A couple of weeks ago, I received an unsolicited open letter in the mail from a ministry leader in the state of Florida. Attached to his letter was a personal letter from a ministry leader from the state of Indiana. Both of these men pastor large churches and both men are associated with Bible colleges. The tone of the open letter was petty, and the offense of the personal letter was overstated. I feel dirty having been exposed to somebody else's mess. The world is full of self promoters, and I think that we have all heard one too many arguments between brothers in Christ who use the KJV about "who is more KJV than the other."
Much of the issue in this particular "fight" has more to do with ego and "one-upmanship" than any real disagreement. The practical effect is a distinction without a difference. And we wonder why our young people don't have a taste for Christian ministry. Certainly this is not the only issue, but sometimes you just wish that "grown ups would act like grown ups." I have no admiration for the writer of "open letters." I have even less respect for pastors who write "open letters." It smacks of empire building.
Those of us who are committed to the concept of the local church prefer not being drug into the mess of those who are trying to build their own little kingdoms. Our church does not want to be counted on either side of your fight. Certainly there are things worth fighting for, but not feigned outrage for political purposes. There are more important things in life than joining someone's cause. As it relates to the leader of a school trying to get people on his side, the last time I checked, the Bible gives the responsibility for discipleship and ministry training to the local church.
God help us to serve one another in the local body of Christ. May He give us the wisdom to meet each other's needs in a Christ honoring way. May we be spared from one more fight over something that really doesn't matter.
