. The demonstration takes place by attending to the ethnographic congregational discovery process exercised and practiced at Vinje Lutheran Church and by considering Pannenberg's linkage of Spirit and conversation.;The fifth and final movement summarizes the orchestration of the thesis advanced by gathering a constructive proposal in response to the framing questions, core theological commitments, and guiding principles presented in the introductory chapter and based on the learning and interpretation that has taken place in the study.