How to recommend the Baptists to the Plymouth Brethren

[Matt Black]

Are the Presbyterians prevalent in the UK anymore?

Only really present in the 'Celtic Fringes' ie: Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England, the main Presbies merged with the Congregational Church(es) in 1971, are now known as the United Reformed Church and are about as conservative as TEC in the US, so no way would I be recommending them to the in-laws!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Only really present in the 'Celtic Fringes' ie: Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England, the main Presbies merged with the Congregational Church(es) in 1971, are now known as the United Reformed Church and are about as conservative as TEC in the US, so no way would I be recommending them to the in-laws!

Matt, they are going to do what they are going to do. I would gather that they are not amorous toward Anglicanism either. Have you at least spoken directly with guys like Dave Lamb or Steve Owen over in the UK?

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

1. Autonomy/ independence of the local church. Both of them say this is without Scriptural warrant, Exclusives being connexional in their ecclesiology. They believe in the concept of a 'gathered people of God', as do the Baptists, but they also believe that such gatherings should be connected.

2. Soul liberty: again, they do not believe that believers are free to draw their own conclusions from Scripture. They (unlike the Jimmies) do not have any kind of 'Magisterium' dictating how they should interpret Scripture, but they do believe that all Christians in a particular connexion/ Meeting should be of one mind. They often cite the Scripture, "How can people walk together unless they are agreed."

3. Ordained ministers: Brethren have always been anti-clerical and my in-laws would have great difficulty with the idea of pastors and deacons. They would view NT references to the same as being part of 'that dispensation' ie: before the Bible was completed (much as they do the spiritual gifts), and 'not for today'.

4. Style of worship: I accept that this varies greatly from Baptist church to Baptist church but the Meetings are very informal with unaccompanied singing with each Brother choosing a hymn or Scripture verse and perhaps expounding on the latter, all 'as the Spirit leads'. They have three Meetings on a Sunday: the Breaking of Bread, which is their communion service; the Reading, which is more of an expository preaching by one of the Brothers on a chosen passage of Scripture; and 'the Gospel', which is their evangelistic evening Meeting to which the public are in theory invited although rarely attend and at which the Gospel is preached. At none of their Meetings are women allowed to speak or pray.

Any suggestions?

With these requirements as a start - plus the infant/covenant baptism, I don't see how this can correspond to a Baptist church. The two just seem so far apart. There is an Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales (EPCEW) denomination. It seems to be a fairly small denomination -- see http://www.epcew.org.uk/, but it may be a better fit -- of course, depending upon their location.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Are they int he USA now?

Yes, we're still here. :thumbs:

 

[DaChaser1]

Yes, we're still here. :thumbs:

Conservative or liberal branch?

 

[Matt Black]

With these requirements as a start - plus the infant/covenant baptism, I don't see how this can correspond to a Baptist church. The two just seem so far apart. There is an Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales (EPCEW) denomination. It seems to be a fairly small denomination -- see http://www.epcew.org.uk/, but it may be a better fit -- of course, depending upon their location.

These guys seem sound but they don't have any congos near my in-laws (south London). The reason I plumped for Baptists as a possible ship for them to jump to is that F-i-L in particular has spoken with great affection of Baptists he has known as being men of faith, and is an admirer of Spurgeon as well.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

These guys seem sound but they don't have any congos near my in-laws (south London). The reason I plumped for Baptists as a possible ship for them to jump to is that F-i-L in particular has spoken with great affection of Baptists he has known as being men of faith, and is an admirer of Spurgeon as well.

As am I. :thumbsup:

I have friends there who attend an evangelical church, though I don't know the details. I think they are south of the city as well. I'll try to find out where they attend and let you know.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Conservative or liberal branch?

Both are still here and those in between.

Presbyterian Church (USA) - www.pcusa.org
Cumberland Presbyterian Church - www.cumberland.org
Evangelical Presbyterian Church - www.epc.org
Presbyterian Church in America - www.pcanet.org
Orthodox Presbyterian Church - www.opc.org

Personally, the church I attend is on the more conservative side.

 

[Matt Black]

As is I. :thumbsup:

Kind of guessed that with your handle!

I have friends there who attend an evangelical church, though I don't know the details. I think they are south of the city as well. I'll try to find out where they attend and let you know.

Thx. Appreciate that.