On Matters of Controversy

Because I relish a good 'spirited' discussion on matters of theology and Christian practice--and sometimes disagree with dear brothers or sisters-in-Christ--this link to a letter written by John Newton caught my attention.

I agree,

"Newtons reply...should be required reading for all who engage in theological writing or discussion, whether in books, journals, blogs, or back porches."

(HT - Ligonier Ministries has recently begun a new blog that I am enjoying very much.)

Survey of Denominations ~ Service Overview & Evaluation

Again, for those who have asked:

Here's the second questionnaire for our 'Survey of Denominations' course. The first questionnaire can be found HERE.

Survey of Denominations ~ Service Overview & Evaluation

Church: ____________________ Denomination: _________________
Date/day visited: _______________ Time of service: _______________

If possible, obtain and keep a bulletin/program of the service

Style of service (circle all that apply): formal informal casual traditional contemporary organized disorganized reverent irreverent “high” church

Note the time devoted to various aspects of the service (prayer, corporate singing, preaching, special music, drama/skits, announcements, presentations, testimonies, altar call, etc.)



What was the text of the message/sermon (if any)?

Was the teaching topical or expository?

Was the teaching clear and understandable? ____ If not, was it due to the style of teaching/delivery, or due to the content?


Was the teaching theologically/biblically sound? ____ Explain:

Did you learn/gain anything from the teaching (positive or negative)? ____ Explain:


What questionable teaching or practice did you see or hear? Describe and briefly respond to/address this with Scripture:


Was the gospel clearly communicated/presented? ____ If yes, in what manner (sermon, altar call, testimony):

Describe the psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (God-centered, man-centered, theologically sound, theologically weak, devoid of any theology, reverent, irreverent, traditional, contemporary, etc.):


In what ways did the congregation participate during this service (listening, speaking, singing, shouting, praying, bowing, jumping/swaying, quiet, loud, etc.)?


What did you like or enjoy most about this service (Explain by way of Biblical support or personal preference)?


What did you dislike most (Explain by way of Biblical support or personal preference)?


Would you consider becoming a part of this church/denomination? ____ Why or why not?


Based on this service what, if anything, might you conclude (focus, emphasis, lack of emphasis, understanding, application, practice, etc.) about this denomination’s:


Christology: (doctrine of Christ):


Pneumatology (doctrine of the Holy Spirit):


Anthropology (doctrine of man):


Hamartiology (doctrine of sin):


Soteriology (doctrine of salvation):


Ecclesiology (doctrine of the church/church government):


Eschatology (doctrine of end times):



Overall, would you consider this service more God-centered or more man-centered?


Explain:

Survey of Denominations ~ What is Worship?

Again, for those who asked...

Because we will be observing some vastly different services I believe it is important that Olga establish a Biblical framework from which to consider and evaluate what she sees/experiences--now and in the future. Not to mention that I cannot (will not) ignore the fact that her own experiences have been dramatically different--from Russian Orthodox to conservative Protestant/Evangelical. Whoa! :-)

Prior to beginning our 'Survey of Denominations course, I asked Olga to list what she considered integral to/for corporate worship. I reminded her that not everything done during a "worship" service can be Biblically supported as worship (announcements, special programs, awards/recognitions, etc.).

I was very pleased with the list she came up with and wanted to reinforce how the Bible does in fact guide us and encourage us regarding corporate worship. So, on that same sheet of paper I gave her a number of scripture references to read and examine, and asked her to jot down what that verse might be saying about corporate worship. Here are a few of the passages I assigned to her (you can probably think of some more--leave them in a comment if you like!):

2 Timothy 4:2 - preaching of the Word
1 Timothy 2:8 - men praying
Colossians 3:16 - teaching and admonishing with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
Acts 2:42 - continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer
Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking our own assembling together

Survey of Denominations ~ Website Review and Evaluation

For those of you who asked:

In Phase One of our 'Survey of Denominations' course I am requiring Olga to view the website of a church prior to our visit. Ideally, she will view it early in the week in order to have time to organize her thoughts and consider her expectations.

I have included below the website review questionnaire I created (subject to editing, correction, etc.!). I also have a questionnaire to be completed after we attend a service at that church, and will post that later this week.


Survey of Denominations ~ website review

Church name:__________________ Denomination: ______________

Web address: __________________ Date viewed: _______________

First, view ONLY the home page:

What appears to be the focus of this website (fellowship, programs, social activism/renewal, political/cultural awareness, entertainment, theology/doctrine, a person/personality, etc.)?



Next, allow at least 15 minutes to explore this website:

Is the gospel recognizable and/or clearly presented? ____ Was it easy to find? _____

Is the gospel presented Biblical? _____ Why or why not?


Based on the website, describe the leadership (male, female, training and/or education, laymen, etc.):


What are the various ministries available (list them and describe briefly):


What services are available (worship, prayer meeting, mass, “traditional”, “contemporary”, etc.)?


Personal observations and conclusions:

Based on your examination of the website do you expect this church to be God-centered or man-centered? ____ Why?


Having viewed this church’s website, are you attracted to or ‘repulsed’ by this church?


Describe the aspects of this church that you find appealing, or objectionable:


Do you think your attraction, or objection to this church is Biblically based, or preference based?


Explain/support your attraction or objection:

Survey of Denominations ~ Training in Discernment

Later today our oldest daughter and I will be attending a worship service at a local fellowship that is vastly different in their theology and practice from our own church. "Why?", you may ask. Because it is part of a class I have designed (under the guidance of and with the approval of my husband) called, "Survey of Denominations". Ahhh, one of the many benefits of home schooling our children!

During Seminary, my husband took a "Survey of Denominations" class--which of course was much more formal than the one I/we have designed for home school. I did not take the class with him, but I certainly did enjoy visiting the various denominations (and even some cults) and comparing/contrasting them with Biblical theology and a Xian worldview.

Our desire in doing this is to better equip our daughters (primarily our oldest at this time because she is a believer and is earning/enjoying more freedoms as she matures) so that they can and will be able to consider, weigh, and discern Biblically that which is labeled as or presented to be"Christian".

I've already made a list of denominations and churches I hope/plan to visit. Prior to each church visit, I am requiring Olga to look over the website of that particular church and answer a list of questions. We have already discussed what Scripture considers 'essential' to Xian worship, and that will be the basis for our various worship experiences.

I've really been looking forward to this, and am sure I'll be sharing more in the days to come!

Encouraging and admonishing one another - Practicing Theology

I'm so very grateful for brothers and sisters in Christ. Especially those who practice Biblical encouragement and admonishment--which we all need! I have several such sisters in Christ with whom I am in regular contact, in person, via phone, or via email.

I'm reminded of 2 Peter 1:12-13, where Peter says, "Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder."

We each need Xian sisters and brothers to stand in the gap like Peter did and remind us of God's truth, found only in His Word. Sadly, this has become a lost art and too many of us spout worldly wisdom and/or cliche's.

So, to you who have been used of God in my life to "remind you of these things, even though you already know them", thank you! The only words that truly heal and direct come from God Himself--found in His Word.