It saddens me to share this information, but in order for me to ask you to pray you need to know a bit of our struggle. Our denomination (The American Baptist Churches, USA) is finally starting to splinter and collapse. I didn't want to see it happen, but I must stand with Biblical Authority and side with the Pacific Southwest Region, which is pulling away from the ABC.
Here's a bit of the press release at Christianity Today.com:
The Pacific Southwest region of the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) has begun defecting in the largest church exodus from any denomination over the presenting issue of homosexuality. Underlying issues, according to leaders, include the authority of Scripture and church discipline....Here's why I'm sad . . .The ABCUSA officially states that "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." However, gay-affirming congregations remain affiliated with the denomination. When conservative regions have disfellowshiped such congregations, those congregations have simply affiliated with a more liberal ABCUSA region.
This is a sad time for me because I helped form a renewal movement in the ABC 13 years ago called American Baptist Evangelicals. We've met, we've implored, we've tried to implement change. But we've not fulfilled our mission. We suspected that one day we would see the demise of our denomination. And now, that day is upon us.
Continue to pray for the many, many evangelical churches in the ABC that remain faithful to the Gospel but are confused about the underlying issues. Some denominational leaders paint this as an issue of power and devisiveness (including, surprisingly, Tony Campolo), whereas it truly is a matter of scriptural authority. The question our denomination must face: Will we remain faithful to the whole counsel of God or not?
For more information, here's PSW's press release and links.
I had an interesting conversation with a local Pastor this week. They have been going through changes that have been distracting towards the real business of the church. Thankfully it is over and the church is moving foreword. He is excited to focus on growing the ministries and doing God's work instead of the micro-management and in-fighting that had been taking place.
Keep faith.
Posted by: Yolo Cowboy at October 14, 2005 09:06 PMI highly commend the Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest. While it's a shame this has to happen because of ABC leadership at the top but it seems to me your withdrawal is surely in line with what Scripture teaches. In the long haul God will bless you for standing up and abiding by His Word.
Posted by: Hoyle Edwards at November 9, 2005 10:59 AMHoyle,
Thanks for your comment and commendation. It is a tough decision; the ramifications of departing from brothers and sisters in Christ shouldn't be entertained lightly. And it hasn't. This issue has been on the burner for at least 15 years - longer if we think about the many years we just ignored the debate thinking that surely the clear teaching of scripture would prevail. But without strong leadership, the practical application of biblical doctrine can disappear. Is this why many of our churches are floundering? Where are the preachers who will "stand in the gap" and proclaim God's truth to the lost? Again, thanks for your thoughts. GT
Many of us are likewise saddened, but believe the wrong course is being taken by those who are leaving the ABC. We have a great mission program which will be hurt tremendously by such action. Jesus' command to us is to go into all the world, preach the Gospel, baptize and teach. Our faithful missionaries are doing this, but are being forsaken by churches that want to argue over issues. Jesus also told a parable about wheat and tares. The question was raised about going out to pull the tares. He said to let both grow together until the harvest, because trying to pull out the tares would also tear up the wheat. This is what is happening, but few are paying attention to what Jesus said. He had some tares within the band of His 12 disciples also, with Judas who betrayed him and was a thief. Jesus never exposed him for what he was until asked a question at the Last Supper. Even then, Jesus had probably already washed Judas' feet and served him bread and wine. I believe it grieves the heart of God for our churches to break up like they are. Much of the fire of the issue that is being blamed has been fueled by erroneous reports, some in secular news sources, and some by wreckless statements made by high profile Christian leaders. If enough people will recognize the damage being done, and which will yet be done, it may not yet be too late to turn things around. Dr. Roy Medley is a Godly man, calling us all to focus on Jesus, rather than on the perceived errors within our constituency. He is a servant leader, whose message and manner reminds me of Christ Himself. Why don't we listen to our leader, and focus on Christ as we should. Perhaps then we could see more clearly to stay together and carry out the work God has given us to do.
Sincerely in Christ, Rev. Bill Cowell
Heart Ministries, P O Box 2068, Hutchinson, KS 67504; Phone 620-463-6112; e-mail: brcowell@heartministries.org
Rev. Cowell,
Thank you for your sincere concern. I appreciate your perspective and agree with your heart's direction. It is truly a difficult decision, and yet, I do believe the PSW is going about it the right way.
GT
You appreciate my perspective and agree with my heart's direction, but still believe you are going about it in the right way. Sounds contradictory to me. If you truly appreciate and agree, why not reconsider what you are doing and reverse things before they go any farther? I have spoken to one strong, loyal American Baptist in the PSW region, who I will not name, but who has expressed strong consternation over what is happening. I'm sure there are many more. The Church does not need more division, but more unity. Take a look at Jesus' prayer in John 17, and ask how the course currently being followed is helping to answer His prayer for unity.
Posted by: Rev. Bill Cowell at January 23, 2006 06:15 PMBill,
You bring up John 17. This is what I agree with - your concern for unity. The dividing issue is that proponants for marriage-alternative lifestyles are disqualifying themselves from the fellowship of the church by maintaining a sinful lifestyle. So it is they who are disrupting the unity of the church. The PSW is simply acknowledging that the American Baptist Churches is in error on this issue and is removing their endorsement of the denomination in the hopes that the leadership will repent and come back into unity. You mention a "loyal American Baptist" - and that's the problem. Loyalty is too freely given to a certain denomination rather than to God's word. The Church does not need more division, but more unity. Please encourage those who are unrepentant to forsake their sinful lifestyle and seek forgiveness and the unity that Christ prayed for. GT
Our loyalty of course should always be to Jesus Christ. One issue has been blown up so much that makes it seem they are threatening to take over the denomination. In fact, there are only a handfull of welcoming and affirming churches amidst 5,500, and yet this handfull has been the reason some have used for creating such disruption. There has never been an effort to purify the church on earth that has been completely successful. Going back to the wheat and tares, Jesus said to let them both grow together until the harvest, and let Him do the separating. The loyal American Baptist I mention is first of all loyal to Jesus and to the mission of the church. Our ABC mission program is the greatest. I have never met a missionary with whom I was disappointed. And yet, those who are fighting and planning to leave the denomination are forsaking our faithful missionaries, along with our Godly leadership. Once again, having met Dr. Medley, I believe he is a Godly man who sincerely wants to do the will of God. Our focus must be on Christ and not on issues. When we divide over issues, there will always be the next one to come along. Another large Baptist denomination is finding this out right now, as there is infighting going on over issues and between those it seemed were agreeable and inseparable. I do hope you good people in the PSW will reconsider, and decide to stay with us. Rev. Bill Cowell
Posted by: Rev. Bill Cowell at January 24, 2006 06:57 PM
