What did you say? Change in a Baptist church - is that even possible? It seems as if Baptist churches as whole have quite the reputation for becoming almost as rigid and legalistic as other types of religious organizations. Is it possible to have change in a church? Surely, there has to be some upgrades and things we can do differently; however, it seems as if everything I read says I should go this direction or that direction. If it is possible to go another direction, should we do it? Well, I decided to write down some of my thoughts on the subject.
Life is a wonderful mixture of change and stability. Fortunately, there are some things that never change. Babies are born into this world today exactly like they were 6000 years ago. People still breathe oxygen and still eat dinner. Spring still comes after winter. And fall still comes after summer. Some things never change!
Yet other things change all of the time. The world does not contain the same people today that it contained just yesterday. The world is not the same as it was before! Knowledge, science and technology continue to revolutionize and change our world… most of it for the better.
However, there are some things we want to change! WE WANT FOLKS TO CHANGE THEIR CLOTHES ONCE IN A WHILE, DON'T WE? But we do not want them to change and wear nothing at all! We want the rain to change to sun. BUT WE DO NOT WANT IT TO BECOME SUNNY AND NEVER RAIN AGAIN!
Change is necessary and good in some cases, but it is dangerous in others! For instance, Jesus told us to beware of clinging to the traditions of men. But then, in the same Bible we are told to stand fast and hold the traditions we have been taught in the Word of God! There are morals and principles throughout God’s Word that teach us how to live. Thankfully, we live in a country that was founded on many of these principles taught throughout scripture. May we never change the Biblical way of living and the Biblical focus on which our country was founded.
Now, I hope we can all agree that while there are many things that we must never change, there are some things that we MUST change. It is imperative for churches to realize that in order to reach people in today’s culture that we cannot continue to do church like the 1950’s anymore. After all, what businessman runs his corporation the same way that his father did? What businessman even runs his business today the same way today that he did five years ago? So, change MUST be facilitated; however, compromise must never be made. It is absolutely essential that things DO change!
Unfortunately, people tend to become one dimensional and it never even occurs to them that there might be a different way to do things that is not anti-biblical or sinful. Know this, if we can find ways to reach others that does not violate our beliefs and doctrine, we should do it… even if it means criticism. And make no mistake, criticism will come. Because for some reason, it is easier for folks to label things as unbiblical or sinful for the simple reason that they do not understand it or because they would prefer it a different way.
Now, before I go any further, let me say that change is not the answer to reaching others. Neither is change something that should be done haphazardly. It is merely a tool that, if used effectively, can help you to have a greater impact to aid in what you are already doing and help you become more relevant. If you are not reaching others for Christ now, chances are the screens you put in your auditorium and the name change at your sign will not transform your church to achieve a “Pentecost” moment this Sunday. Change for sake of changing is ridiculous. There are church leaders all over this country that think the answer to reaching others is to completely change everything to be more “seeker sensitive.” This has destroyed thousands of churches. I believe we ought to be aware of what “seekers” needs are; however, our churches are to be “Savior sensitive.” Far too many pastors have fallen for the latest fads and gimmicks in church movements and destroyed their church. Are there people that have accomplished this successfully? Well, I’m sure there are; however, just because someone else has done it does not mean that you should. No change should be done without lots of prayer, wise counsel, proper leadership, and most importantly a God given vision.
Now, let me tell you some of the things that we must not change. There are things that we must cling to like a man hanging to the side of a cliff. Some things to which we must hold fast. These are things that we cannot let change regardless of what culture throws our way! There are some things that make true Baptists different than all the rest of the groups out there. These are the things that we cannot compromise!
There are seven essential fundamentals of the Baptist faith. Historically, Baptists have clung to these fundamentals and have taught them from generation to generation. They have been the reason that Baptists remain today, the largest body of non-catholic Christians in the World. They are the reason that Baptists are the leaders in missionary endeavors worldwide. They are the reason why Baptists have influenced the world since the days of the Apostles. WE MUST NEVER ALLOW OURSELVES TO CHANGE THESE ISSUES!
These teachings may be remembered by associating them with the letters that form the word "BAPTIST":
Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21
Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy, however, does not mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship (and should) with other churches around mutual interests and in an associational tie.
Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23
Priesthood of the Believer
Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests, we can study God's Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God--whether we are a preacher or not.
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10
Two Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord's Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins.
Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. Baptists have always opposed religious persecution. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3
Two Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church--pastor and deacon. The three terms--"pastor," "elder," and "bishop," or "overseer"--all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church.
1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1
*This blog is an abbreviated message from a Wednesday Night Bible study group. For more information on our church see www.gbcfamily.tv.
