I came across this article about Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and I'm sad to hear that a faction of the congregation has petitioned to remove Tullian Tchividjian from the pastorate he has only held since March of this year. As he wrote in his op-ed, the reason this is particularly sad is that, because he is the grandson of Billy Graham and the pastorate was formerly held by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, the conflict has moved into the national spotlight, and it reflects poorly on the church's calling to model the gospel before a watching world.
Tullian included the following in his op-ed: "The late Francis Schaeffer once noted that bitter divisions among Christians give the world the justification they're looking for to disbelieve the gospel. But when reconciliation, peacemaking, and unity are on display inside the church, that becomes a powerful witness to this fractured world. 'Just as I have loved you,' Jesus commanded, 'you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another'" (John 13:34-35).
If indeed the charges against Tullian include: his desire not to wear a robe when he preaches, not honoring the legacy and preferences of Dr. Kennedy, and not preaching political sermons (for which Dr. Kennedy was known), it would appear that the disgruntled group has already lost sight of the preeminence of the gospel. We can pray for this church as they vote tomorrow, that they will experience reconciliation and the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
Wow, that is absolutely shameful. I recently read in the Institutes what Calvin called the marks of a good church and when it is permissable for people to leave a local congregation. Those reasons you quote definitely do not meet his standards.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look that up in the Institutes...thanks!
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