Serious consideration needs to be given to this kind of support in light of thirty years of membership decline. Perhaps our giving to the MEF would be better directed by supporting students who select seminaries that remain faithful to orthodox Christian faith. No longer can blind trust support institutions that perpetuate a theological education that is detrimental to the Church and unfaithful to her historic witness. Significant evaluation and questioning needs to guide our decisions regarding our support of theological education and the training of our future pastors. Again, support of students, rather than institutional structure, would be a more responsible use of money.
Full inclusion includes rights to ordination and to covenant services for same-gender couples.
Our support of this Commission, in light of it becoming a Reconciling Commission, would make us partners of efforts to approve a lifestyle we believe is unacceptable with Biblical standards for living. All local churches should gather information from both sides of any issue being examined. Informed decision making is an important part of our stewardship responsibility. Our desire to be better informed and hold our leadership accountable should be no surprise if they have read their mandated material. The pastor's role should be that of an enabler and facilitator.