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American Baptists

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by ABCJim, Jan 12, 2007.

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  1. ABCJim

    ABCJim New Member

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    I've been attending an ABC for a couple years now but am not a member. I've somewhat a mennonite background, but don't really care for the current trend in those churches. I'm considering for my family to become members; would like some advice from other ABCer's on why they chose this particular flavor of Baptist.

    Some of the issues I have against:

    1. Affiliated with the NCC (though I doubt if I asked 10 people in the congregation about it they would know what NCC stands for)
    2. Usual "patriotic" theme found in Baptist churches though not as strong as SBC. There's not a lot of flag waving here, but it's there.
    3. Tends toward the liberal end of the spectrum, though this particular congregation is not. I was told about some homosexual congregational issues out west (Evergreen or something?). Also the women pastors issue bothers me some.

    Some of the issues I have for:

    1. Close to home. I have an idea that a congregation in your own neighborhood makes it better to communicate community to your neighbors. Of course there is an SBC two blocks the other way.
    2. Solid biblical teaching at this congregation.
    3. The nature of ABC is fairly open. One member that was raised ABC and worked in Valley Forge said it's about as undenominational as a denomination can be. For a displaced mennonite fellow like me that leaves an opening for me and my non-resistant ways and to present some aspects of anabaptist teaching they may not have heard before.

    SO anyhow I'm not sure what I want to do. I'm sorta feeling like I need to be a "member" to really be part of the congregation, though no one has ever snubbed me or my family because we are not. But I think I can contribute more as "member" than not. :BangHead: trying to make decisions...

    Any advice, particularly from ABCers would be appreciated. Y'all independents and SBC can contribute if you'll be nice. Even though I'm a newbie here I expect there are the usual issues between these denom groups.

    NOTE: I was very calvinist for 10 years before returning to an arminian view so y'all Reformed Baptists just be cool ;)
     
    #1 ABCJim, Jan 12, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 12, 2007
  2. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    I grew up IFB and married a girl that is ABC.. then got called to preach... and got ordained ABC... and now pastor an ABC church...

    The churches in WV are very conservative... for the most part, a few women pastors, but not many...but to me that is a local church's decision.. I could never set under one, but that is my choice.
    The ABCs are definately not legalistic... which is a good thing, because they point to the grace of God.

    I am ABC because that is where God placed me.
    I am concerned about some of the more liberal voices, but if I leave, that would be one less conservative voice in the denomination.

    The real issue is autonomy... are we willing to give it up in order to throw the Homosexuals out? The ABCUSA has no power to tell any church what to do... that is the way it should be.

    As for the NCC, we as a church can pick and choose what to support... we choose not to.
    We can now also adopt our missionaries... so we can pick and choose those also.

    As for advice, I would say if you feel led by God to join this church do so.
    And you will feel more like a member when you become one... That is the way God designed it.

    After all, you are joining a local church.... and only the denomination indirectly.
     
    #2 tinytim, Jan 12, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 12, 2007
  3. ABCJim

    ABCJim New Member

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    Thank you tinytim that is some excellent advice!
     
    #3 ABCJim, Jan 12, 2007
  4. StraightAndNarrow

    StraightAndNarrow Active Member

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    I was a member of an ABC in NJ for 16 years and it was a terrific church, the best I've ever been associated with. I hated to leave but got a new job almost 1,000 miles away.
     
    #4 StraightAndNarrow, Jan 12, 2007
  5. ABCJim

    ABCJim New Member

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    Are you ABC now?
     
    #5 ABCJim, Jan 13, 2007
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