Would You Do It?

[Servetus]

I recently voluntarily left a church over major doctrinal differences concerning salvation, as well as some issues which I say at best are non-essentials, at worst are legalism.

The church members have appearently spoken with their pastor (or vice versa) and they want me to come and "explain" why I left in front of the whole church.

I am very confident about the things I left over, and have no issues dealing with questions, if I am indeed given an oppertunity to answer them (instead of being shouted down-I'm not getting involved in a carnal shouting match).

However, part of the reason I left quietly was because the things I preached already hit a boiling point, and I am not interested in or attempting to bring about disunity or a church split.

Those things said, my household members have received numberous text messages demanding an explaination why we left "the body".

I truly believe if the members listened to the things I said it would bring about some extremely controversial issues regarding pentecostal doctrine.
I do not at all wish to cause someone to backslide, and that is my biggest concern.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Servetus

I recently voluntarily left a church over major doctrinal differences concerning salvation, as well as some issues which I say at best are non-essentials, at worst are legalism.

The church members have appearently spoken with their pastor (or vice versa) and they want me to come and "explain" why I left in front of the whole church.

I am very confident about the things I left over, and have no issues dealing with questions, if I am indeed given an oppertunity to answer them (instead of being shouted down-I'm not getting involved in a carnal shouting match).

However, part of the reason I left quietly was because the things I preached already hit a boiling point, and I am not interested in or attempting to bring about disunity or a church split.

Those things said, my household members have received numberous text messages demanding an explaination why we left "the body".

I truly believe if the members listened to the things I said it would bring about some extremely controversial issues regarding pentecostal doctrine.
I do not at all wish to cause someone to backslide, and that is my biggest concern.

I feel like quoting my Dad so I think I will: If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't.

We (my husband and I) had a situation where we left a church and would have liked to have explain ourselves, but we chose not to for various reasons. (Including, but not limited to, the fact that it would be generally unproductive.)

It was a choice we've never regretted, simply because we kept our collective noses clean.

That said, it's perfectly acceptable to say (or text back en masse), "I don't feel comfortable discussing my reasons at this time, but thank you for your concern and God bless you."

[Jeffrey]

They are asking you to explain? What an opportunity!

Most jump to conclusions, rush to judgement and start printing the "heresy" bumper stickers before you can get a word out of your mouth.

Are these collective church members? Like they are asking you to come to a church service? Are these friends? Close friends? Relatives?

If they ask, tell them without divulging too deeply. Keep a distance to keep yourself clean of blame. But you also shouldn't be afraid of giving an answer to any man/woman. You are not tearing their doors down, they are coming to you asking questions.

Pray about it.

[pelathais]

That does sound like a touchy case and you appear to have handled it wisely so far. "Be cool" and don't "rock people's boat" are generally the watch words of a gentleman.

I'm confused about the the apparent "invitation" to come back and hash it all out. The text messages are probably predictable - people are curious. But the idea of the leadership of a church that you have left over doctrinal issues giving you a platform to introduce those differences to a broader audience seems kind of weird.

They may be secretly hoping that you continue to remain "silent" and "unavailable." They may even plan to take unfair advantage of that - I've seen it before, but I obviously have no idea about your circumstances.

Since you asked: What I would do is to graciously respond to the text and other messages with simple replies and try to handle everyone as a brother. As far as the proposed "shouting match" - that's up to you. Again, I have no idea what sort of circumstance exists. If there's a chance to be positive and to encourage folks, then that's great. If it's just a set up don't bother. You will have already addressed yourself in the text messages to the folks who know you well enough to have your phone number.

[Hoovie]

I would tend to say yes, if, it can be agreed upon to take say ten questions and give me up to ten minutes to respond to each. It would be tremendously important to be polite and treat all involved as brothers/sisters.

[Jack Shephard]

I would do it if I were asked, but keep in mind your answer many split a church.

[MissBrattified]

I don't know...I think the public interrogation thing could quickly turn into a mob hit.

Further, you mentioned that you had preached, so I'm assuming you were in a leadership position which gives you influence with people. Don't wield that carelessly. If you "rock the boat" too much, there are some people who will end up simply confused by it. Not everyone possesses the ability to discuss a matter without feeling like they have to pair it with some action. e.g., if someone walks away confused, they may question every church teaching, and not just the ones with which you disagree. They'll pair that up with the end result of just not attending anymore. To think this couldn't be a possibility would be naive.

Also, I'm assuming this will put you in opposition with their existing church leaders/elders.

I guess I still don't see the benefit.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Servetus

I recently voluntarily left a church over major doctrinal differences concerning salvation, as well as some issues which I say at best are non-essentials, at worst are legalism.

The church members have appearently spoken with their pastor (or vice versa) and they want me to come and "explain" why I left in front of the whole church.

I am very confident about the things I left over, and have no issues dealing with questions, if I am indeed given an oppertunity to answer them (instead of being shouted down-I'm not getting involved in a carnal shouting match).

However, part of the reason I left quietly was because the things I preached already hit a boiling point, and I am not interested in or attempting to bring about disunity or a church split.

Those things said, my household members have received numberous text messages demanding an explaination why we left "the body".

I truly believe if the members listened to the things I said it would bring about some extremely controversial issues regarding pentecostal doctrine.
I do not at all wish to cause someone to backslide, and that is my biggest concern.

I'd say nothing. It will label you. Often our views change. Give yourself liberty to develop in the Lord without being pigeon holed.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I don't know...I think the public interrogation thing could quickly turn into a mob hit.

Further, you mentioned that you had preached, so I'm assuming you were in a leadership position which gives you influence with people. Don't wield that carelessly. If you "rock the boat" too much, there are some people who will end up simply confused by it. Not everyone possesses the ability to discuss a matter without feeling like they have to pair it with some action. e.g., if someone walks away confused, they may question every church teaching, and not just the ones with which you disagree. They'll pair that up with the end result of just not attending anymore. To think this couldn't be a possibility would be naive.

Also, I'm assuming this will put you in opposition with their existing church leaders/elders.

I guess I still don't see the benefit.

They should already question/be questioning every church teaching shouldn't they? And if they do stop attending that church and doing some individual truth searching whose to say that is a bad thing?

[SteppingStone]

Originally Posted by Servetus

I recently voluntarily left a church over major doctrinal differences concerning salvation, as well as some issues which I say at best are non-essentials, at worst are legalism.

The church members have appearently spoken with their pastor (or vice versa) and they want me to come and "explain" why I left in front of the whole church.

I am very confident about the things I left over, and have no issues dealing with questions, if I am indeed given an oppertunity to answer them (instead of being shouted down-I'm not getting involved in a carnal shouting match).

However, part of the reason I left quietly was because the things I preached already hit a boiling point, and I am not interested in or attempting to bring about disunity or a church split.

Those things said, my household members have received numberous text messages demanding an explaination why we left "the body".

I truly believe if the members listened to the things I said it would bring about some extremely controversial issues regarding pentecostal doctrine.
I do not at all wish to cause someone to backslide, and that is my biggest concern.

Try not to get sucked into defending yourself, it almost never works out and they will more than likely twist your words anyways. Say nothing and let God vindicate you, take it to prayer and leave it at that..