A respected friend of mine recently wrote somewhere that it is a sin to break fellowship with Christians over differences in theology including ecclesiology (paraphrased). He also wrote on his blog that constantly offering unsolicited advise drives people away.
I am compelled to admit I have done both of these. Breaking fellowship over differences in ecclesiology, how I believe the church should gather. And I have offered unsolicited advice, mostly general advice on social media.
Ecclesiology is the theology of the ecclesia, aka the church. To be specific, ecclesiology is the theology concerning the nature of Christian ministry and gatherings of Christians.
Over the past several years I have been excited and at times passionate about rethinking and reforming how Christians gather for church meetings. Hoping to bring meetings closer to what Jesus began among his followers and what we read about in the New Testament.
If I am being perfectly honest, this effort of mine has seemed to have mostly fallen on deaf ears. I’ve not been able to change existing churches that I associate with. I’ve sat down with many men in the ministry, and many saints who feel frustrated about similar problems. They agree at least in principle with what I suggest but leave it at that.
My efforts do seem to have been fruitless. As difficult as that is to admit.
Christians in my day seem only interested in inspiring sermons. And ministry to most means “helping others to hear sermons.”
I can’t fully express how disappointing this has been to me. To see what I see of the Lord’s plan for his kingdom on earth. To see it yet not be able to do anything about it. Even among the Christians in my own family and friends. It’s been one of the most exciting and disappointing revelations from the Lord of my life.
NOT Ok to Break Fellowship Over Theological Differences
What I do know is that it is not ok with the Lord to break fellowship with the Christians in our lives because we disagree on matters like these. Jesus followers are meant to be in fellowship one with another. It is sinful to abandon one another or drive people away, because we have differing church or ministry visions. The verse about “how can two walk together lest they be in agreement?” is taken out of context. It does not mean we have to agree on everything to remain in fellowship.
No two Christians will agree on everything all the time. And if they do, one of them is not thinking for himself, he is likely immature, and not fully following the Lord, And he is likely merely following other inspiring men.
I think it is actually good to not see eye to eye on every matter, that is one of the things that fellowship is for. Iron sharpening iron. Working out of differences as we seek the Lord’s wisdom and will TOGETHER. That is how we are to come to the mind of Christ by working it out together.
When it comes to church gatherings I’ve found the most important thing is to be led of the Holy Spirit. If the Lord leads you to attend a sermon church, then go without hesitation. If the Lord inspires you to stay home and teach your family or friends then do so without guilt. If the Lord inspires you to ask out a friend to lunch to share something then do so faithfully. Make no rules!
Doing always the same thing without asking permission and guidance about where, when and what to gather around. That is error. Being flexible and submissive every single day, every single moment to the leadings of the spirit of Jesus Christ. And to not hold grudges, not give out cold shoulders if we cannot get into agreement on certain matters.
We are not to operate on Sunday autopilot! Forever doing the same thing as if that is earning us some sort of status. Church attendance status is not a thing in the kingdom of God. If it’s a thing with you ….then I’m not sure who you’re following.
Listening to and cooperating with the Spirit of the Lord is what “earns” us something. If he is leading you to do the same thing for decades and it involves sitting idle then I’d question something else.
Anyhow
Jesus can talk through any of his children at any time, men, women, children, stubborn, passive, and those with imperfect or differing theologies. Be willing to meet with them in any way, and at any time and always. Always listen for the voice of the Lord, the Spirit of Jesus Christ for specific leadings and instructions.
