Thank you for your article. I agree with you (and Dr. Mohler) on the value of confessional statements and the idea of “theological triage” in allowing congregations to cooperate in fulfilling the Great Commission. These tools work quite well provided you are sitting in the local congregation.

The difficulty, however, arises (theoretically and historically) in determining which divergent postitions will be required of those who serve the cooperating congregations. Specifically, how can this triage system facilitate in the governance of denominational agencies? This is traditionally where our wars have been fought.

It has been my experience that particular conformity on issues which appear to be third-order doctrines(existence of certain spiritual gifts, nature of beverage alchohol) is required to actually participate in an agency of cooperation.

In effect, a local congregation may hold a particular view and be welcome in the cooperative efforts, but a member of that congregation, who conforms to the views of his church, would not be welcome to serve in an effort funded by that cooperation.

How do you see this? Is is as it should be? (my examples may be poor, feel free to use your own)

thanks,

b.