Should we partner with unbeleivers in Ministry Work??!

[Havensdad]

So you saying that it would be acceptable if individual members say were in a prayer march over abortion, but if the pastor came and announced that his church was part of the march, would be wrong?

No, not a prayer march. But there would be some situations where some level of partnership would be unavoidable...politics, for example.

isn't the seperation to be done along line of doctrines , NOT social issues that different churches can agree on are wrong?

You are making an imaginary separation that isn't there. "Social issues" ARE doctrinal. I also think you misunderstand; I have no problem with other believers. I have a problem partnering w/ catholics, mormons, and others who are not actually in the Christian faith. You can partner w/ Presbyterians or Non-denoms all day long...

 

[Yeshua1]

No, not a prayer march. But there would be some situations where some level of partnership would be unavoidable...politics, for example.




You are making an imaginary separation that isn't there. "Social issues" ARE doctrinal. I also think you misunderstand; I have no problem with other believers. I have a problem partnering w/ catholics, mormons, and others who are not actually in the Christian faith. You can partner w/ Presbyterians or Non-denoms all day long...

Even if the catholics were saved?

Do understand your point about mixing with denominations/groups that teach and preach another gospel. but can we still "do business: with individuals saved in those churches/groups?

 

[Havensdad]

Even if the catholics were saved?

Do understand your point about mixing with denominations/groups that teach and preach another gospel. but can we still "do business: with individuals saved in those churches/groups?

Um, "saved" Catholics?? No.

Since Catholics and Mormons deny the Biblical gospel, and reject the grace of Christ for a system of merits, I would say even on the off-chance that their were a few saved lay people in their ranks, that were ignorant enough of their cult's teachings to remain, they are nevertheless walking in disobedience and are "contrary to the truth" and thus, should be avoided as per 1 Corinthians 5.

However, I am doubtful of any "saved" individuals among the ranks of the Catholic church. Faith is based on knowledge, and a wrong knowledge= a non-saving faith.

 

[Zaac]

No, not a prayer march. But there would be some situations where some level of partnership would be unavoidable...politics, for example.

This is probably one of the reasons the church has such a bad reputation. I don't believe we should partner with that which is against Christ PERIOD. Other than partnering with groups that teach false doctrine, this is perhaps the largest area in which the church ruins its witness.

I think we try to make exceptions for politics because we feel we have to sometimes choose between the lesser of two evils if we're gonna be a part of the process.

But that's exactly the type of compromise the church does not need to be known for.

Stand on God's word and preach the Gospel. If none of the candidates do then none of them should get the Christian's support, IMO.

 

[Zaac]

Even if the catholics were saved?

if they are going to remain under the banner of Catholic while attempting to partner with you, then absolutely not. The Catholic Church is known for doing and believing certain things. To keep from authoring confusion about what we teach and believe we are to NOT partner with them.

 

[Havensdad]

This is probably one of the reasons the church has such a bad reputation. I don't believe we should partner with that which is against Christ PERIOD. Other than partnering with groups that teach false doctrine, this is perhaps the largest area in which the church ruins its witness.

I think we try to make exceptions for politics because we feel we have to sometimes choose between the lesser of two evils if we're gonna be a part of the process.

But that's exactly the type of compromise the church does not need to be known for.

Stand on God's word and preach the Gospel. If none of the candidates do then none of them should get the Christian's support, IMO.

Absolutely. I believe you misunderstand me.

Consider for a moment a really good, God-fearing candidate comes up for election. You say, "Wow, that guy is GREAT! I am going to pass out some buttons, and encourage others to vote for him."

All well and good, except a lot of the OTHER people who are supporting him, and campaigning for him are not all of the same character. There are catholics, mormons, and atheists, who like the candidate for a variety of reasons... so in some sense you are "partnering" with them.

That's what I was referring to...I agree with your sentiment above.

 

[InTheLight]

Absolutely. I believe you misunderstand me.

