August 25, 2009

It is easy for non-mainline evangelical Christians to view the struggles within the traditional mainline denominations with a condescending eye. Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians and now Lutherans have wrestled and split over various issues of biblical orthodoxy – particularly in recent years regarding the ordination of homosexuals. However, the root of the issue is not uniquely contained in those circles.

The battle now raging above the surface of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, or ELCA, over ordination of "sexually active, monogamous gays and lesbians" is just the latest chapter in the decline of biblical orthodoxy in mainline Christian denominations and the evangelical church in America at large.

The ELCA's vote (559-451) at its national assembly displayed a deep division that has already provided fuel to the fire for many pastors and churches considering leaving the denomination. The more conservative Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod have both held the line on ordination of women as well as gays and lesbians and the WELS has issued a statement opposing the ELCA's decision.

The underlying issue here is theological liberalism that split the Presbyterian church wide open in the 1930s and has slowly but steadily brought the same results in peer denominations such as United Methodists and Episcopalians. Combined with the watered-down, shallow "Bible light" teaching of many leading mega church pastors, it would seem that we face a toxic cocktail for Christianity...

Friday, September 11, 2009
10 AM - 2 PM
Doors open at 9:30 am, Lunch included

First Baptist Church Pflugerville - Education Campus
  306 S. 10th St.
  Pflugerville, Texas 78660


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*Registration deadline: Monday, September 7

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Pastor to Pastor, with Rev. Ed Young

Tuesday, September 22nd
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

"A Day with Ed Young: Church Growth for Every Church"

Lunch provided courtesy of Second Baptist Church.

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Registration: Contact Sharon Cain at 713.957.2000 or email.

Staff Contact: Tom Billings, Executive Director, Union Baptist Association