An area minister who has worked hard to maintain unity can see the new church as a slap in the face. But wise leaders can conserve much for American Baptist work. Whereas previous splits from Flint's Judson Church turned away from the ABC, this time it was different. Our people who had not been very loyally American Baptist thought the denomination was the greatest thing since apple pie. What the denomination does is tremendously important.
Churches sometimes have illegitimate children, but they are children nonetheless.
A gift of life, a gift of grace, a gift of God. Led carefully, these churches can explode with the vital life of God. And ultimately, that's all we need. For occasional articles and information about online Bible studies, why don't you subcribe to The Joyful Heart free e-mail newsletter. We respect your privacy and never sell or rent our lists.