Apostolic Friends Forum - ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine ***

In foreign affairs, Presidents have announced their policy in dealing with foreign nations very early in their administrations. Monroe had the Monroe Doctrine. Theodore Roosevelt had his Big Stick Policy. And after 9/11 George W. governed by what is known as the Bush Doctrine.

In dealing with the growing numbers of ministers that are not lockstep with "Apostolic Identity" ... DKB, since his tenure as DS in STX, has implemented what I term the "Bernard Doctrine" to deal with the wayward.

When dealing with wayward ministers, it plays out like this:

1. Point to policy, the Bible and the AOF
2. Politely show the door to those who don't line up by saying if you don't agree you should withdraw or leave.
3. State "We will not be able to use you, if you don't comply fully"
4. If you need clarity, we'll teach you.
5. Repeat.

For a prima facie example of how DKB words this .... examine his last update in September 2009 to the STX district, here:

Quote:

Apostolic Identity. We are thankful for the tremendous revival and growth that we are experiencing. At the same time, we must acknowledge that a few ministers have begun to question some of our Apostolic distinctives, particularly some aspects of holiness in outward appearance and possibly some aspects of the doctrine of salvation. The District Board unanimously and firmly believes that we must maintain our Apostolic identity on these biblical doctrines of the new birth and holiness, while continuing to press for revival and growth. As a District Board, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that all our ministers adhere to these scriptural teachings. The District Board has adopted a plan of action and has asked me as district superintendent to follow up on these matters. We understand that the local church is self-governing, that the pastor has authority and responsibility to lead the local church, and that there is room for diversity of opinion and application in many areas. We also understand the need for wisdom, patience, and tolerance in both evangelism and discipleship, proclaiming the life of faith and not legalism. However, we expect that those who are used in public leadership, such as preaching, teaching, and leading in worship, will reflect the values of the New Testament church as understood and proclaimed by the UPCI. If some ministers are seeking direction on these issues, we are available for personal discussion and guidance, and we will provide tools and forums for further study. We don’t want anyone to leave our fellowship, but if some have made a definite decision that they do not believe and will not implement these teachings, then they are no longer in harmony with the UPCI, and the most consistent decision is for them to withdraw.

There is considerable chatter among the fellowship's ministerial ranks that DKB has given the greenlight to other District Superintendents to follow suit.

The following is a letter from one DS, recently sent out to constituents, that follows the Bernard Doctrine template:

Quote:

Christian Greetings:

1. The UPCI stands for certain biblical principles regarding the outward appearance, such as modesty, women having long hair, distinction between male and female in dress and not wearing ornamental jewelry or makeup. We believe these are scriptural teachings and apostolic doctrine; thus we cannot abandon them. With regard to UPCI governance, the Articles of Faith specifically address women cutting their hair, makeup and immodest dress. It is our district’s responsibility to uphold this teaching as a matter of integrity and consistency. We are not dealing with cultural issues that are not specifically addressed in the Bible or the Articles of Faith, such as men’s facial hair, wearing of suits, or music styles (although some things like this can become indicators of where a church is heading).

2. We affirm that the local church is self-governing and that the pastor has authority and responsibility to deal with these issues as he is led of God. We understand the need for wisdom in this area regarding both evangelism and discipleship. However, we expect that those used in public leadership, such as preaching, teaching and leading in worship, will reflect the values of the UPCI.

3. If you are seeking direction on these issues, there is plenty of time and space for consideration. We don’t want to push anyone away. For instance, if you agree with principles of modesty, distinction and avoiding ornamentation, but you are prayerfully considering how to implement them and where to draw the line, we understand and we want to help in whatever way we can. We can provide study materials, personal theological discussions, and advice from experienced elder how to face contemporary challenged. A church can effectively evangelize its community and have great revival and growth while still upholding these teachings.

4. If, however, you have made a definite decision that these issues are not important and that you never plan to implement them, then you are not longer in harmony with the UPCI. We don’t want to lose you, and we think it would be a mistake for you to leave the teaching and fellowship of the UPCI, but if you have already made this theological decision and are not open for reconsideration, then the most consistent decision would be for you to withdraw from the UPCI.

This letter comes to you after much prayer and discussion by your District Board. It is strongly endorsed by all with a concern that we the XXXXX District continue to walk in the spirit of Jude vs. 3: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Your friend,

While some cons are forming party crazed conga lines thinking that this means the battle over "holiness" has been won ... few have been able to read in between the lines.

The Bernard Doctrine is a cordial invitation to leave, not a directive to leave.

If it was, guys like Rex Johnson (STX) would have been shown the door and kicked out years ago.

What usually happens in these cases, is that the wayward pastor is called in ... grilled but never is charged or put on trial. Nine times out ten, the ordeal/inquistion usually results in a pastor turning in his license even if he may not have "left holiness".

What will be noteworthy and interesting is how some overzealous DS will step beyond the bounds of the Bernard Doctrine.

I'd like to know why this other district DS has not called the TV and Hollywood film watchers to the carpet? Or where he thinks the AOF Holiness article deals with gender distinction?