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Baptists/Resigning from a Southern Baptist church

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Expert: - 9/10/2009


Question
I am a fervent Christian who had some experiences that prove reincarnation to be true.  A friend told the pastor who declared the belief to be against the Scriptures and he would be recommending to the church that I be dropped from membership.  The people are angry with the pastor and the ralk in the church has to be a serious distraction from worship of our Lord.  How do I word my resignation and to whom do I send it?

                               Thank you for your help

Answer
Marilyn, there are a lot of issues here but I will only answer the direct question and leave the others alone since you did not ask, but I will address them to my Sunday School class and other forums without your name, of course.  

I will say that experience that contradicts Scripture is a false experience given by the Great Deceiver, satan.  I cannot in good conscience as a pastor not warn you of that.  You should speak to the pastor or some other pastor about this issue and research it thoroughly and Scripturally.  

Very few people that I know outside of church staff tender an official resignation.  Most just leave and say nothing one way or the other.  It is not a good way to go, but it is the norm. They will join another church by statement of faith or by requesting a letter from the previous church.  

I commend you for wanting to do it properly.  The subject matter is already fully known in the church so there is not much need to be tactful or try to cover a reason.  Therefore I would suggest something along this line since you are trying to be peaceful about it.

    Dear XYZ Church,

                  I have appreciated the time that I have spent here and thank you for your love and fellowship.  However, I have come to some spiritual and doctrinal conclusions that are not in agreement with the faith and practices of this congregation.  It is because of this that I wish to formerly resign my membership.  

                  Again, thank you for all that you have meant to me and for the love shown. I bear no ill will to anyone and hope that the Church continues to grow in its ministry.


    Sincerely,
 
    Marilyn

Short and to the point.  I hope this has been of some help to you.

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Dr. 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 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

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