I need some advice, and prayer.

[Bookmeister]

I am traveling to Indianapolis to visit a church my friend pastors. I met my friend 5 years ago at the undergrad school we both attended. This school is a Christian Church/Church of Christ school but my friend and I were two of the three reformed guys there. All three of us were over 30 and earned the nickname "The Tulip Squad."

He then married a girl he met there, finished his BA, had a child and is now a pastor without having attended seminary. This is the first problem I have. He is in the CC/CoC and is all over the place with their worship. He told me of one Sunday when he was "lead" to not preach and everyone broke up into small groups to pray and discuss. One Sunday they worshipped outside and he preached from the back of a truck. You get the idea.

This brother has fallen far from his reformed roots, his churches motto is "Preach the gospel if necessary use words." So now I am heading to his church this weekend and I need advice on how to approach him with love and try to gently give him what for. I will be preaching so at least I know the gospel will get out before the concert he has planned for after the service.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated, and prayers would be most welcome as well.

 

[Grillsy]

I work for a similar institution in the same CC/CoC tradition. I received my BA from said institution. I deal with this situation everyday and I feel your pain.
In fact, I'm fairly certain your old school may be one of our sister institutions.

PM me if you wish.

I will be praying.

 

[Steve Curtis]

I have similar relationships where former Reformed friends no longer adhere to our theology. I have tried a number of approaches though, sadly, none has proven successful in changing their minds. I do continue to pray for them, and I will pray for your situation,as well.

 

[PuritanCovenanter]

Alan, make sure you give me a call. I live on the Westside of Indy. At least stop by for a few.

Preach the Gospel. Use the Words God gave us in His book he Breathed out.

Buy the man Jeremiah Burroughs book Gospel Worship and ask him to read it. It is very powerful. I have a copy here if you want to take it to give to him.

I will leave my phone number in a PM. I will be out of town on Saturday. But one of my boys should be home if you want to pick the book up.

 

[baron]

I have no advice for you, but will pray for you and your friend, that God will lead him back to his Reformed roots.