What Denomination should one join when divided on certain debatable issues?

[matthew11v25]

Say if you agree with the Presbyterian form of church government, but are credo in your view of baptism...is there a denomination that holds these positions? Or if you are credo, but prefer a liturgy? and so on...

Where would someone like this fit in? or which denomination would be better suited for this persons convictions. I.E take "exceptions" to the WCF.

I still studying these issues, but I have met a number of people that become divided between what church would best for them...based primarily on these issues.

PS. not quite sure what forum to place this in.

thanks,

matt

[Edited on 10-19-2006 by matthew11v25]

 

[Scott Bushey]

Originally posted by matthew11v25
Say if you agree with the Presbyterian form of church government, but are credo in your view of baptism...is there a denomination that holds these positions? Or if you are credo, but prefer a liturgy? and so on...

Where would someone like this fit in? or which denomination would be better suited for this persons convictions. I.E take "exceptions" to the WCF.

I still studying these issues, but I have met a number of people that become divided between what church would best for them...based primarily on these issues.

PS. not quite what forum to place this in.

thanks,

matt

I don't know of any denom in particular; Though I believe the baptism issue to very important, I would have to say independancy is worse; so, if it was me, and I was credo but held to Presbyterian government, I would go to a Presbyterian congregation. Membership, in these cases may be a problem as well. For instance, in our denom, if you had children and wanted to opt for membership, you would be derailed in the fact that you reject paedo baptism.

[Edited on 10-19-2006 by Scott Bushey]

 

[Herald]

I don't know of any denom in particular; Though I believe the baptism issue to very important, I would have to say independancy is worse; so, if it was me, and I was credo but held to Presbyterian government, I would go to a Presbyterian congregation. Membership, in these cases may be a problem as well. For instance, in our denom, if you had children and wanted to opt for membership, you would be derailed in the fact that you reject paedo baptism.

[Edited on 10-19-2006 by Scott Bushey]

Scott - a dear friend of mine is credo and a member of a PCA church in Pennsylvania. Is this common practice for the PCA?

 

[brymaes]

In the PCA, as well as in the OPC, it is up to the individual session as to whether they will admit credos to membership.

 

[LadyFlynt]

I'm in PA and have noticed that also. In the particular church I'm thinking of, I think it had to do with a Reformed Baptist church dissolving and the members being brought into the PCA church.

I have a question...how does this differ any from the FPC's stand? Other than the FPC baptism isn't discussed period and PCA it is.

 

[matthew11v25]

I'm in PA and have noticed that also. In the particular church I'm thinking of, I think it had to do with a Reformed Baptist church dissolving and the members being brought into the PCA church.

I have a question...how does this differ any from the FPC's stand? Other than the FPC baptism isn't discussed period and PCA it is.

seems that so far...baptist "Go Presbyterian" but not vice versa

 

[brymaes]

I'm in PA and have noticed that also. In the particular church I'm thinking of, I think it had to do with a Reformed Baptist church dissolving and the members being brought into the PCA church.

I have a question...how does this differ any from the FPC's stand? Other than the FPC baptism isn't discussed period and PCA it is.

In the FPC, officers are allowed to hold to and teach credobaptism, whereas in the PCA, officers must adhere to and teach paedobaptism.

A session in the PCA may decide to allow or disallow credos from membership, so this will vary from congregation to congregation. However, it is my understanding that most PCA do allow credo members.

 

[brymaes]

seems that so far...baptist "Go Presbyterian" but not vice versa

Reformed Baptist churches are really hit or miss. You might end up with a solid, confessional church, or a crazy dispie semi-fundie place. That's independency for ya. Whereas if you go to a PCA or especially an OPC congregation, you pretty much know what you are getting into.

 

[LadyFlynt]

LOL....we tried OPC when we first moved here...because we thought we would have more of an idea of what they were compared to the variances in the PCA.


ROTFLLLLLLL! We ended up with one of the few "progressive" OPC churches (that's what happens when the pastor's father was raised Amish...I think he was reactionary). They were more interested in being a seeker sensitive church than in reaching out in their community.

Yep...good ole' PCA...Trinity Hymnal (which I can NOT sing out of)...at least sticks with the RP.

 

[Herald]

I'm a bottom line type of guy. In the end, it comes down to the baptism issue...doesn't it? Amazing how that one issue becomes a cornerstone of most discussions.

As for me, if my church dissolved or I moved to an area that did not have a good Reformed Baptist Church, I would not hesitate to attend a Presbyterian church. The command is to gather together, not separate.

'course, as a good Baptist I could also rent a store front and start my own church!

 

[Ivan]

As for me, if my church dissolved or I moved to an area that did not have a good Reformed Baptist Church, I would not hesitate to attend a Presbyterian church. The command is to gather together, not separate.

'course, as a good Baptist I could also rent a store front and start my own church!

 

[Hungus]

I'm a bottom line type of guy. In the end, it comes down to the baptism issue...doesn't it? Amazing how that one issue becomes a cornerstone of most discussions.

As for me, if my church dissolved or I moved to an area that did not have a good Reformed Baptist Church, I would not hesitate to attend a Presbyterian church. The command is to gather together, not separate.

'course, as a good Baptist I could also rent a store front and start my own church!

I have to agree here also. When it comes down to Soteriology vs Ecclesiology vs Sacramentology I have to say the first two are vastly more important. To me it is important that you have been baptized but not wether it was as a child or as an adult. Now I prefer Credo Baptism but it isn't enough for me to separate over. Besides didn't Calvin once say something about the 80/20 split for theologians as in no one s ever more than 80 correct. (I figure we Credo guys know that he Paedo's 20% is ) And I suspect I know what the Credos is too (ecclesiaology) what then scares me then is where is my 20%? RPW? who knows ... Looks strongly like as soon as I have regular transportation again I am headed back into the Ref Ep. Church I wonder how many RE's get an MDiv at WSC? I know Bishop Sutton (the Bishop I will be under) went to school with Michael Horton.