The ordination of three women at Saddleback, regardless of context and ministries, will prove to be a story worth watching this week. When a church this big and a pastor this influential make a decision this noticeable … this will test whether or not the SBC really does value “soul freedom” and “local church autonomy,” and it will also challenge the SBC’s revisions of its statement of faith:
I like this theme of stories you are following. I hope it becomes a regular feature.
In regards to Saddleback, I appreciate what they did, but am not sure I am on-board with how they did it. If it goes against SBC laws, then it may have been more appropriate to leave the SBC and do it (and what a splash that would have made- on the level of Beth Moore perhaps).
In regards to church attendance, 1) I agree with those who say it appears we are in a new reality now and that the church needs to adapt in some ways. I have heard many stories of churches learning how they are impacting lives nationally and globally through live streaming, in ways they did not realize they would. 2) I think the purpose of the church needs to be clarified, in regards to its role as a local body, but also its missional role in the larger scheme of things. It does not have to be an either/or situation. Finally, 3) part of the problem is due to the strong (almost exclusive) emphasis on the sermon in churches. If that is the primary goal in church, well then....
I like this theme of stories you are following. I hope it becomes a regular feature.
In regards to Saddleback, I appreciate what they did, but am not sure I am on-board with how they did it. If it goes against SBC laws, then it may have been more appropriate to leave the SBC and do it (and what a splash that would have made- on the level of Beth Moore perhaps).
In regards to church attendance, 1) I agree with those who say it appears we are in a new reality now and that the church needs to adapt in some ways. I have heard many stories of churches learning how they are impacting lives nationally and globally through live streaming, in ways they did not realize they would. 2) I think the purpose of the church needs to be clarified, in regards to its role as a local body, but also its missional role in the larger scheme of things. It does not have to be an either/or situation. Finally, 3) part of the problem is due to the strong (almost exclusive) emphasis on the sermon in churches. If that is the primary goal in church, well then....