The ultimate irony of this conversation is that the purpose of the Belhar Confession is UNITY. Whether or not Synod 2012 approves the Belhar it will lead to greater DISunity in the CRCNA. That one thing is for sure!
I totally agree, Doug! I wonder what percantage vote will be required if it does come to a vote (which I doubt it will). For the sake of unity, those in favor and those opposed should both agree it needs to be 2/3.
I also appreciate your assessment of this article's muddying the waters on classical support/rejection of the Belhar as a confession. Let's begin with a simple question. Should we adopt the Belhar as a 4th confession? The answer has been a resounding, "No!" Synod 2012 should at least affirm this truth. After this, we can sort out how we will handle the Belhar once its status as a possible confession is taken off the table.
In your case, Paul, it sounds like a good decision to plant with a youth leader on staff. This confirms my belief that if God wills something it comes about naturally and the path he desires us to take is obvious.
On the flip side, your experience should serve as a lesson (if not warning) for churches who are considering a new direction or the addition of a new staff position. If a ministry just isn't clicking with the community or if church leadership is forcing an agenda upon the congregation, that might be God's way of saying, "not yet" or "no" to a course of action. I'm not suggesting we appease the status quo, but we need to be willing to admit something didn't work and then set our thoughts on what God has gifted our churches to do.
It's good to hear a story about something that "just works." I hope that continues in all areas of your church plant.
Posted in: Belhar—Up, Down or Sideways?
The ultimate irony of this conversation is that the purpose of the Belhar Confession is UNITY. Whether or not Synod 2012 approves the Belhar it will lead to greater DISunity in the CRCNA. That one thing is for sure!
See above comments for proof.
Posted in: Belhar—Up, Down or Sideways?
A fair warning, James.
Posted in: Belhar—Up, Down or Sideways?
I totally agree, Doug! I wonder what percantage vote will be required if it does come to a vote (which I doubt it will). For the sake of unity, those in favor and those opposed should both agree it needs to be 2/3.
I also appreciate your assessment of this article's muddying the waters on classical support/rejection of the Belhar as a confession. Let's begin with a simple question. Should we adopt the Belhar as a 4th confession? The answer has been a resounding, "No!" Synod 2012 should at least affirm this truth. After this, we can sort out how we will handle the Belhar once its status as a possible confession is taken off the table.
Posted in: How About Planting Churches With Youth Leaders on Staff?
In your case, Paul, it sounds like a good decision to plant with a youth leader on staff. This confirms my belief that if God wills something it comes about naturally and the path he desires us to take is obvious.
On the flip side, your experience should serve as a lesson (if not warning) for churches who are considering a new direction or the addition of a new staff position. If a ministry just isn't clicking with the community or if church leadership is forcing an agenda upon the congregation, that might be God's way of saying, "not yet" or "no" to a course of action. I'm not suggesting we appease the status quo, but we need to be willing to admit something didn't work and then set our thoughts on what God has gifted our churches to do.
It's good to hear a story about something that "just works." I hope that continues in all areas of your church plant.
Mark VanDyke, Sumas CRC, Sumas WA
Posted in: A Small Redemption
Tremendous post, brother! Thanks for sharing!