Have you heard about First Baptist Church, Heritage? It is in an uproar about what is happening with a new church plant in its association. And things had been going so well before this latest episode.
It all started a few years ago when a young firebrand evangelist named Rev. Pauly came to town. He talked to everybody about being a Christian. He would argue with a stump about Jesus being the Son of God. Pauly made some of the town fathers angry, forcing church leaders to suggest the young preacher go back from where he came. It seems he had caused trouble in the last place he served also.
Since then, First, Heritage, has been doing well. People are happy. Participation in church programs is up. The church has a good reputation in the community and people are joining it.
And everyone is so proud of Dr. Peters. He is the most famous member of First, Heritage, a real hometown hero. He leads Christian conferences and rallies across the country. His latest book is on LifeWay Christian Resources’ best seller list in both hardback and paperback. He has DVDs and everything. Not only is Dr. Peters a fantastic speaker, he is also captivating in person. And he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He believes in personally helping people.
That is why this argument at the church is so surprising. Some of the older members are saying, “I told you so.” That’s because awhile back, Dr. Peters got involved with some people who wouldn’t be comfortable at First, Heritage. To tell the truth, the church wouldn’t be comfortable with them either. Some of those people got saved, but church leaders weren’t sure their lifestyle indicated they were serious about the Lord.
After a special business meeting during which Dr. Peters explained how God worked to plant a new church, things quieted down. But some people still did not like people like that being in a church that was a member of their association.
Maybe that is why what’s going on in this new church start has everyone tied up in knots. It seems some of the people who went to Dr. Peters’ conferences started another church plant among the same kind of people he did. Reports indicate this second church plant is growing by leaps and bounds.
First, Heritage, isn’t sure it is a legitimate church. The worship there is different. The music is different. The dress is different. Some of the morals of the people are different. And some people say it is all Dr. Peters’ fault. If he had not started that first church with those people, then there wouldn’t be a conflict now with the second church.
Anyway First, Heritage, appointed a committee to investigate this new group that calls itself Antioch Baptist Church. Brother Barney Bus was named chairman. He is a good man and everyone trusts him. But wouldn’t you know it, Brother Barney got so caught up in the excitement and enthusiasm of Antioch that he moved his membership there.
What’s more, Brother Barney got in touch with that firebrand Rev. Pauly and led the church to call him as minister of evangelism and missions. The people at First, Heritage, are fit to be tied. They are glad people are being saved, but they feel betrayed by Dr. Peters and Brother Barney.
Antioch is growing faster than First, Heritage. Other churches are modeling Antioch’s new methods instead of the tried-and-true ways First, Heritage, does things. First, Heritage, members feel indicted as if there is something wrong with them and the way they worship the Lord. Members point out that their church was the mother church of Baptists in the area, has a great history and has a wonderful ministry.
Antioch is different, they say. Its ways are untested and unproven. They could just be a passing fad. It is better to do things the way they have always been done, the way that has always worked.
There is a real question about whether First, Heritage, and the new church plant can get along. Some wonder if First, Heritage, will try to get Antioch kicked out of the association. Tensions are pretty high. People in the community are really talking about this fight. I’m not sure what will come of it.
While this story is fictitious, it is based on fact. Read the story of Saul’s conversion, about God using Peter to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles, about the church start in Antioch (Acts 9–11). Tensions between an established church and a new church plant are not new. It seems Christians have always resisted change.
But it should be remembered that it was at Antioch that disciples of Jesus were first called “Christians” and it was of the Christians at Antioch that government officials said, “Those who turn the world upside down have come here also.”
Perhaps it is time for us as Christians to learn to celebrate our common declaration of faith — “Jesus Christ is Lord” — rather than continually arguing with each other over who believes it more or how that declaration is expressed.
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