The Scoreboard has been updated as of today for those that need to know who is on which side. After all, some need to

have an awareness of those churches that want to take part in an active fellowship amongst one another.

Unity Proposal Q&A – Feb 23, 2006

In the next week or so, there should be another rewrite of the question of this being a creed. There will be a few more no votes and a lot more yes votes coming in. Whatever.

I basically wanted to have a post saying that my continued interest in the ICoC is waning fast. I plan on writing more about expositions, computer stuff, and my life in general. The ICoC blew their big chance and this is the beginning of the end.

I also do not plan to comment on the church I attend. I do not consider myself a member, but a visitor, so their business is solely theirs. If I speak (doubtful) I’ll let you know. My wife is giving communion on Sunday, so I plan to have that here. (No, I’m not doing it with her or even introducing her on stage.) If things change, I’ll let you know. I’m teaching the 3rd and 4th graders this summer, so you can hear the sermons on the church’s website like I will. Please do not ask me about the church I attend.

Some have said to me that there is no such thing as a perfect church and they are right. I am not looking for a perfect church. I am looking for a church with a set of problems I can live with. Telling me that I shouldn’t leave because there’s no such thing as a perfect church is like telling someone to stay at their present job because there’s no such thing as a perfect job. Besides, I’m not leaving – I believe that unity is relational and I intend to keep these relationships as God allows.

To that end, I believe in unity. I want to be unified with brothers and sisters everywhere. I can be unified with some ICoC congregations because I am no longer a member. I want to be unified in the sense that I know there are Christians in the ICoC and I believe that with all my heart. I do not agree with all their doctrine. This is the same kind of unity I feel towards my brothers and sisters in the mainline chruches of christ. They have doctrine I do not agree with, but they are baptized for the forgiveness of sins, just like me.

I believe in being a member of a church – relationship with God is individual and corporate. Without some kind of corporate worship and fellowship, a large part of Christianity is lost. I will eventually be a member somewhere – it may even be the church I currently attend. Right now, though, it will just take some time.

I have a great hope of Heaven and a great hope of unity here on Earth. I plan to pursue it as best I can.

POSTSCRIPT
I appreciate the comments. I feel like I need to say something, though.

I am not doing this just to prove a point. I’m trying to do what I believe is right for me and my family. I’m not looking to be some model of any kind. The situation is fluid and could change drastically at any time. The end result of this may be that I end up being a member again.

As I said before, I write my feelings here, but rarely write about my actions. This is a psalter, not a documentary. I want to be resolved about this, not just heard. I’ve been heard. I respect what one deacon has shared with me about his persepctive. I could very well be in the wrong, though presently I do not believe I am. I realize that I am putting some people that do not care about the UP in an awkward position. These people are my friends and have been very good friends to me since I moved here – thus this is difficult. I hope it can be resolved in a way satisfactory to everyone. I believe in the ability of most folks here to work issues out. I am not simply going to walk out.