Norwegian Union Conference Speaks on Unity

[Gregory Matthews]

A response to «A Study of Church Governance and Unity».pdf

[Gregory Matthews]

On the last page of the above document (page 5), the Norwegian Union Conference says:

Quote

 

Never before in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have we been closer to

a major split of the church. May leaders and members of the Executive Committee take
to heart the lessons from Joshua 22 and Acts 15 and make wise decisions that will truly
foster unity in our Church, despite our differences.

 

[JoeMo]

In the times that we are facing, I find the notion that the debate over the ordination of women becoming so intense that it will split the church to be laughable - except for the fact that it is true.  People who have the spiritual gift to teach, preach and evangelize should do so in accordance with their guidance from God - not the mandates of some man-made religious construct.  The GC "Working Policy" is just one more example of how denominations end up seeking control of their membership rather than following the Spirit's call in this late time.

If an issue as trivial (IMHO) as the gender of a pastor splits the denomination, so be it.  Our salvation rests in our relationship with Jesus Christ, not our membership to a club.

[Gregory Matthews]

One of our denominational leaders in talking the other day, to another denominational leader, the following statement was made:  "If the Church splits into two groups, I will have differences with each group, but I will be forced to chose to go with one.  I will probably chose to go with the group that I consider to be the lessor, so to speak, of two evils."

Is this what we want?   This denomination is imperfect.  But, on some levels we are told not to uproot the weeds, but to leave that for God to do in His own timing.

God is not leading any leader, if such exist, who attempts to force a split in this denomination.

NOTE:  No application of the above is intended to be applied to any person.

 

 

[Gregory Matthews]

JoeMo said below:

People on both sides consider this issue to be much more than trivial.

The real issue is what do we who have strong convictions do about our convictions?  Do we take it upon ourselves, individually or in groups, attempt to purify the denomination?  Or, do we leave such an issue to God to ultimately resolve?   Do we even believe that God can resolve it, or do we think that we are the only ones who can resolve it?

 

If an issue as trivial (IMHO) as the gender of a pastor splits the denomination, . . .

[JoeMo]

5 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said:

Do we take it upon ourselves, individually or in groups, attempt to purify the denomination?

In my 40 years of being an SDA, I don't recall anyone ever getting the denomination to back off of anything.  The dissenters are simply made to leave.  I would name examples, but that wouldn't be fair to some of the folks I would name.