Conservative members/churches in liberal denominations

[Michael Wrenn]

I posted the following elsewhere, in the Baptist section, but I thought it might make an interesting thread here:

I was Episcopalian in the late 80's for a few years. There were several small churches within a 50-mile radius -- not growing but stable, all things considered. Since the significant changes in the PCUSA and TEC that have happened lately, I wanted to see if I could find out the status of these Episcopal Churches, and also those of the PCUSA and the UMC. What I have found is sad and rather shocking. A few of those small Episcopal churches have closed their doors, four or five others are sharing a supply priest, and another had its priest retire a few months ago and have not had a service since; they were averaging about 13-17 in attendance. I talked to a member the other day; this little church is in my wife's hometown. This man excitedly asked me if I knew anyone who might come and be a supply minister for them. He said they were a very conservative congregation. It just struck me at the time that here was an older, conservative congregation struggling to keep their little church alive, not agreeing with the direction of the national church, but not wanting to give up their small church. They seemed not to have any options; they obviously want to remain Episcopalians. Their little church is beautiful and has a long history. I really felt sympathy for them. And there are many more churches like this all around here. I know of one small Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) out in the country that is presently being served by a Baptist Association director, and by two retired Methodist ministers!

These people don't know what to do; they just want to keep worshiping in these small churches that have been their home churches for many years. I asked one member what they did about money that has to go to the national church; he told me they give as little as possible -- I guess they have to pay their assessments (this is a Presbyterian church).

Anyway, if you were in that situation, what would you do? Would you do like these members, or would you likely not continue to worship there?

 

[billwald]

The USofA has a de facto civil religion united by "Amazing Grace." It includes most dispensational and Reformed Christians who are filling the pews ever Sunday morning. I suspect it includes most US Catholics since Vatican 2.

 

[billwald]

But to respond to the thread title . . . .


Is your local Christian friendly to you? Respectful towards things you hold sacred? You like their worship service? You like to talk to them? Good pot lucks? CAN YOU BE and will they let you be useful to the congregation? If So, praise God and stay put.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I dont worship at dead churches.

 

[drfuss]

"These people don't know what to do; they just want to keep worshiping in these small churches that have been their home churches for many years. I asked one member what they did about money that has to go to the national church; he told me they give as little as possible -- I guess they have to pay their assessments (this is a Presbyterian church)."

My son and daughter-in-law go to a PCA Presbyterian church and are now looking for another Presbyterian church because the PCA went liberal. I found that there is another Presbyterian church organization that broke away form the PCA some years ago because of their liberal change. It is called the Evangelical Presbyterian Churches and has a website showing where the EPC churches are located. As far as I could see from the website of the local EPC church, they are as scripturally sound as one could expect from a Presbyterian church.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

I dont worship at dead churches.

Who said anything about dead churches. Just because a church is small and struggling to stay open does not mean it is dead. These are conservative churches in liberal denominations.

 

[billwald]

>These people don't know what to do; they just want to keep worshiping in these small churches that have been their home churches for many years.

Or they know exactly what they want to do. The old people continue on in their old ways and do the minimum that is required to maintain their denominational standing. As long as they are paying the bills, good for them!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

"These people don't know what to do; they just want to keep worshiping in these small churches that have been their home churches for many years. I asked one member what they did about money that has to go to the national church; he told me they give as little as possible -- I guess they have to pay their assessments (this is a Presbyterian church)."

My son and daughter-in-law go to a PCA Presbyterian church and are now looking for another Presbyterian church because the PCA went liberal. I found that there is another Presbyterian church organization that broke away form the PCA some years ago because of their liberal change. It is called the Evangelical Presbyterian Churches and has a website showing where the EPC churches are located. As far as I could see from the website of the local EPC church, they are as scripturally sound as one could expect from a Presbyterian church.

Or the Orthodox Presbyterian Church or the Reformed Baptist Churches

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Who said anything about dead churches. Just because a church is small and struggling to stay open does not mean it is dead. These are conservative churches in liberal denominations.

That need to either start their own church or join with a church that is more attuned to the faith of the group...otherwise my friend, they will be dead as time marshals on. Been there & done that.