We all are to build conviction not mere compliance to whoever is in charge or is the alpha personality.
Conviction is built on humble christian examples and understanding of God almighty speaking through students of the Bible. You cannot dictate conviction.
This thread has been around for a long time. While it seems to reflect mainly on the 50'w and 60's church it has some application in todays church also. What the 50's and 60's leaders understood was that Christianity was freewill or nothing at all. There will always be some who say "we are going to make the best group of Christians" and they attempt to enforce their opinions and own evaluations losing freewill in some cases. Leaders example and influence and admonish members. Pressure to conform has no place in the lords church today. One must become a faithful and strong christian by his or her own choice. There is no other way. Elders are to be shepherds of the flock not a board of directors.
We all are to build conviction not mere compliance to whoever is in charge or is the alpha personality.
Conviction is built on humble christian examples and understanding of God almighty speaking through students of the Bible. You cannot dictate conviction.
One of the primary purposes of eldership is to exhort people to do right, reprove them if they don’t, and silence them if they won’t stop.
Shepherding is far, far more than just setting a good example and hoping people will follow.
True
This thread has been around for a long time. While it seems to reflect mainly on the 50'w and 60's church it has some application in todays church also. What the 50's and 60's leaders understood was that Christianity was freewill or nothing at all. There will always be some who say "we are going to make the best group of Christians" and they attempt to enforce their opinions and own evaluations losing freewill in some cases. Leaders example and influence and admonish members. Pressure to conform has no place in the lords church today. One must become a faithful and strong christian by his or her own choice. There is no other way. Elders are to be shepherds of the flock not a board of directors.
“Pressure to conform has no place in the lords church today.”
This is incredibly untrue. What purpose do you think the NT epistles served?