If we are to achieve this vision, something of what it will require must be communicated to the local church. Few church leaders object to their pastor contributing profound theological reflection. The rub comes when they find out their pastor will not preach 50 Sunday’s a year, that he needs a book allowance, and time to write and reflect.

I am blessed (and our church as a result of it) to be in a context where I am supported in concrete and specific ways, so that I can study, reflect, and write. But, I suspect many pastors are not.

Of course, it is difficult for a local church pastor to ask to preach fewer Sunday’s. This is where I think other leaders who have influence could communicate some of what it will take for their pastor to do “ecclesial theology.”