This is a problem. I know that there are Churches of Christ congregations that are “one-cup” churches and are not in fellowship with other churches.
There are issues that are worthy of separation, such as such as permitting gay clergy or affirming gay couplehood. I mention this because I heard a pastor say that most church division is over minor issues, even though his evangelical Presbyterian church was forced to pay thousands to separate from the PCUSA over these and other serious issues.
As much as I agree about the "1 strike" danger, there is the other side of the specter where ALL are "accepted."Currently, our "congregation sees long-time visitors as "members," and aks them for involvement ion prayers, teaching etc. "We all have to be united" seems to mean that all are acceptable, whether baptized or not...
Thanks Jack. Early in my Christian life, I was discipled by well-meaning brothers in a segment of conservative Churches of Christ that trained me to view practically every disagreement as a “fellowship issue.” I was legalistic and divisive. I am thankful the Lord granted me growth and repentance. I feel the need to be patient with those who, in their zeal for God’s law, are quick to condemn, since I was once that way, and others were patient with me (the Lord himself, most of all, of course). But we do need to speak out, as you have done, against the destructive tendency to lambast others as false teachers simply because we believe they are in error on some non-essential issue.
This is a problem. I know that there are Churches of Christ congregations that are “one-cup” churches and are not in fellowship with other churches.
There are issues that are worthy of separation, such as such as permitting gay clergy or affirming gay couplehood. I mention this because I heard a pastor say that most church division is over minor issues, even though his evangelical Presbyterian church was forced to pay thousands to separate from the PCUSA over these and other serious issues.
There is great wisdom in your words. Thank you!
🎼 The very Truth of God, not the invention of any man
https://youtube.com/watch?v=H-61MaWETiU
As much as I agree about the "1 strike" danger, there is the other side of the specter where ALL are "accepted."Currently, our "congregation sees long-time visitors as "members," and aks them for involvement ion prayers, teaching etc. "We all have to be united" seems to mean that all are acceptable, whether baptized or not...
I agree, that’s not a great practice for identifying the sheep
Thanks Jack. Early in my Christian life, I was discipled by well-meaning brothers in a segment of conservative Churches of Christ that trained me to view practically every disagreement as a “fellowship issue.” I was legalistic and divisive. I am thankful the Lord granted me growth and repentance. I feel the need to be patient with those who, in their zeal for God’s law, are quick to condemn, since I was once that way, and others were patient with me (the Lord himself, most of all, of course). But we do need to speak out, as you have done, against the destructive tendency to lambast others as false teachers simply because we believe they are in error on some non-essential issue.