The Longing
Stuff that didn't quite make it into The Briefing
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” (Part 3)
Nick Duke / March 2008
2. Responding To Doctrinal Diversity
We now turn to examine how the gospel controls our response to doctrinal diversity. We suggest here six ways that we can respond, before concluding with a return to the slogan for our consideration ‘In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity’. Our goal is to consider how this statement fares as a guide for responding to doctrinal diversity.
Unite Around Truth
Our unity must be grounded in shared belief—the one faith for which we must contend together
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” (Part 2)
Nick Duke / March 2008
Section B: Applying This Framework To Doctrinal Diversity
1. Growing in Discernment
a. Criteria For Assessing Difference
The New Testament is no stranger to conflict. It is not that first century churches were some pristine ideal model. On the contrary, it was written in the context of disagreement, disunity and false teaching. It can speak to our context and teach us how to respond to that which threatens the unity brought by the gospel.
The danger we seek to avoid here has two sides. On the one hand, demanding
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” (Part 1)
Nick Duke / March 2008
“In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity”
Develop a theological framework for assessing and responding to theological diversity in Christian ministry.
Synopsis
This paper argues that agreement on what is essential can only come through a deepening agreement on how the gospel message gives structure to all other beliefs. Put simply, maturity in this area is to understand how the declaration ‘Jesus is Lord’ can be extended to the horizons of our belief and action.
Starting with an
One-to-one ministry
by Tony Payne / March 2008
It is probably fair to say that most modern Christians would regard the small group and the large public church meeting as the two key activities in their Christian lives. The Sunday church meeting is the public rallying point—the front door of the congregational life—in which newcomers can be welcomed, the word of God preached, the sacraments duly administered, and so on. The small group is the power-house of mutual encouragement and Christian nurture where relationships are formed, where the Word is applied to each person's life, and where