Standards
 

standard

noun stan·dard \ˈstan-dərd\

: a level of quality, achievement, etc., that is considered acceptable or desirable

standards : ideas about morally correct and acceptable behavior

: something that is very good and that is used to make judgments about the quality of other things

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard



1. Who sets the standards in a church?

2. Can "extra-Biblical" standards be required of church members

3. Is compliance to mandatory standards fair?

Re: Standards
 

1. Pastor 2. Yes 3. Yes. Not that I agree with any of it. But that's my take on it

Re: Standards
 

Extra Biblical standards and be required should never be in a church. Cult yes. Church, no.

Anyone who believes in extra biblical standards is out of the will of GOD

Re: Standards
 

Could you list a few "extra-Biblical standards. Thanks.

1. God sets the "standard" by His Word then leads His children by His Spirit

2. No. If a pastor has preferences or things he believes are helpful to one's walk he can share those and explain his reasoning. But he has ZERO authority to REQUIRE something that Christ does not. We forget it is Christ who is the HEAD of the church, not the pastor.

3. The simple answer is no, but really this is a nonsensical question. A better question would be "Is compliance to mandatory standards legalism"? Or "is compliance to mandatory standards a perversion of the gospel"? In which case I'd answer yes and yes.

The obvious ones
-uncut hair on women
-no make up
-no jewelry
-no pants on women

(Feel free to prove any of those are biblically supported and/or required)

Then of course there's variants if standards, literally a list that never ends, including but not limited to:
-sleeve length (short, 3/4, long sleeves only)
- no TV
-no recreational sports or professional sporting events, or organized sports of any kind including pee wee football and little league baseball, nay not even that abomination T-ball
-no reading the sports page or comic section of the newspaper
-no amusement parks
-no wearing the color red, nail polish, piercing ears
-no secular music

I could go on, and whoever wants can add to the list. The whole world could not contain the books of all the standards of the last 100 years.

And in this list I'm not saying I approve of all these things. For example I don't think/suggest any Christian should listen to secular music. I like women to wear skirts, not pierce their ears, or wear nail polish. I don't think going to some pro sporting events is a good idea.

But that's the difference in biblical Christianity and a cult. Biblical Christianity understands Christian liberty and the leading of the Holy Spirit along with the admonition not to love the world and to be separate. It is a Spirit led life.

Yet I can teach on why I think Christians should exercise discernment in entrainment (for example) or modesty (in dress) without giving a complete lust of all approved entertainment or garments. Or think they are so stupid and carnal that they can't follow the Spirit so I just tell them to avoid it all or go to hell.

A legalist or a cult makes rules and says "don't do A,B, or C or you will go to hell."

Big difference.

Re: Standards
 

And here is the problem. Everyone sincerely believes their standards ARE biblical!

Re: Standards
 

:thumbsup And yes, there is the problem.

Cliff notes_______I'm 3rd gen Apostolic Oneness and until 1970's was never under extra-Biblical standards. Since then I've seen many variations. And often the attitude-- standards are heaven or hell.

Downside_____________large number of relatives and saints I know personally, that would Never again go to a UPC church. While I don't think the UPC saves us they had a blessed past.

Re: Standards
 

Well I wasn't born till 72 but I agree with you. I'm also 3rd generation my grandfather and many other family members are in the ministry

Re: Standards
 

1. Who sets the standards in a church? By definition, church is a living breathing entity of believers, and is not limited to one "building" per se. "Assembly" might be a better word to use here?

To answer the question - the group of elders leading the church should prayerfully consider how to apply the principles of the word of God first in their own homes, and that really is where the "standard setting" should start and end. If men/elders would lead their own homes in a godly fashion, there would be no need for "standards" to be set in a church.

2. Extra-biblical standards - if the principle can be found in scripture, the application should be applied as the spirit leads and directs. The principle of the word is to love one another - but the application of love can be applied in hundreds of different ways. The principle of modesty is clearly in the word - but the applications are varied, and many, and none of the applications should be be used as a measuring stick for salvation. This again is where the leading of the spirit would be important.

3. Compliance to standards? A business may have standards that are expected of a worker in return for a salary and benefits. But the church is not a business. It is the kingdom of God, and the head is Jesus Christ. It is HE who sets the standards, and principles, and the elders/fathers of the home who lead their families prayerfully who should instruct their families in the best way to represent Christ, and the kingdom in their lifestyle.