No Enemies List

This year's Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas has begun. The denomination is facing tough decisions regarding financial accountability, women serving in pastoral positions, and the future of its policy arm that some believe has gone off the rails.  The leadership structure of the SBC, as well as other denominations has faced enormous pressure. And, the Church faces a "bend but not break" situation - but God continues to have His hand on His Church.  We may be human, but He possesses supernatural power.  The Bible depicts an encounter with Jesus in Matthew 16:

15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

If you ask me, the run-up to this year's SBC has become a bit snippy.  The Church and Church bodies can be a place for spirited discussion, even among those who disagree. But, social media has become a cesspool within the last few days - especially directed to some who want to challenge what they see as an element of drift within the denomination.  I have long contended that within churches and denominations, there are elements of those who believe everything's fine - all is well - and those who recognize a trajectory of drift.  

But, the Southern Baptists are not alone.  Recently, the Presbyterian Church in America, a denomination that has strong roots here in Alabama has faced some upheaval on a national level.  WORLD Magazine reported late last week: 

A group of administrators for the Presbyterian Church in America on Thursday accepted the resignation of a top leader who was recently embroiled in controversy over a Post-it note. The PCA Administrative Committee approved the request of Teaching Elder Bryan Chappell to retire as stated clerk effective immediately, according to a report from byFaith, a publication of the PCA. The committee also chose to accept Chappell's apology for his role in the controversy, according to the report.

The controversy centered around a Post-it note.  WORLD notes:

Chapell last month held up a slip of paper during an interview on The Gospel Coalition’s Gospelbound podcast. The individuals whose names were on the list were “scandalizers” who had all left their families, left the faith, or taken their own lives, Chapell said. Many individuals on the list are still living with their families and remain involved in the local church.

Some examples highlighted in the article whose names were on this note, that could be perceived as some sort of "enemies list:"

Pastor Andy Webb. "He is no longer with the PCA but serves instead with the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church. He said in a public statement that Chapell called him after the interview to apologize and that Webb forgave him."

Carl Trueman. He is an opinion writer for WORLD, and Chapell apologized to him, as well.

WORLD reports:

Following calls for an investigation into his behavior on the grounds that he violated the 9th Commandment’s prohibition on bearing false witness against one’s neighbor, Chapell has also issued a public apology for his behavior and offered to resign from his position as the PCA’s stated clerk.

Last year, the PCA faced a mini-controversy when someone, in their brilliance, invited a divisive figure who routinely criticizes evangelical Christians to participate in a forum called, “How to Be Supportive of Your Pastor and Church Leaders in a Polarized Political Year," at its General Assembly.  At The Daily Citizen, Paul Batura wrote concerning David French:

PCA Clerk Bryan Chapell was reportedly unaware of all the controversy surrounding David French, including his strong criticism of people who vote for former President Trump, his defense of “drag-queen story hour” and his support of same-sex marriage. French has also called laws that investigate parents who go along with the surgical mutilation of sexually confused children as being “illiberal extreme.”

David French’s evolving progressivism and willingness to criticize evangelical Christians on the pages of the leading radical liberal newspaper in America has given him global exposure and even accolades from people who despise Christianity and consider it dangerous.

French is a former PCA member and Batura notes that he wrote an essay in that newspaper, The New York Times, "claiming his family was first 'bullied' out of the church and then 'sacrificed on the altar of peace and unity' last month and that he’s now 'blocked' from sharing his experience."

It is unfortunate that a church leader apparently kept an "enemies' list." Judging by social media postings, especially on X, Bryan Chapell was not alone.  The self-righteous David French within the past few days has been involved in deeply personal attacks on social media on those who do not share his views in a particular instance, calling them "evil." 

Fact is, there is evil in this world.  But, it is dangerous and harmful to the body of Christ to call others "evil" because of your disagreements with them.  None of us are right 100% of the time, and self-righteousness, quite frankly, is sinful.  

But, a person who is pointing out truth should not be pounded by spiritual rocks merely for expressing his or her opinion.  We should all, though, be careful that we are 1) speaking what is true, 2) speaking under the unction of the Holy Spirit, 3) following God's direction to speak, and 4) refrain from attacking people personally.  Just because you think it or believe it is not an open invitation to share it.  But, I am sensing a quickness to respond out there these days, especially among Christians - and you just might not have all the facts.  The rise of "discernment" ministries online can produce knee-jerk reactions, even if there is a presence of truth.  So, take a deep breath - test the spirits, be discerning, and make sure that you don't get caught up in a spirit of anger.