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Drinking Socially
This last year a professor and I were discussing the cultural changes taking place within congregations and how to effectively minister to them.
He made the comment “Mike, you are going to have to address congregants on multi levels to win their thinking. It is not simply enough to say, because I have said so, this was
never really an effective method.”
In The Church Member’s Handbook, by Joe T. Odle, there is a certain chapter addressing the church covenant. Used to be this was considered by many to be a standard for churches and church practice. It was one of the first discipleship tools I was exposed to as a young Christian.
In what used to be somewhat of a standard church covenant posted on the wall and in the sanctuary, were written the promises every member made, not only between themselves and the Lord, but also one another.
The promises to be faithful to the assembly of believers, the promise to join another fellowship immediately after leaving the fellowship of which you had been a part, and finally, a promise to support the church financially, were a few of these.
There was also a promise to “abstain from intoxicating drink or beverage.” Funny, that in different parts of the country this is a promise almost every Baptist knows and cherishes as a way to protect themselves from that which could harm them, their families and especially the Gospel.
Times a changin’
But “the times are changing.” Today many people from different parts of the country have no qualms with social drinking or drinking to excess and simply getting drunk.
I think it fair and honest to say that alcohol almost destroyed my life. Funny the people who are Christians thinking themselves to be liberated or overly educated as to try and persuade men it is all right to partake every now and then.
Truth is, alcohol in its various forms is one of the most serious problems we have in our nations. I am amazed at the wholesalers who promote a safe and sane consumption of that which has destroyed so many lives.
The face of Baptist are changing, this is true, but don’t be fooled. For the last 100 years Baptist have been a serious force in the temperance movement. It has only been these last twenty or so years we are beginning to see changes in the cultural habits of our people, undoubtedly reflective of the lives of those within our congregations.
I simply want you to know that from mine and Brenda’s point of view this was one of the most devastating influences that could have ever come into my life. Not to mention the untold lives we have watched destroyed along the way.
Please pray and support those who would try and prevent Van from becoming a wet city. And please pray for our own membership who I am sure struggles with this issue. As Baptist, be reminded of our strong stance against something that has produced much evil and damaged the lives of both the lost and saved of this world.
Bro Mike
(June 2009)
Objections
In the second chapter of Philippians, Paul describes the need for unity and for the church to be of the same mind and spirit. This is one of the most difficult things for people to accomplish. People tend to be individualistic in their thoughts and opinions, by this we mean in their natural tendency.
To object for the sake of objection is not really Christian nor beneficial. However, the natural objections which come from a group trying to discover their purpose is absolutely necessary. What is our ultimate goal and purpose? From that one question many suggestions will arise.
Only from objections, and a fair hearing of all the unanswered questions we may have, can we begin to move toward goals.
Only after there has been open and honest discussion can people have the confidence to know that they have had their voices heard and understanding enlightened to the point to move forward.
From time to time a church needs to ask the question what are we doing here? What are we supposed to accomplish? Where are we in our mission to reach the world for Christ?
As pastor I have the opportunity to hear a variety of different opinions. On any given day if you ask the right person you could get almost any answer you were looking for, as to the health, direction and goals of the church. The encouraging element to so many views however, is that usually they all want to get there together. Nobody is so resolute in any opinion that they are not willing to concede it is the church body as a whole who seeks to know and do God's will.
"The main thing" should be the gospel and reaching the lost for Christ.
Bro. Mike
October 2008 newsletter
Finding Our Purpose
To begin with the topic of “nostalgia” as a means to understand our purpose as a church, might seem misplaced. However, this is a very important aspect of understanding our church’s history and culture and why we do things a certain way. Nostalgia is simply remembering things in a certain context and familiar form, such as music, preaching styles and traditions. An unhealthy sequence of events comes when tradition trumps the Holy Spirit’s leading and conviction in the New Testament Church. It is good to question our direction and remember what is most important about “the Kingdom,” and then work together to accomplish those goals. If we don’t find our purpose, the likelihood for “dropping out” becomes greater for each of us.
Discovering our purpose is a real need of the New Testament church. Self discovery of the church is as old and real as the children of Israel discovering God’s purpose in their lives and why after they entered into the promised land, the manna stopped falling from heaven. It was part of a larger plan that required them to change. First Baptist Church is always going to be challenged to embrace the changes God will attempt to bring into our lives, or face losing her influence for the Kingdom.
We often look to the Great Commission the gospel represents, as a way of defining and explaining what we are doing as a church. We might even try to use the commission as a way to explain why we don’t do something, but there are many forms and methods in sharing the gospel.
The crisis question is this: “Will the First Baptist Church of Van, Texas continue to do Kingdom work the exact same way and manner or will she evolve in such a way she takes a hard look at herself from time to time and allows the Holy Spirit to change her methodologically on issues which will take her into the 21st century?” The world is changing and we need to be a people who can discern the winds of that change. Will our fellowship embrace the opportunities coming our way?
Our Lord knows the way. Each and every member of First Baptist Church would do well to seek his will in every possible matter, especially regarding our Kingdom opportunities in Van Texas.
WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?
Worship........Evangelize.........Missions..........Prayer.........Care of the poor.........Care of the needy and sick..........
Outreach to the homebound.......Deeper study life......Discipleship.......Preaching the Word of God......
Christian Education......Youth......Collegiate Ministries......Ministry to Senior Adults.......
(FBC September 08 Newsletter)
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