Today the leadership of the church, Evangelist, Deacons and house church leaders, had our first discussion on the Unity Proposal. It was a very fruitful and encouraging time.
I'll answer your first question right off the bat:
I don't know if we will sign or not, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this point, so don't ask me to.
I will say this, I was very encouraged by the meeting. Not because I thought things will go 'my way' (see preceding paragraph), but because of the open, respectful dialog that was present. Not only that, but the plan for moving forward with this decision. The leadership team will have at least two times of discussion on it (including our discussion today), and there will be two additional times for the church to voice their thoughts as well. This will take us through this month, at least. We want to make sure everyone is heard and no one feels left behind.
Our minister has said that the way we make this decision is more important than the decision we reach. I think that is a profound and mature statement and speaks to how far we have come as a church. The days of leading by 'strength' and force are over, and humility, respect and love have been put in its place. That is why I am very encouraged. I am very confident in the process that we've put in place for this.
Don't get me wrong, this is still going to be a challenging road. There was a pretty wide range of opinions on the proposal in just the leadership group. There will be plenty of opportunity for hurt and division. However, I think by proceeding carefully, respectfully, openly and prayerfully believe we can avoid those opportunities.
Time will tell, but I believe we are on a very good path. It's a good thing.
What a crazy time you all are going through. I went to disciples today and looked at the list of churches that are signing, or committed to signing the UP. Then I looked at the title of the list, "Current List of Churches Agreeing and Committing to Plan for United Cooperation" That kind of struck me funny. I think that this is not a time to be incognizant of phrasing ones words. OR, perhaps the term "United Cooperation" was intentional. To incline that by not agreeing with the UP, then you are not cooperating. With whom would that be? Do some people sincerely believe that if Jesus were here physically, he would be spear heading this UP? That His would be the first name on it? Or Peter or Paul for that reason? I look in the Gospel about how Jesus' focus was all about compassion and mercy, and of course the crucifixion, which is THE defining moment of mercy. Not on Jesus, but on us, for us, by Him. Anyway, I ponder the humanistic efforts that (in my humble but probably prideful opinion) this letter represents. Then I started to look at the list of foreign churches that have agreed to it. I wonder what a small group of Christians in India think when something like this comes their way. The temptation to not sign is probably way over shadowed by the need for financial support from their Western brothers and sisters. Why jeopardize the situation when all one would have to do is sign on the dotted line. It would be a matter of survival IF that were the case. Of course I have no idea if that is the case, it is mere speculation. Of course the saying goes: "No path leads to hell shorter than speculation." So I need to watch myself and my pride. But I digress. I think that perhaps the western churches (many of whom, including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and so forth) have the convenience of not being dependant on other churches for benevolence, missions, and full time staff (and whatever else). That convenience allows clear and concise inquiry of the biblical value of this letter. I can see the point of wanting to sign this thing. There is security in numbers. But many times, numbers are what is needed to convince ones self that you are on the right path. If everybody agrees (cooperates) then surly it is the right doctrine? No? Regardless of the transparent fundamental misapplication of scripture to the doctrine outlined in the UP (more my issue really, most of it is subjective), I don't see the fundamental agreement WITH this contract. I see that due to Christian integrity, honor, and obligation, a church would have themselves agreeing with the UP, and thus, under the influence of men, and not the bible. Make no mistake; it is men that are asking for these signatures, not Christ. Men want you to cooperate with themselves, not the Word/Christ (again, subjective because you can find scripture to justify obedience to the brothers who have authored the UP, but from what I can tell, not what God wills). Jesus wants us to be unified in our efforts to love one another, be compassionate and merciful to the world, and obedience to the Father. I cannot think of a scripture that would justify something so worldly. I think of David when he counted his fighting men (2 Samuel 24), and his utter lack of faith, and the result that came of it, and I dread, but not for the mercy of Christ, what fruit is to be born of this document. David expressed his faithlessness, which was the fruit of God's anger, and great tragedy came. Mercifully, the Lord's and David's compassion overwhelmed them, and the payment stopped, but it came at David's own expense. I only hope that all this could be avoiding, but I don't think so. The wheels have been set in motion. Perhaps under God's providence this will all work to the glory of Him? Perhaps it will just take One Man to make the difference with this whole ordeal; One zealous, uncompromising, sacrificial man. I think that the Ephesians study that you and your buddies are doing right now is a matter of excellent timing. Ephesians 4's main topic is unity. It talks of leadership being a tool or means to achieve this unity, and I couldn't agree more; but not to enforce unity, but to prepare God's people for works of service. What kind of service? Look at the beginning of the chapter, " …to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Then expound please, okay.) "Be completely humble and gentle; bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of PEACE. (my emphasis added.) "There is ONE body and ONE Spirit – just as you were called to ONE hope when you were called – ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism; ONE God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Then from 17 on, it speaks of the life we must live.
In looking back over this post, I must confess that it seems that I may be slandering. This is not my hope or wish. The doctrine stated is what my disagreement is with, not those men. I have met about half of them, and they are completely fired up and want nothing more than the will of God to take over their lives. This takes me back to the fundamental misunderstanding of scripture, not the hearts of these men. I repent and ask for forgiveness.
Well said Paul. If you want to get fired up a little more, try reading the Q&A. I think of: "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Tim 4:16 The doctrine is just fine but the life part isn't.