That’s a really good and interesting question, one I had thought about recently. As a preacher/leader who is persuaded that I have my theological priorities aligned properly I would advise folks in situations like you’ve described (which I imagine is far more common than I’d like) to stay true to the Scriptures according to their understanding/conscience, and of course I’d try to persuade them via logic/philosophy/Scripture that the conservative paradigm makes the most sense of reality and truth.
In that vein I’d urge them to examine their motives for why they believe and practice exactly what they believe and practice. It’s my fairly dogmatic opinion that most people at evangelical churches aren’t there as a first priority due to theological depth and soundness (though they usually are there for the most basic foundational purpose of worship and hearing a rudimentary form of the gospel), but rather because of cultural and sociological factors. In regard to that impression, where they have beliefs that are at odds with the clearly aligned positions of the church, leaders, and covenant I would ask them to examine why they aren’t persuaded to the position of those who they subject themselves to for oversight and to some extent (if I thought they could handle the advice) challenge them to “not just play church”.
I realize that secondary issues will often cause a difference of opinion that should not serve to divide members, and I have an example of that in my own church experience. My (former, beloved and respected) pastor came from the “no pants on women” crowd and subscribed to it. I entertained the same notion early in my growing years of fundamentalism but ultimately turned from it because of what I perceived to be hermeneutical flaws in arriving at that conclusion and Biblical application. My pastor never stopped any expansion of the ministries available to my participation despite my privately known verbal opposition to a view he strongly held to be Biblically true. In some churches such minutia would have been viewed as cause for suppression of growth within ministry leadership and participation and if that had been the case with my situation I would have evaluated if that philosophical difference was enough to justify looking for a different pasture to graze in.
By the way, that former pastor eventually changed his belief structure regarding pants on women.
Great response. I attend a more conservative IFB church for a few reasons. I’ll explain. A chief reason is the convenience of commute. I’m only a mile or two from the church, and I’m not a guy who will be faithful at getting up early on a Sunday morning and driving a long distance, so for the sake of being faithful to church attendance (not just for me, but my family as a whole), it’s important to have a short commute.
A second reason I attend a conservative church is because, spiritually speaking, I feel that I most align with the doctrine of an IFB church more so than a liberal leaning church. True, I compartmentalize some of the hot button topics you mentioned by separating my church vs state ideas, but that’s just me at this stage in life. Some have said that makes me a hypocrite, but that’s me being authentic about my views, even if seemingly contradictory.
A third reason I attend a conservative church is because I’m just plain ol’ more comfortable with it. It’s how I was raised and I’m not very comfortable in a more progressive setting with circling strobe lights and a loud rock band. I prefer a little more decorum and depth, not just a feel-good message with little explanation of the Bible.
A fourth reason I attend a conservative church is because I like what it’s doing in my own kid’s life. She’s made friends and, I would argue, is more spiritually fervent than I am. I won’t mess with God’s goodness in her life, even if I might not agree with all of the teachings.
Lastly, I attend because it’s where God has led me. My pastor has an obvious heart for me. I have a feeling I’m on his short list for prayer. I sometimes feel like I’m perceived as the guy who is on the “backslidden list,” but unlike some other IFB pastors I’ve experienced, he never scolds me like I’m a kid, he just welcomes me and offers occasional advice. For example, he recently (in a kind manner), suggested “as your pastor,” that I attend a different Sunday school class than the one I was planning to attend because he felt it would be more beneficial for me at my “stage.” I accepted his advice and am doing so. I understand that he means I’m not spiritually mature enough for that other class. No problem.
amp.cnn.com
