Hey Forum, This from a member who wishes to remain anonymous:

In the area that I live we have a group of several Christian Churches that try to fellowship with one another, and support one another with various activities. Many of us have started every two years to have a group revival, meeting at a different building each night for a week. We have an area wide youth rally each month. We exchange "mystery" preachers. And we support a Christian Camp together.

Here is the dilemma...

Several years ago a Church hosted a concert, an invitation using the sinners prayer was given. Two other preachers went to speak to this preacher, to no avail. The preacher and youth minister were asked one and only one question: What are your beliefs on baptism. They refused to answer.

Now several years later...just this past Sunday night...this Church hosted the area wide youth rally. Most of the churches that participate in the rally did not know that this church would be in control of the rally, we just thought they were offering their building.

Again, after assurances (we have since found out) to the youth minister normally in charge of the rally, this church said that there would be no problems in that area this time.

That did not happen, at the end of the rally a lady gave a devotion closing it with a repeat after me prayer.

We have since found out that the camp directors have in the past sent a delegation to this church about this problem. The camp made a decision not to allow anyone from this church to teach or counsel.

How it happened, I don't know...A youth minister from this certain church is scheduled to be a dean at the camp this year. The preacher is the same preacher when the concert was put on years ago, but the youth minister has changed.

Can you give any advice on what Biblical steps to take next?

I know the Christian Church likes to call itself autonomous, but are we as the Church of God to be completely autonomous from one another? Can you give any Biblical examples of one church trying to correct another?



-- Anonymous, May 09, 2000

Answers

For my 2 cents worth:

I do believe in the operating autonomy of each individual church body - per the New Testament example, but I also have no problem with joint fellowships with Brother & Sister churches - As Long as they accept the Faith as once delivered per the Restoration Movement stance. I actually long for such type of fellowship, as it would not only be uplifting for the members, but also a wonderful witness of unity to the community.

The particular account you mention is rather disturbing though, as this church appears to be very wishy-washy in doctrine and easily swayed by people of charismatic personality.

Since this church was contacted on more than one occasion about their error by more than one group, it is obvious they like what they teach and, even worse, they are not above lying in order to get the chance to spread their false doctrine.

If my church was one of the sister churches to that place, I would refuse (as a church body) to fellowship with that particular body and explain to the congregation the exact reason why that decision had to be made - as keeping people in the dark is No Way to shepherd a church.

I would also voice my STRONG disapproval to the Camp leadership that secured that particular corrupted youth minister for a dean. If they did not investigate the matter and counsel with this man to teach him correctly and obtain his assurance that only proper doctrine would be taught - then I would ask for all financial support to that Camp be dropped and that it not be promoted as an option for our Christian Youth.

This may seem rather harsh, but I believe it is the best way to proceed. False doctrine is an ugly matter to deal with, but it must be done, and done soon - in order to protect the souls of our Brethren and OUR CHILDREN!

The words of Paul to Titus keep coming back to mind about this situation, "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self- condemned".(Titus 3:10,11)

Tough love is often unpleasant, but it is truthful, Biblical, and often brings about good results.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2000

Mark -- one thought on your response:

As Long as they accept the Faith as once delivered per the Restoration Movement stance.

Now, you and I both know what you mean when you say Restoration Movement stance ... but there are those on this forum, as well as others in the world who don't. And even among those who serve and attend in "Restoration Movement" congregations, there are different views of what the Restoration Movmement stance might be ... as evidenced by the problem this thread is discussing.

A suggestion: how about saying something along the lines of: As long as they accept the faith as once delivered from a biblical stance, or biblical point of view, or something like that.

Again, just a suggestion.

Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

I can live with that Darrell, thanks.

What I was really implying with that statement is that I do not and would not support "inter-denominational" church Fellowships, rallies, etc. I don't see it as appropriate to share in "Christian Fellowship" outings with those groups that do not accept the Biblical teachings on Salvation - i.e. Faith, Repentance, Confession, & Baptism.

Which is why I would not fellowship with the church mentioned at the top, as they are not in line with Biblical teaching. In this instance, a church name means nothing. I don't care if they call themselves a Church of Christ, Christian Church, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Holiness, Whole Loaf, Half Loaf, or End Slice Church - wrong is still wrong, false doctrine is false doctrine and I will not associate myself with it just to appear to fellowship with them.

Sacrificing doctrine for unity is not a proper exchange.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

My Goodness, yes.

You wouldn't want anyone to think you were a demonination.

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000

Absolutely Connie......

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism".

A group that can't even name their church after Jesus Christ - probably ain't very good at following His commands either!

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000