A new believer asks: Which church?

[Michael Wrenn]

This is what I would recommend:

After confirming that he has believed in Christ as his Lord and Savior, and has truly repented of his sins, I would take him to the nearest lake, river or ocean and baptize him in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to fulfill Christ's command. I would immerse him unless there is no availability of a large enough body of water (he is in prison, for example, serving a life term) to immerse him, then I would baptize him by pouring as mentioned in the Didache as a "second best" mode of baptism.

Next I would read through the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and Romans with him. I would not give him any denominational push one way or the other. After reading Scripture I would pray with him and ask God to show him which church is best for him. I would also give a denominationally neutral book that lists the beliefs of the largest denominational groups in Christianity: RCC, EOC, Lutheran, Reformed, and Baptist. I would make sure that there is no bias towards any one denomination. The book would list each denomination's doctrinal views and criticisms of the other groups from their own literature.

I would warn him not to listen or talk with the cults: LDS, JWs, the Ron Hubbard people, etc.

I would invite him to visit my church with me, but only after he has done all the above.

You left the Anglicans, Methodist/Wesleyans, and Pentecostal/Charismatics off your list.

Your answer is good.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

Remember, Catholics, Mormons, JW's all consider themselves "Christian"


If a person lives too far away to pick up, there is this little invention (by Al Gore) called the INTERNET, that could help us find a church for the new convert

:laugh:

But, yes, the internet would be a good source.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

I am a Baptist by conviction. I believe that as a general rule, Baptists hold the truth regarding the way of salvation. the truth regarding baptism and have the correct ecclesiology. In short, Baptists are right on just about everything.

Therefore, I will seek to persuade any new convert to my way of thinking. It would be a dereliction of my discipleship duty if I did not point him in the direction of truth and steer him away from error.

Those of other persuasions have the same duty.

I generally agree with that statement, although I would not exclude everybody other than Baptists.

 

[annsni]

No, he said that there was no distinction in Christ.

No distinction at the cross but do you truly think that a saved slave is suddenly no longer a slave or a Jew is no longer a Jew? There is a difference between value and role that too many forget.

 

[TCGreek]

A God-centered, Christ-exalting, Holy Spirit-led, Bible-Believing, Discipleship-minded, Mission-Minded, and Grace-Giving, whether Baptist or not.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

No distinction at the cross but do you truly think that a saved slave is suddenly no longer a slave or a Jew is no longer a Jew? There is a difference between value and role that too many forget.

non sequitur

God dispenses gifts without regard to gender, social status, nationality.

 

[Wittenberger]

You left the Anglicans, Methodist/Wesleyans, and Pentecostal/Charismatics off your list.

Your answer is good.

I consider all the groups you mentioned as "Reformed" as they were started by reformed theologians (Anglicans) or are descended or broken off from Reformed groups (Methodists and Pentecostals). I would not include the "Jesus only" charismatics in any group. They are a cult.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

I consider all the groups you mentioned as "Reformed" as they were started by reformed theologians (Anglicans) or are descended or broken off from Reformed groups (Methodists and Pentecostals). I would not include the "Jesus only" charismatics in any group. They are a cult.

Broadly speaking you are correct. I have always contended that Calvinists and Arminians have more in common than is usually realized. But Arminians would be much put off by being called "Reformed".

I wanted to ask you something, and I hope I don't offend you because that is not my purpose: You are a member of the LCMS, correct? I know you have an aversion to Baptist fundamentalism, which was what you formerly were, so I was wondering why you joined a Lutheran body which is considered by many to be a fundamentalist body, not just conservative?

 

[annsni]

non sequitur

God dispenses gifts without regard to gender, social status, nationality.

But does the gift of teaching mean that one must be a pastor of a church?

 

[Michael Wrenn]

But does the gift of teaching mean that one must be a pastor of a church?

No, of course not.