I have recently moved to Florida and started attending a new church. c We have
only been there for about a month, so it is hard at this moment to decide which of
the “Nine Marks” is one they neglect. c Therefore, I thought that it would be helpful
to note that within my theological tradition is the one that has been neglected the
most, at least within the last ten years or so. c I am a Reformed Baptist, holding to
the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith and the Orthodox Creeds. c So, rich
theological training has been the hallmark of my tradition.
Yet, I have noticed that there has been a neglect of evangelism in the last few
years. c This lapse has not been the case for Reformed/Particular Baptists. c Andrew
Fuller held to the doctrines of grace and was a stalwart of evangelism. c Not to
mention, Charles Spurgeon was the most evangelical preacher who has ever
stepped into a pulpit. c c Yet, I have noticed the pride of theological knowledge has
taken the place of love for the lost by the proclamation of the gospel. c Dever rightly
asks the question, “And how can we claim to love them if we withhold this greatest
of all news from them, and at such high cost to them?”[1] c Another area of
concern, which dovetails on evangelism, is discipleship. c While I believe the new
church that I am attending now has a better grasp on discipleship, my previous
church had no vision for discipleship. c Finally, I was a member of a Presbyterian
church for about two years, and they had no real understanding of church
membership, primarily because of their views of covenantal membership. Yet, that
is understandable, and I was in no place to argue because I chose to go to that
church. c I would rather disagree with a church over baptism and membership than
the sovereignty of God in all things, definite atonement, the person and work of
Christ, etc. c c We agreed on the non-negotiables.
It is easier to turn the Titanic in some churches than to get some of the people
moving in a new direction. c As to evangelism, I believe it is the pastor’s job to
equip the members to go out and evangelize through the preaching and teaching
of the word. c I do not believe that you must have a program-driven evangelism or
discipleship ministry if it is being demonstrated and emulated by the mature
believers in the church. c However, I believe that it is helpful to have a new
members class to help members in the church understand their duties and
responsibilities.
[1] Mark Dever, 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. 3rd ed. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013),
139.
