ABCPSW Votes Next Month

Last September the ABCPSW (American Baptists churches Pacific South-west) announced that they would be no longer sending monies to the ABCUSA. In response "the denomination’s Executive Committee called for unity..."

Will someone will please explain to me what the call for unity means? Does it mean "Please agree with us."? Do I have to be liberal in my theology. Do I have to agree with Tony Campolo? Do I have to embrace heretical views too?

They also stated:

The General Board ... does not set policy for local congregations on theological or other issues. We are not hierarchical or Episcopal because we are a denominational family related by a series of voluntary covenantal relationships among autonomous congregations to partner together in mission,” the statement said. The board also cited its respect for the “autonomy and primacy of the local church.

No theological issues are set? Does this mean Mormon churches can join us too? They say Jesus is Lord. Isn't that enough? This is the problem when there is a lack of Creeds and accountability. When denominations are looking for numbers as a sign of success, then they are doomed to take the wide path.

No one is arguing that the autonomy of the local church must be violated. The question still lingers. Should any local church be allowed to be a part of the ABCUSA? What is implicit in the above statement is that the New Testament is not sufficient in defining the church. I guess in ABC theology anything goes?

I would highly suggest to the ABCUSA that they need to take a hard look at what they are doing. Giving prominence to liberal leadership while many of the congregations are conservative is only asking for more trouble.

Theological liberalism and conservatism cannot co-exist. Why do conservatives try to reform something not reformable is beyond me? But is simply pulling out without setting a clear purpose a responsible decision? What will prevent theological liberalism from rising again in their newly forming group?

I am currently on a Reformed Baptist E-mail List. I am always amazed at the things they argue about. The Impeccability verses the Peccability of Christ. The Imputation of Christ's righteousness. How Elders of the local church should rule. The mode of baptism is sometimes discussed. They never however discuss whether homosexuality is something to be debated. The simple reason is they abide by a clear statement of faith, which is the London Baptist Confession of 1689.

I am not saying modern baptists need to adopt that creed, but without something that defines a covenantal fellowship of churches, will not the gross errors of the ABCUSA reoccur?

On April 29th, the ABCPSW will vote on whether or not to leave the ABCUSA. This is no small event in the life of a denomination. I would ask for those who are in Union with Christ to pray that the Spirit of God would lead His people through such a difficult matter. It is no easy thing to sever covenantal relationships.