Welcome Fellow Christians - Steve Pixler 8/17/14

[MissBrattified]

I understand the great disappointment and misgivings that any conservative Apostolic would have over Steve Pixler going a liberal direction, assuming that's what he's doing. Obviously if you feel strongly enough about [any particular] doctrine to believe that it's a salvation-maker-or-breaker, then you would feel strongly enough to want people to be under different leadership--out of concern for their souls.

That said, I don't understand the complete departure from biblical protocol for someone who is going astray. Shouldn't each minister who is concerned set up a private meeting with Steve Pixler to try to dissuade him from his views? If that doesn't work out, shouldn't there then be a meeting with a few more ministers present? And if that doesn't work, shouldn't an open-to-the-whole-church-meeting be called to discuss his views and decisions?

Who knows what kinds of agreements, resolutions, and compromises could be reached if people simply followed the NT prescription for precisely these types of situations. Instead, the modus operandi is to isolate oneself from the offending party, gossip about them, tear up their reputation, criticize, "warn" other people against them, etc.

It always amazes me, the lengths to which we'll go to avoid any given biblical method. God gives us the perfect solution, and we still set about doing it all our way--the way that most pleases our flesh. The problem is that doing things carnally results in destruction, chaos and death. There's a reason why Paul said to let those who are "spiritual" restore those who are taken in a "fault"--in a spirit of meekness.

Mind you, I'm not making statements about SP or drawing conclusions about his recent messages. I haven't had time to listen to any of the sermons that have been linked on this forum, and I'm not privy to any personal facts about this situation (not that I would share them, even if I were). It does seem to me that biblical protocol ought to matter. Actually, it should be of the utmost importance to anyone who is truly concerned for Steve Pixler and his congregation.