We found a religious news service item regarding a particular denomination with which we were once affiliated more than a little interesting. According to the article, it appears that problems are arising in some quarters in consequence of a seemingly inordinate need for authority and control by some of the organization's leadership.
It brought to memory some of the difficulties we once encountered when, upon considering a call to the pulpit of an independent church of identical doctrinal persuasion, we were advised that "the one thing wrong" with the church was that "it doesn't belong to us." After accepting the call, it was then demanded of us as to how soon we would "bring the church in." Matters were little benefited upon our sharing that while both we and the church welcomed their fellowship, the church (whose roots ran somewhat deeply in the old "Swedish Free Church" movement) had requested that we honor their desire to remain an autonomous congregation. Since our objective was to minister Christ, we agreed - no stipulation being placed on our personal association with the organization. Our having done so was little appreciated, however, and we would eventually leave the denomination in good standing.
The present news item also brought to mind the biblical account wherein Jesus' Disciples informed him of their efforts to stop a man performing exorcisms in Jesus' name, "because he does not follow along with us" (Mark 9:39; Luke 9:49). Jesus' answer was both simple and profound: "Do not hinder him, for he who is not against us is for us" (or, "on our side").
Does this mean that we ignore any and all differences in the interests of a boundary-less ecumenism - or that we all rush out the doors of our present arenas of fellowship and worship in the interests of a "sectarian free" sectarianism? No. It means rather that we seek a sense of commonality with other committed believers - a oneness in Christ transcending self-focused interests and pursuits.
To repeat what we have often shared here: The day is coming in which we shall much need one another.
Burl Ratzsch
