I, in general, agree with your advice about a good starting point. When it comes to funding and working on certain ministry projects, I do see a validity to choosing with whom you will cooperate more closely, based on compatibility of core values. Where true, biblical fellowship and unity is concerned, though, we ought not to leave out of the circle anyone whom our Father includes.

I love your father’s suggestion to “get to know the pastors in your area by their first names not by their labels.” That is wonderful advice I wish many more would heed.

Blessings,

David

On a side note, a good starting point may be for Baptist churches to start fellowshipping together. We once did that in the association but in many parts of the country this practice is dying out. Too often we get so busy building our own little kingdoms we forget we are part of a much larger Kingdom, which includes a large Baptist family. In Texas sadly sometimes it is easier to fellowship with a pastor from another denomination than it is to fellowship with a Baptist pastor on a different side of our divide.

My father who is a pastor encouraged me to get to know the pastors in my area by their first names not by their labels. It was great advice and has created for me a wonder extended family of faith.

Keep calling us to be “one” you know Jesus is interceding and working for us to come together!

David Lowrie

You may be on to something here.

I think we really need to search our hearts as to what truly motivates us: a desire to be faithful to our Lord’s commands, or a fear of “others finding their place and moving their membership”?

Shalom,

Russell

I am sorry. That last sentence should read; That is the reason some churches are hesitant to do some of the things that you have outlined.

Not because you are going to be with me this coming Sunday, but because I truly mean this, I do agree with that sentiment. I too do not agree with making a big deal out of winning over a Methodist church. I am not sure that is what the intention was of the editorial staff at the “Baptist and Reflector”. However, I saw some of the same type of headlines with Dr. Jerry Falwell became SB, only from a different slant. Also, when Dr. David Jeremiah became SB he was introduced as such at a Pastor’s Conference.

I agree that we should be about winning the lost and celebrating new church starts. But if I have someone walk an isle and transfer their letter, I still present them to the congregation in a public fashion.

Isn’t that part of working in unity? People, and churches, finding their place in the Body of Christ through working together. Also, that is an expected thing when one works together in unity. Others finding their place and moving their membership. That is the reason churches are hesitant to do some of the things that you have outlined.

Blessings,
Tim

I think the Baptist DOM and builders for Christ helping out the Methodist congregation to repair their building is a fine example of what I am talking about. And, as I commented on the post you are referencing, I am happy the Methodists congregation were led to study the Bible, and change their beliefs in accordance with their understanding of Scripture.

What I don’t think is so great an idea is making the fact that they changed from Methodists to Baptists the leading headline in the “Baptist and Reflector.” It seems to me to be a bit triumphalistic, and putting the accent on the wrong thing.

In a way, yea. If you remember, that church in Tennessee, as Methodist congregation, utilized the Baptist DOM and the builders for Christ in order to repair their building. Isn’t that working together? Or is your list exhaustive?

Blessings,
Tim

I am in Cordova, TN right now, as we are on Stateside Assignment. I saw a little bit on TV, and listened to some on radio.

I also saw and listened to some of the LSU-Arkansas game.

Curious enough, the Univ. of Memphis-SMU game went to 3 overtimes.

I am NOT a UT fan. My brother-in-law is, and I like to rag him about it. I guess that transfers over to my dealings with you.

BTW, there is a BIG basketball game coming up on Feb. 23. My Memphis Tigers are out to revenge a senseless loss last year, on Chris Lofton’s most prolific shooting performance in history. GO TIGERS!!!

For everyone else,

Let’s get back to the topic of the post, now.