Differences Within Congregations

[D+C]

I recently met the pastor of my local congregational chapel for some spiritual guidance, and it was really excellent. He described an evangelicalism that I had never considered, having always been an Anglican and having only explored the Orthodox and Catholic churches. He described a Christian faith, an evangelicalism, in which every follower of Christ takes the time to read and study the scriptures and takes responsibility for their own spiritual formation rather than subsuming their faculties to a leader or a magisterium. He then went on to say that it is vital that this Christian life is then lived in fellowship with other Christians on similar journeys, listening to sound teaching, praying and worshipping together and helping one another and those around us.

This probably sounds entirely normal to you all, but it was very new to me. He then left me with three authors to read to understand the "flavour" of this local fellowship. They were John Piper, John MacArthur and Oswald Chambers. I have enjoyed reading all three, but am especially moved by Chambers.

Now I understand that these three have rather distinct theological approaches. Certainly Chambers as a Holiness evangelical and Piper as a Calvinist have some clear differences. So what this has left me wondering is whether it is normal to find people with different theological views in the same non-denominational fellowship? So if, for example, one were to become convinced of a Wesleyan Holiness, while others were convicted Calvinists, would the areas of agreement on orthodox "mere" Christianity be sufficient for all to keep worshipping together? And is this common?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

I think it is common, and fraught with many dangers - if it is what is commonly called 'ecumenical-ism'....
still, it sounds like you are on the path to God under God's leading, and I hope and pray that this is so.

btw, the only 'teacher' who taught well (as far as I know) about how believers in different groups could and do share life in Christ together without sin
was watchman nee (cfp christian fellowship publishers, NOT living stream publishers(a cult owned business))

some others taught how to have life in Christ,
and some about how to 'get along' with others,
but I don't remember any except nee who taught how to live in Christ Jesus AND how we have fellowship with other believers(in different groups) without sinning.

 

[D+C]

Thank you for your reply. I'm not really talking about ecumenism, in fact I know this particular chapel rejects the idea. More talking about different members within the congregation taking inspiration from disparate figures (such as Wesley and Calvin).

 

[1watchman]

Keep in mind that there are three distinct, but integral aspects of the Christian faith ---Redemption Way (including the gospel message); Church Truth; and Spiritual Life.

Many esteemed writers of olden times were clear on the Gospel message of salvation and Spiritual growth, yet neglected or misapplied Church Truth. That continues to divide and scatter the saints of God. Satan hates God's testimony, and since he cannot take away real salvation (the new birth) he concentrates his work to divide and scatter God's people with various sects.

We need to understand God's testimony as given, rather than promote further sects in the world ---there is "one body in Christ".

 

[dcalling]

D+C, what you said is normal to me, I never know the differences between denominations.

 

[D+C]

Thanks dcalling!