Last week I emailed my friend, Benjamin (the associate pastor of the church I meet with). I emailed him to ask him his position on the subject of church covenants. The bi-vocational pastor of this church just finished up a four week sermon series from the church covenant, and I took issue with it. I ended up having a conversation with Benjamin about church covenants. I asked for his permission to post the emails here and he graciously obliged. I have decided to break up each post into two emails; an email to Benjamin and then his reply. This will lighten the burden of those interested in reading this correspondence. So, without further ado, I give you the second set of two emails…
From me:
Hey Benjamin,
Thanks for sharing your point of view. I wonder, in regards to your statement “I think they are a good thing so long as they serve to reinforce clear Biblical teaching.” If it is “clear Biblical teaching” why do we need to go through the extra burden of repeating it/signing it/etc.? Hammett’s teachings are interesting, I do not think I have ever heard anything like that before. Although they still seem burdensome to me. I wonder, do we actually believe that signing a piece of paper makes us more accountable to the church and its ministry? I would think that true trust in God makes us accountable and man-made devices only get in the way of that trust. I also foresee the potential for whether or not some has or has not signed the church covenant becoming a stumbling block, for other brothers and sister to gossip, slander, etc. Which ultimately would not happen if they were trusting in God.
Does Hammett touch on what happens to those who “forfeit [their] membership”? Do the other members no longer have a Biblical responsibility to that brother/sister? Has that member lost his salvation? Is he no longer welcome to fellowship with the church? Is he placed under church discipline? etc.
I think these are some important questions we can ask regarding this issue. There are probably dozens more too.
Your thoughts?
Lew
From Benjamin:
Good questions, I see signing the covenant of the church much like the profs at seminary signing the abstract of principles and bfm 2000. Of course we are all reading and studying the same Bible, but it is helpful, if not vital, that we clarify our positions on important doctrines and publicly commit to uphold them. Similarly, in the church it is necessary to, not burden the people, but clarify our committements to the church. If we are truly committed we should have no problem acknowledging the covenant, and can rejoice together in that unity. As for the potential encouragment to gossip, slander, etc., I don’t think that adds any more danger than doing nothing to safeguard regenerate church membership.Safeguarding regenerate membership is the “biggy” for Dr. Hammett. He argues that the moving away from a serious committment to churches (such as a covenant) led to the neglect of church discipline and ultimately to the many problems we have with unregenerate members today. Hammett also argues that an existing church who wants to again get serious about regenerate membership would be wise to move toward adopting a church covenant (or recommitting to and if needed, revamping an old one) and ultimately ask the congregation to sign it. I think this is a brilliant strategy toward the redemption of churches who have neglected discipline and accountability. Hammett spells this out in Chapter 5 of his book. Chapter 4 lays the groundwork arguing for regenerate church membership and 5 discusses covenants specifically. As to those who do not sign the covenant, I’m working from memory, but I think Hammett would say that the church should pursue th at person in love encouraging them to sign the covenant and/or find out why they will not. I suppose if they will not there would be no need for formal church discipline as the person is technically no longer a member.Hammett spoke in chapel last semester on this issue. It was a great lecture. I’m sure its on the website. Thanks for the questions, bro. Its good to discuss
Unashamed,BQ2
*NOTE* I have disabled commenting on all but the last in this series of posts. This way comments can be made after reading the entire conversation.