It can weaken the commitment of your members to God and their church. Let me use an example to illustrate my point. Some time ago I was invited by the Seventh-day Baptist Church to speak in Rhode Island at a rally of about 50 of their pastors from the Eastern States. As I listened to the pastors discussing some of their doctrinal beliefs, it soon became evident that there was a great diversity of beliefs and great freedom in interpreting the nature of the Gospel. Even the Sabbath was viewed by some more as a holiday than a holy day.
Members can believe and do what they like and still be members of the church.
The historical record of the Seventh-day Baptist Church speaks for itself. As the church became more permissive in its beliefs and practices, its membership gradually declined from about 100,000 at the turn of the century to less than 10,000 at the present time. No one can tell for sure. Much depends upon the way you, Pastor Tkach, and your close associates interpret and translate your new understanding of the Gospel into the practical life-style of your members. The more permissive your church becomes in its beliefs and practices, the more it will lose its identity, mission, and purpose for existence.