AboutDr. Ronald E. Shultz Expertise I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience I am currently a bi-vocational Associate Pastor and have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
Question I am an expatriate working in the middle east. For two years now, I have been attending an underground Baptist outreach here. Many baptist from different churches are also attending here. However, recently, our leader is urging us to transfer our membershipto their church that gives authority to this outreach. He told us that unless we transfer, we are disobeying the will of God and likewise, we are serving two masters. Is this true? Should I transfer because of this? Some of the attendees in the outreach disagree saying it is not a church, while others said that they have commitment to their home church. Moreover they said they are only temporarily working here in the middle east and thus they have no reason to transfer. For me, personally, i don't what to do. Can you help me clear my mind on this matter?
God bless,
Gilbert
Answer It depends on how you define church and membership. Two or three believers gathering where there is no church, such as in a place like Burma, would constitute a church. Size and "official" designation is not important. A church is a local body of believers gathering for worship and to participate in doing the work of Christ.
In your particular case, what does membership afford you in this outreach? Are you not able to serve without being a member? In the area where you are I would suspect that service might be limited compared to a church here in the states.
Is he looking for your tithe? If it is a ministry that you find helpful then you should give it at least some financial support. If you have family in the states attending your home church then the tithe should go there and you should give of your time and some money to the outreach where you worship.
Were you a college student, there is a thing called student watchcare that we use here. They stay a member of the home church but are under the care of the church they attend near campus.
You have been there two years. The average church member only stays 2.1 years at a church in the states. How much longer will you be there? If you deem that ministry worthy then you can transfer your membership and transfer back when you get to the states.
Authority? I am not sure what the leader means. The authority to establish a local church comes from God. Since the church/outreach is underground there is certainly no authority to be gained from the government. This is the question that raises my eyebrows a bit. In whose eyes will your membership give this underground ministry authority? If the leader is under some mission board then yes the numbers will help him with them. If he is just another worker like you that started a bible study or some other ministry then I don't know who will be giving him or the ministry authority. Like I said, the authority comes from God and as long as He is pleased with that ministry what else matters?
Serving two masters? That passage deals with serving God or mammon, not church membership. That is not proper interpetation.
Without knowing why he is so adamant about membership I can't tell you to join without some reservations. This decision is between you and God but I would pray for discernment. Based on what you told men I have some red flags but maybe he can explain his position to you more clearly.
May God grant you great wisdom as you see His will. Blessings to you!
