Many types of apologetics. Frankly, Catholics and Orthodox have done some of the most relevant apologetic work that has ever been done and is currently being done. But in my understanding, apologetics is not evangelism, but pre-evangelism. Convincing someone that it is rational to believe in the existence of God or the historicity of the resurrection has never saved anyone. But it has helped remove barriers in the lives of many people who did become Christians.

So for example, I would not hesitate to work with a group of churches, including perhaps Catholic and/or Orthodox churches, who wanted to invite an apologist to speak about the existence of God at some event that was targeting (for example) collegians, educated business people, etc.

NAF

Curious. In what type of apologetics could you cooperate with Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches?

Thanks,

Mark

My assumption is not hidden! Remember, these are my personal convictions about whom a church I led could cooperate, primarily in church planting. Because I am not an Arminian–and believe Arminians to be in serious (though not terminal) theological error–I could not plant a church with an Arminian church. I have no doubt Arminian evangelicals would put themselves in a different circle than I would, but remember, we are talking about my circles in this post, not someone elses!

NAF

I think it is appropriate that you informed the COG pastor of your intentions. I would continue with your plans to, Lord willing, plant an additional church in that region. Even if the islands are not “unchurched,” it sounds as though they are still “minimally churched.” And the COG, while normally evangelical, is different enough from what most Baptist churches believe constitutes a biblically healthy church that I would say the area would still benefit from a gospel-centered baptistic congregation.

NAF

Nevertheless, thanks for the post. My prayer, with Jesus, is that His Church will be one, but nevertheless, there are difficult issues to work through, so thanks for wrestling with this honestly.

Adam

I am an SBC churc planter and I just got back from an exploratory trip to 3 islands off the coast of El Salvador where my church plant hopes to do some missions work with a medical missionary team from our area. We thought that the islands were unchurched but came to find out that on the largest of the three there exists a Church of God. Only a small number of people on this island attend services and their medical needs are great. Our hope is to plant a church on this island- but there are no guarantees of that happening. So, if that does not fly, the prospect is that any who are converted through this trip will have one existing option before them – attend the Church of God. We felt it was proper protocol to contact this pastor of this church and tell him what we were planning on coming to do. He was very supportive, prayed for our success and said he would help send people our way. We feel that God has led our way in this venture- but I admit that it has stretched me theologically. I’m just curious how you would proceed from here…or if you would at all?

That’s a great question. I agree that denominations in the sense of voluntary associations of churches is largely a western phenomenon. Denominations as we understand them have roots in the Reformation and were expanded (exacerbated?) during the awakenings of the 18th century.

However, at the root of denominationalism is differing theological convictions, which has been present since at least the second century. You certainly don’t have to think of them as “denominations,” but I think it is a reality that some groups can plant churches together and some cannot b/c of differences over matters primary (what must I do to be saved?) and often secondary (what does it mean to be baptized?). This doesn’t preclude other types of cooperation.

My paradigm is developed exclusively with North America in mind. I would adapt it on the mission field. For example, I would likely plant churches in the truest sense with many churches in the second circle were I in a context where terms like “Southern Baptist” and “Evangelical Free” were ecclesiastically irrelevent.

I would disagree that denomination, by definition, precludes appropriate contextualization. But again, I freely admit I would adapt my decidedly North American practices in this regard were I planting a church in many other parts of the world.

As for partnering with different groups, again, I am all for it. I hope that was clear from my paradigm. My general rule is this: focus on all the areas in which we can cooperate with others rather than focus on the areas where we cannot. We can do more together than we can separate, even if we can only do the most important thing (plant churches) with very like-minded groups. Were I engaged primarily in mercy ministry, as I think you guys are, I would want to cooperate as widely as possible with as many groups as possible. But I might not evangelize with all of those groups.

I hope that clarifies where I am coming from on this. Thanks again for the insightful comment.

NAF

I’m not down on denomination- I was raised Methodist and consider our work quite Wesleyan. I’d love to hear your answer and how it fits into your circle concept here.

Personally, my wife and I are always looking for ways to collaborate with the Russian Orthodox Church here in St. Petersburg. We’re not here as Methodists, and we’re open to working with most any group that pursues the Kingdom of God.

Being a former catholic i have these thoughts…What if it was a Mormon church that helped you or JHW that helped you would you invite them to welcome you and pray at your welcome party to the city? I believe in order for you to protect the gospel you must never seem to portray fellowship with the Catholic Church! They maybe some Christians in there, but the church itself is not Christian! However, I want to commend you and your church for having a reputation of being soul winners! May God grant you many in your place of worship!

I think this explanation of partnership makes sense and is actually refreshing. It’s good to know denominations are willing to partner with other denominations in certain ministry activities. I am all for unity! This encouraged me.