Expert: Phillip Senn - 11/27/2006

Question
I am at the point of confusion.  I have prayed and fasted over my concerns.  I have been with the Church of the Brethren for 8 years, teaching, leading small groups.  This year I am the board chair of our local congregation.  Since being in "leadership" I have discovered concerns with the denomination, district, and local leaders.  I have addressed my concerns with the Sr. Pastor.

Questions on "false teachings".

If a leader/teacher will not affirm Jesus Christ being the only way to salvation, he/she only states "Jesus Christ is my way, I do not know the answer for you" or "Jesus Christ is my way, and I know of no other"...   Is this cause for concern ?

If a leader/teacher does not believe the bible is absolute truth cover to cover, but states "there are gray areas of the bible so we can have different interpretations depending on our individual situation and apply it accordingly, and we can be united in our differences"..  Is this a cause for concern ?

If a Pastor openly supports groups (by signature on petitions) supporting ordination/licensing of practicing homosexuals, and openly supporting groups to keep evolution taught in schools (The Clergy Letter Project).. is this a cause for concern ?

Teacher/leaders stance on abortion is:  "I am for fewer abortions"..  Is this a cause for concern ?

I have challenged these individuals in an effort to understand their position when it contradicts my understanding of biblical doctrine, especially since these individuals are teachers and leaders.  The Sr. Pastor allows them to stay in leadership in order to avoid "conflict".

Do I have reason to be concerned over these issues I recently became aware of - and question if I should leave this denomination ?  or am I over reacting and should fall into alignment with the rest of the leaders and be "united in our differences" ?

I struggle because as a member/leader/teacher in this church, I am under the authority of the Sr. Pastor and the denomination and I grieve at the liberal/progressive theology positions I have come to find out.

I would like to seek scripture that can guide me in my struggle.  I have prayed/fasted -- and I feel this is not a "church"  being blessed and since there is no indication of the "church" leadership wanting to refocus - I question what I am discerning and if my own concerns need to be refocused.

Thank you for your time, and hopefully I was clear enough to allow for a sufficient answer.

Frank

Answer
Frank,

As a member of a Southern Baptist Convention affiliated church, I can empathize with you in your situation. Several years ago, there were a group of Southern Baptists who were loyal to the Lord more than to their denomination. They wanted the ship (The SBC) turned back to its roots of Biblical authority. The liberalism you have shared about in your own denomination had crept into the leadership of the SBC. Those brave men and women that took a stand for the Lord were labelled as troublemakers. I can assure you that if you "live godly in Christ Jesus, you shall suffer persecution."

I cannot say what the Lord is leading you to do at this juncture. It may be that He wants you to be a David and fight the battle. It may be that He is directing you to worship Him in a different setting. That is a decision that only He can provide you the answers to. I can assure you that whatever He leads you to do, He will provide the resources to you to see it to fruition.

The difference is, in the Southern Baptist Convention there were bylaws that were able to be used in conjunction with Scripture that made the turn, although difficult, more doable than in many denominations. In the SBC, the control is vested in the churches, rather than in the Convention. The churches saw the need to turn the ship around, and though it took many years, it is now headed in the right direction.

I will be praying for you, your decision, and the leadership of the "Church of the Brethren" as God reveals His perfect will to and through you.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip