1. Many of us, as you know (especially in the confessional baptist world) are in need of such an association - yet, of course, many of us are outside your geographical network. Is there, can there be, a way to labor together with at min gleaning from your resources and at best a legitimate connection (and whatever that may look like)?
2. It seems to have a form of subscription that allows for scruples only in pre-identified articles would be valuable to help curb liberalism. Does that resonate with you or have you a way to ensure that the next generation wont squander the previous?
Thank you. Thank you for pursuing the Lord. Thank you for taking time to listen to Him. Thank you for seeking to be faithful with all He has and has not given you. Grateful for your work and the the work of the other men involved in this group. Our family has been blessed. Thank you.
The middle does not vote with the right. Time and again, it has proven easy for manipulative progressives to steer. If the conservative right were more outspoken and willing to press its case, I think it could provide that leadership instead. But it hasn't, and it doesn't.
The PCA needs to understand that its failures have consequences. Those of us on the outside who would genuinely like to join will only do so if it meaningfully deals with the problems in its own ranks. From where we stand, it has not done so in a satisfactory way.
We are not going to place ourselves under the authority of men who have defrocked ministers over being "harsh" or sending "mean tweets." That is simply not a credible standard of discipline.
Our three churches already exist as independent congregations. Joining together with other independent churches to strengthen accountability may not satisfy those who treat the idea of a continuing church as something approaching apostolic succession, but it will be good for our pastors and for our people. And if that disappoints you, I'm okay with that.
As for the concern about dual standards, that can absolutely work limitedly within an association. I would also point out that the PCA has a single constitutional standard, yet it still contains enormous ecclesiastical differences (which is mostly a negative, aka deaconness, shepherdess, women councils, elder advisors, etc).
Our plan is to build alongside men who love their local churches and are willing to say no to obvious compromise. My hope is that this will have a positive influence on the PCA, encouraging it to step up where it has fallen short. If that happens, there could be a beautiful reunion someday.
You guys have a massive authority issue that you need to get in order. Praying that you can!
We're praying that God blesses all who are leading, serving, and participating in this endeavor with wisdom, courage, and steadfastness. Onward!
Amen. 2 questions:
1. Many of us, as you know (especially in the confessional baptist world) are in need of such an association - yet, of course, many of us are outside your geographical network. Is there, can there be, a way to labor together with at min gleaning from your resources and at best a legitimate connection (and whatever that may look like)?
2. It seems to have a form of subscription that allows for scruples only in pre-identified articles would be valuable to help curb liberalism. Does that resonate with you or have you a way to ensure that the next generation wont squander the previous?
1. Not at this time.
2. We just started. So we'll get to next gen issues after we deal with this gen issues.
Thank you. Thank you for pursuing the Lord. Thank you for taking time to listen to Him. Thank you for seeking to be faithful with all He has and has not given you. Grateful for your work and the the work of the other men involved in this group. Our family has been blessed. Thank you.
The middle does not vote with the right. Time and again, it has proven easy for manipulative progressives to steer. If the conservative right were more outspoken and willing to press its case, I think it could provide that leadership instead. But it hasn't, and it doesn't.
The PCA needs to understand that its failures have consequences. Those of us on the outside who would genuinely like to join will only do so if it meaningfully deals with the problems in its own ranks. From where we stand, it has not done so in a satisfactory way.
We are not going to place ourselves under the authority of men who have defrocked ministers over being "harsh" or sending "mean tweets." That is simply not a credible standard of discipline.
Our three churches already exist as independent congregations. Joining together with other independent churches to strengthen accountability may not satisfy those who treat the idea of a continuing church as something approaching apostolic succession, but it will be good for our pastors and for our people. And if that disappoints you, I'm okay with that.
As for the concern about dual standards, that can absolutely work limitedly within an association. I would also point out that the PCA has a single constitutional standard, yet it still contains enormous ecclesiastical differences (which is mostly a negative, aka deaconness, shepherdess, women councils, elder advisors, etc).
Our plan is to build alongside men who love their local churches and are willing to say no to obvious compromise. My hope is that this will have a positive influence on the PCA, encouraging it to step up where it has fallen short. If that happens, there could be a beautiful reunion someday.
You guys have a massive authority issue that you need to get in order. Praying that you can!