Consider for a moment a really good, God-fearing candidate comes up for election. You say, "Wow, that guy is GREAT! I am going to pass out some buttons, and encourage others to vote for him."

All well and good, except a lot of the OTHER people who are supporting him, and campaigning for him are not all of the same character. There are catholics, mormons, and atheists, who like the candidate for a variety of reasons... so in some sense you are "partnering" with them.

That's what I was referring to...I agree with your sentiment above.

Are you saying it would be wrong to pass out buttons or bumper stickers for Rick Santorum ?

 

[Havensdad]

Are you saying it would be wrong to pass out buttons or bumper stickers for Rick Santorum ?

I could not in good conscience support or vote for Rick Santorum. However, this is not the right thread for a political discussion.

 

[webdog]

Gina, SCRIPTURE says not to partner with unbelievers....

2Co 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
2Co 6:16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.


That is exceedingly clear.

Where is ministry in that? It is speaking of being yoked...like two oxen going down the same path...spiritually. if you do yoke with an unbeliever, they can be the one to steer you. Irrelevant to the op.

 

[webdog]

Another fallacy from the video, all ministry must be accompanied with the Gospel. Where do we find that concept in the Bible?

 

[InTheLight]

I could not in good conscience support or vote for Rick Santorum. However, this is not the right thread for a political discussion.

Then let's not make it into a political thread. If there were a Catholic candidate for President whose policy positions lined up with yours, esp. on abortion, gay rights, stem cell research, euthanasia, etc. would it be "partnering with unbelievers in ministry" to work on his campaign?

 

[Havensdad]

Where is ministry in that? It is speaking of being yoked...like two oxen going down the same path...spiritually. if you do yoke with an unbeliever, they can be the one to steer you. Irrelevant to the op.

What on earth? You need to read the text again. Not even you can be that obtuse.

 

[Havensdad]

Then let's not make it into a political thread. If there were a Catholic candidate for President whose policy positions lined up with yours, esp. on abortion, gay rights, stem cell research, euthanasia, etc. would it be "partnering with unbelievers in ministry" to work on his campaign?

I would not do so.

 

[Havensdad]

Another fallacy from the video, all ministry must be accompanied with the Gospel. Where do we find that concept in the Bible?

The example of every single bit of ministry in the New Testament. That's all.

 

[webdog]

What on earth? You need to read the text again. Not even you can be that obtuse.

Ok, just read it again. Now would you care to show where the portion you added to that passage? Using your narrow interpretation, any believer who earns a living working with and for unbelievers is in sin, as they are 'partnering' with them in common goals. Surely you cannot be that obtuse...baldy

 

[Havensdad]

Ok, just read it again. Now woupd you care to show where the portion you added to that passage? Using your narrow interpretation, any believer who earns a living working with and for unbelievers are in sin, as they are 'partnering' with them in common goals. Surely you cannot be that obtuse...baldy

Working for an unbeliever to make a living, is not "partnering." The clear context of the text is ministry work.

 

[webdog]

The example of every single bit of ministry in the New Testament. That's all.

Got it, so nowhere in particular, you just wildly brush as you see fit.

 

[InTheLight]

V

Ok, just read it again. Now would you care to show where the portion you added to that passage? Using your narrow interpretation, any believer who earns a living working with and for unbelievers is in sin, as they are 'partnering' with them in common goals. Surely you cannot be that obtuse...baldy

Working for an unbeliever is partnering with them on economics, not ministry. I don't see it as being unequally yoked per the context of righteousness vs. lawlessness or darkness vs. light.

 

[webdog]

Working for an unbeliever to make a living, is not "partnering." The clear context of the text is ministry work.

Sure it is. The common goal is to make the company profitable so in turn you reap the benefits. ALL employment is a partnership! You have just reduced and defined the definition to your liking.

 

[Havensdad]

Got it, so nowhere in particular, you just wildly brush as you see fit.

If that's how you want to interpret it. I cannot prove a negative. You are more than welcome to give me an example of ministry work in the New Testament that is completely separate from the Gospel....

I won't hold my breath.