Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
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I think you're right Bratti, except I doubt there would be compromise. But if these methods were followed while differences would likely still exist it is likely that people would understand where a brother is coming from and still love him, pray for him, and give him the right hand if fellowship as a brother even if not within the boundaries of the same org.
IOW perhaps they could say "I don't agree with Steve Pixler on everything, but He's my brother in Christ and I love him and pray for his church to have revival.". Instead of praying "every last saint leaves that church and he repents".
Reminds me of the claim I read on a chain email once about praying for Obama and the scripture was "let another take his place" a quotation from Psalms applied to Judas. Granted they were technically "praying" for our president but completely missed the spirit of the scripture. In the same way SEs "prayers" for SP.
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