Schism Needed? ...some clarifications

The previous post on schism has been misunderstood even by some who agree with me in principle, so I have decided to offer here some brief clarifications.

1. First, the schism I am calling for is not the sinful schism that churches rightly loathe.  Really, I probably shouldn't have used the word schism.  Those guilty of the sin of schism are typically those who depart from the truth.  If we must separate ourselves from those who abandon the truth, the responsibility lies with them not with us.  What I was advocating was not schism as such but division and that only temporarily.  

2. Second, I am not yet calling for pastors, elders or laypeople to leave their churches and/or denominations.  That time may come.   If the lockdowns continue and churches continue to close their doors permanent separation will become necessary.  

3. Third, what I am calling for is quite innocent and simple.  It is simply this: that God's people continue to gather for worship, prayer and fellowship in obedience the King and Head of the Church.   I mean by that that pastors, elders, and laypeople should be meeting with or without the consent of the session/consistory.  It is this call that is seen as divisive and schismatic, which is why I chose to name the article Schism Needed.   But there is an irony in all this.   What is it?   That men who would gather in obedience to Jesus are seen as schismatic!    

So am I calling for members, pastors and elders of NAPARC churches to formally leave those churches and/or denominations?  

No!  

If we keep going back into lockdowns and they keep closing the church you will have no choice but to go out from them.  But that time has not yet come.  Pray for your leaders and entreat them, but bear with them.  

In the meantime, if you find yourself in a lockdown and the church has moved to livestream gather with those who will gather.  If you are a pastor, call your people to gather.  If you are an elder call your people to gather.  If you are a layperson find believers to gather with.  

In doing this you are simply doing your duty as a servant of Christ.  He is your King and must be obeyed even when man tells you otherwise.  If your obedience in this way causes disruption and division in your church that is an event and it belongs to God.  Your business is to attend to your duty.  


Comments

  1. Cara KnappMarch 4, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    "But there is an irony in all this. What is it? That men who would gather in obedience to Jesus are seen as schismatic!" Wow. Well put. It is so discouraging to see this in America where I'm at, also. Thank you for your unapologetic stand for truth. May our Lord give you grace to persevere!

    ReplyDelete
  2. A poor sinner known by ChristApril 12, 2021 at 10:10 PM

    Amen! Question : if there is no church opened around me, and that I assemble with other laypersons who want to worship Christ (because there is no pastor or elder around my region who want to do that in the coming third lockdowm...), do you think that it would be biblical to take the Lord's Supper even if there is no minister to admnistering it according to the Scripture?

    To me, it is a very perplexing question that I don't know the answer...

    ReplyDelete
  3. TripPCAJuly 10, 2021 at 3:46 PM

    Thank you for your stand. You and your congregation are an inspiration to us all. We are very interested in what is happening in Canada and are watching it closely. God is doing a work in his church. I've been sharing your message with Christian friends. We all need to be bolder in speaking the truth.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TripPCAJuly 10, 2021 at 3:46 PM

    Thank you for your stand. You and your congregation are an inspiration to us all. We are very interested in what is happening in Canada and are watching it closely. God is doing a work in his church. I've been sharing your message with Christian friends. We all need to be bolder in speaking the truth.

    ReplyDelete

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