Like many who have come out of the International Churches of Christ or are reviewing their beliefs after the major changes in many churches, I feel it’s important to decide what is and isn’t indispensable of one’s faith. There was a saying going around, “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater”. But what is the baby and what is the bathwater?
For me some things are self evidently indispensable: the bible as a spiritual guide, the gospel and trust in God. But then there’s the doctrine issues of the ICOC that we used to take for granted: 10% tithing, one-on-one discipling, one church in one city etc… One of the aims of this blog is to encourage people to work through these things and develop their own ideas, but I’ll also be arguing for things I believe in and things I oppose. I’ve already written extensively on one-on-one discipling -and I’ve decided the structure and culture developed in the ICOC is definitely dispensable.
Some have decided it’s optional, and some have made it indispensable, even if they haven’t said so, in their congregation. I’ve argued it didn’t exist in the New Testament. Sure, Christian training exists -and that was indispensable in many cases: Jesus with the apostles, Paul and his partners, Elijah and Elisha and countless other examples. Partnerships in evangelism are common place in Christianity -but the distinct structure of having a personal “discipler” or “shepherd” and the chains of command and accountability take things way too far.
I’ve also decided, being part of an “ICOC” church is not indispensable, but now we need to review our beliefs and be shrewder in deciding which church or congregation to be a part of. I mentioned before Kip Mckean has allowed more church organisations in his definition of a “saved Christian”. But you don’t need to go by what he says. So for example, you may believe in repentance and baptism as a submerged adult, then there are churches around with similar beliefs such as the mainline Church of Christ.
There are some other things you may decide are indispensable: certain standards in the fellowship or transparency of leaders. I’ve even decided at the current point in time I’m not attached to a fellowship, until some certain issues are resolved.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, I’ve got to take responsibility for what I believe, and to have the wisdom and faith to say, “I agree”, or “I oppose”, or “I’m willing to compromise”. If you don’t do your homework then you’re in danger of being a “reed in the wind” as they say.
I know after 2003 and the turmoil in many of the churches involved there was much conflict and pain, but there was also a sense of honesty and a time of freedom to reflect on what one’s beliefs are. (This was in some churches, not in all). It was a time that allowed people to take time out or leave “guilt free”, and a chance for people to choose their way to live without pressure.
