Cooperation
How do we discern when new doctrinal boundaries are needed?
9MarksFalse teaching changes, so old doctrinal boundaries do not always protect against new problems. But how can we know when we need new boundaries? We can discern when we need to erect new doctrinal boundaries when:
Why should churches draw doctrinal boundaries?
9Marks
False teaching harms the church. Paul calls right doctrine “sound” or “healthy” (1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:3). False teaching, by contrast, is spiritually destructive (2 Pet. 2:1).
False teaching spreads. The New Testament warns us that false teaching spreads like gangrene (1 Tim. 2:17). Churches should draw boundaries for the sake of their health and even their very lives.
How do we determine which doctrines are more important and which are less important?
9MarksThe answer to that question depends on how closely related to the gospel a doctrine is and how much practical impact it has on the Christian life.
How much theological agreement is necessary in order for Christians to work together in ministry?
9Marks
In order to work together in a ministry context, Christians need to agree about the gospel. How are we saved? What are we saved from? What is the basis of our right standing before God? If Christians disagree about the gospel itself, no true cooperation in matters of ministry is possible.
Should Christians cooperate with those with whom they disagree theologically?
9Marks
First things first. There’s no true unity except in the truth. Therefore, all Christian cooperation must be based on doctrinal agreement.
The question is then, how much? Do Christians need to agree about every nuance of every doctrine—or the interpretation of every single passage of Scripture—in order to work together?