Landmark Baptist

{Editor’s note: Bro. Wright is a deacon and a member of the Cyprus MBC of Sacramento, CA. He has written this article in response to Eld. Rick Howard’s article in the August issue of this paper entitled “Oh No, Not Business Meeting Again! ” Bro. Howard asked for responses regarding how we MBC govern within our churches. Bro. Wright has been kind enough to respond.}

     At almost every critical decision in the history of the nation of Israel, a group called “Elders” were present. An Elder in Israel was not just an old man. Elders as most frequently used in the Old Testament indicated an official position. There were the Elders of the tribes, the Elders of the cities, the Elders of Midian, etc. In the Gospels and the Acts, the term generally refers to members of the Sanhedrin.

     In most Baptist churches, where “complete democracy” is king, monthly business meetings are a regular part of church. We pastors put a big guilt trip on the membership, exhorting “every member” to come and speak their mind and cast their vote and “be a part” of the decisions of the church. It all sounds so noble and right. Then why is business meeting usually the least attended and most stressful service of the month? Why are the pastor and members both emotionally spent, with either subtle or very open moments of tenseness and a confrontational attitude present so often? Could it be that we are pressing the idea of “congregational democracy” too far? More than the Bible encourages?

     Eph.3:21 says, “To him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages…”

     From this verse we know the church of the Lord Jesus Christ endured throughout the ages and indeed, “The gates of hell has not overcome her.” {Matt.16:18}

     In reading Baptist history we see many bumps and turns in the road that brings us to the present. Jesus said to the apostle, His Church… “You will be hated by all nations for my names sake.” {Matt.24:9}

     There is an increasing level of discussion these days surrounding NEW LIGHTISM. Certain preachers are being dubbed by some as NEW LIGHTERS due to their interpretations of the Scriptures. Such controversy is dividing families, brethren, relatives, pastors, churches and Associations.

     The debate is over biblical interpretation—over doctrine. Some claim that new doctrines have sprung up within our work and are at the heart of the tension. I agree—new doctrines have indeed sprung up and are most certainly the cause of the problems facing Missionary Baptists today. But the question is, “Which doctrines are the newer light?” “Which teachings have entered into the ranks of the Lord’s churches that are foreign to the Scriptures, and are at the root of the spiritual disruption?  Now, as you read this article, please realize this: whatever particular doctrines that you consider NEW LIGHT on the Bible, another brother is thinking of an entirely different set of teachings as being NEW LIGHT! So, who is right in his assessment of NEW LIGHT doctrine?

     In a recent article I submitted for publication in The Landmark Chronicles entitled, “The Presbyterian Connection,” several main points were made:

(1) That our Baptist heritage and the record of the sacrifice and suffering of our forefathers is not the private property of a few people who act as though they alone know and appreciate our history.

(2) That articles of faith are of great value to us, but being the instruments of men, they are not to be regarded as infallible or revered as sacred.