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2.2 How Canadian Pentecostals Form a Ministerial Organization
Reflect on the following quote from the early conciliatory statement of the PAOC:
“be it resolved that we disapprove… of all such issues that divide and confuse God's people to no profit, and that aggressive evangelism be our motto.”
What do you think of the PAOC’s decision to allow a breadth of belief on some aspects of their doctrinal statement? Who should decide whether a matter is of secondary or primary importance, whether an issue is divisive and confusing, or clear and unifying? What do you think of the PAOC’s focus on evangelism over doctrine? Respond in a paragraph.
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30 Replies
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The main focus is to introduce Christ to the world that do know him.
The woman at the well what was her scripture she used to evangelize, come see a man who told me all about myself. Once christ I the centre we will not miss the mark .
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I fully support this stance to focus on reaching those who do not know Christ, rather than split hairs on doctrinal differences. We all love and worship the same Holy God, small things such as the way water baptism is preformed should not divide us as believers. It saddens me when people get so riled up over these things as I feel they are missing the heart of Christ in their disputes
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Honestly, it saddens me whenever a split takes place. I was happy to see that PAOC would allow Frank to pastor in his own convictions, and confused as to why the split and not the acceptance of that answer. Perhaps there should be a board with members from all areas to be able to visit on these matters. To allow room for disagreements, but still find unity in the decision making. I believe the doctrine must be a firm foundation in order for us to be fully equipped and empowered to be able to go out and evangelize.
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I agree with this statement, as the Bible itself warns against unprofitable arguments & controversies.
I think the guiding principle as to what matters are of primary or secondary importance should be resolved through the filter of this: how does it profit us to agree on this point, and what are the dangers if we do not?
An additional point for reflection could be whether or not the authors of Biblical letters felt it necessary to warn against a particular doctrine. For example, John wrote very adamantly that Jesus is God, combating a heresy, and Paul urged the Galatians not to give in to the idea of salvation by works. However, they did not warn against a lot of other things that Christians frequently debate about, such as the “style” of church service, or eschatology.
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