Common values that allow us to live together
Comments:
- Jesus as Lord
- Call to evangelism
- Created as children of God?
- Primacy of scripture
- All have sinned . . .
- Greatest Commandment – Love
- Regenerate Membership
- Majority Rule (?)
- Soul Liberty/Freedom
- Common Confession of Faith (?)
- Ministry of Reconciliation
- Ambassadors for Christ
- Call for Unity and Missionary Endeavor
- Guidance of Holy Spirit
- Discipline
What would you say Ministers Council?
Comments:
- Amendment is endemic of a larger issue
- What is the process by which we make decision
- Rewrite the amendment
- Define terms
- Recognize leadership of PSW and approve
- Resolution of issue and move forward
- Consider seriously the consequences of this motion on denomination life and council membership
- Not passing resolution would create a conflict for some between the Code of Ethics and By-Laws
- Affirm Cynthia’s integrity by respectfully withdrawing during process
- What will hinder our witness more – Is Christ the driving force in this decision?
- This will impact people
- Not questioning an individual salvation – call for separation does not deny someone’s salvation
- Some may leave if not passed
- Unity in essentials / diversity for non essentials / charity in all
Comments:
- Essentials would be clear and stated (with “teeth” behind them)
- It will be a bumpy road and may take a long time
- Lion and lamb
- Dance with the spirit
- Beloved Community
- Joyful
- Say to world “this is not about power”
- How we part may be our witness
- If we do this “well” it will be like breaking a graham cracker – both pieces are whole
- Be concerned with process and content
- What is the plan/direction for our denomination short term (1-5 years) and beyond (5+ years?
- Specific legal issues taken into account to protect M&M pensions, retirees and churches
- People first sexuality later
- Loves includes discipline
- “ Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, [2] instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2 (NIV)