Assorted Pens And The Church

 
If I don’t address this, then to some degree it makes me a coward about talking about sensitive issues particularly within the church. For the few, soon-to-be church planters, that are reading this I only hope to shed some light on a deep lurking issue within the church world that exists. We are not all the same like the ink pens above. We have different tastes and preferences. But why should we should not be able to work together along the lines of what unites us rather than divide us. Don’t t the ink pens have the same function? And provide the same service?

 Recently, I’ve been in talks with a local bible college about allowing some of its students to help with the launch of Image Church. My initial phone conversation with the person responsible for setting up student internships went well. Our follow up face-to-face meeting went well. The person asked that I send information about the church plant…they really liked the level of detail. Here’s where it gets mucky…the same person responsible for student internships asked that I provide a doctrinal statement- I did. I received a follow up email stating that because of doctrinal “conflicts” they would not be allowed to partner. I respect their position not to want to partner because of the “conflicts.” However, if I don’t agree with everything you say must I be cast aside?

 Here is what frustrates me more than anything about the church today…. It appears difficult for the church to agree on anything.
 
To all the future church planters…. I can’t tell you the number of responses from Christiansing (and even some church planting groups) that have been real thought benders. Most Christians have only been concerned about:

 1. What area of the city I’m going to be in? Which translates into “Don’t step on my turf.”
2. Do you believe women are called to be pastors? Which translates into “You’re a liberal.”
3. What’s your denomination? Which translates into “What fraternity do you belong to?”
4. What’s your doctrinal position? Yes the bible is clear that the word is for doctrine. But I’m discovering that some are using this  as a tool of division.

 Only three people have said anything about reaching people for God. Isn’t that our main focus?

 My tidbit of advice is to you is to keep your motives pure and stay focused- don’t allow nuances to distract you from what God has told you to do.

 What have been some of your experiences?

Posted via email from Dewitt Robinson