My previous posts today are focused on personal involvement and investment in the church. We can be involved in attending a service every Sunday and perhaps a few other activities but never want to stand in the gap when doctrinal error occurs or disciplinary issues arise. There shouldn't be a mutually exclusive issue when it comes to respecting the elders or pastors and coming to them to expose error; whether intentional or otherwise. In the same token; of course sin should be dealt with properly; which seems to be a rare event today from my observations in regard to church discipline for those obviously living lifestyles of sin. This is part of what elders should be doing in looking after the flock (see 1 Peter 5:1-8). There is at least doctrinal standards in reformed churches today; but my honest assessment is that such activities; along with other duties of such church officials seems to be lacking. I have seen little of prayer with oil for the sick; exhortation; or trying to assess and build up those in regard to spiritual gifts. Again; in the Reformed circles I have seen angst among those who are teaching false doctrines among the congregation (in particular the PRC I attended in Pittsburgh regarding these issues elsewhere in the country). This was a very tight knit congregation and kept a close watch in regard to that subject. Church splits are no rare event today; as controversies abound. How much the average layperson is involved in this is somewhat subjective as to whether they are church members; for instance. Unresolved issues in a local church causing strife is one determining factor that could lead us elsewhere perhaps to a home church environment; at least for a time.
I have seen both extremes; from too much tyrannical control among leadership to to lax an approach. Both can lead to serious issues. My next post will discuss "secondary issues" and considerations in church membership.
My previous posts today are focused on personal involvement and investment in the church. We can be involved in attending a service every Sunday and perhaps a few other activities but never want to stand in the gap when doctrinal error occurs or disciplinary issues arise. There shouldn't be a mutually exclusive issue when it comes to respecting the elders or pastors and coming to them to expose error; whether intentional or otherwise. In the same token; of course sin should be dealt with properly; which seems to be a rare event today from my observations in regard to church discipline for those obviously living lifestyles of sin. This is part of what elders should be doing in looking after the flock (see 1 Peter 5:1-8). There is at least doctrinal standards in reformed churches today; but my honest assessment is that such activities; along with other duties of such church officials seems to be lacking. I have seen little of prayer with oil for the sick; exhortation; or trying to assess and build up those in regard to spiritual gifts. Again; in the Reformed circles I have seen angst among those who are teaching false doctrines among the congregation (in particular the PRC I attended in Pittsburgh regarding these issues elsewhere in the country). This was a very tight knit congregation and kept a close watch in regard to that subject. Church splits are no rare event today; as controversies abound. How much the average layperson is involved in this is somewhat subjective as to whether they are church members; for instance. Unresolved issues in a local church causing strife is one determining factor that could lead us elsewhere perhaps to a home church environment; at least for a time.
I have seen both extremes; from too much tyrannical control among leadership to to lax an approach. Both can lead to serious issues. My next post will discuss "secondary issues" and considerations in church membership.
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