2.2 How Canadian Pentecostals Form a Ministerial Organization

[John]

I can imagine historically, the idea of a group of Christians that advocated tongues, healing and emotional expressions would be sharply rebuked by mainline Christians. The desire to come together of like-mindedness would seem a high priority to show the world a growing group with similar convictions. This concept would be fortified with the end-times impulse of that time. World War brought images of revelation and the working of Satan with an expectation of Jesus to come at any moment. Focus on particulars would seem low importance compared to the soon return of the Lord.

[VICTOR]

As my professor and god-parent always tell us, “Keep the main thing, the main thing!” I think PAOC’s statement is a very good guideline as we do what we’re supposed to do. A lot of leaders focus too much on theological and doctrinal issues that they have forgotten there are lost souls dying everyday without hearing the gospel, as they are too busy refuting other’s beliefs. Max Lucado said in one his books, “When fisher man don’t fish, they fight!” Christians are called to fish. We should fish! It doesn’t matter if the bait is cheap, or the net/string are original or second hand, or if they are from Value Village or from Cabellas/OutDoor outlet in the Mall. What’s important is that we fish!

I am not saying that we should ignore theology and doctrine, but they are not the very first calling believers have. Jesus did not mandate us to “Go ye therefore and refine your theology and doctrines…” but to disciple all nations. Some doctrinal and theological differences we have from other Christians are not even going to matter in heaven. So, why bother? If we can let it go, let go… and focus on the main thing–discipling the nations!

[IKECHUKWU]

All these shows me is the constant need of Jesus among us His body and also the beauty on how the Father loves us all.😃

[Cailey]

Such a situation as the one between the Early PAOC & Smalls is so important to acknowledge. God has created us all differently so that the world is diverse, it’s so wonderful that we have the freedom to form our own opinions and beliefs. Just Because PAOC and Smalls’ disagreed doesn’t mean neither of them were doing less works for God. The important thing to remember is that it is all for God. However, I do agree with PAOC’s focus on evangelism over doctrine. So often we get caught on little details through doctrine that it can interfere with our relationship with Christ. It’s so wonderful PAOC recognized the confusion it could create & put individuals relationship with God & salvations first. It is unfortunate how Smalls reacted but again, it shows we were all created differently and sometimes we go about things in our own ways.

[Micah]

I agree. I think that the PAOC’s focus on evangelism over doctrine allowed for a greater sense of unity and dispelled confusion, as well as leaving room for the Spirit to be moving and drawing people to Christ amidst the formation of an organization.

This also points out the need for humility to me and the importance of the accountability of scripture and the church (both now and historically). It is interesting that Small was so convinced by Oneness while the church had for so long denounced it as heresy, and leads me to want to be careful to ask when I am leaning on my own convictions aside from the accountability of the historical church and the body of Christ around me.