It has been quite a while since one of my “In the News” posts, and I’d think it’d be fun to fill you in on a few details.
We are still going strong with school at home. I am going to try to post something interesting from our week on Fridays. We’ll see how long I keep that up. Since, you know, I’m so good at finishing the things I start on this blog. In all honesty, some weeks we don’t do anything really interesting.
The biggest bit of news has to do with what I’ve labeled on the blog, “The Church Search.” Back in the spring, Karl talked to the pastor of this church we had been visiting about our family joining. We had decided that we would join, in spite of its obvious faults, and try to make the best of it. The preaching was excellent, our children were learning and growing, we were learning and growing, and most of the people were fine examples of disciples of Jesus.
The pastor was very excited about that, but then proceeded to tell us that it might be wise to wait till the end of the summer. He and the deacons had come to realize the the King James only issue was causing some problems, and the pastor needed to address it. So, the pastor planned to spend the summer teaching a series of Sunday school lessons entitled, “How We Got Our Bible.”
It was excellent. Karl and I learned a lot about our Bibles. However, after each lesson the pastor opened the floor for questions. Several Sundays saw heated exchanges. In the end, the deacons decided that the church just needed to vote on the whole issue so as to get everything out in the open and let the church decide what it believed about the Bible. Well, there were several resolutions, but the main one said something to the effect that the King James Version of the Bible is the only version that is the Word of God. That’s not a statement of preference; that’s a doctrinal statement.
The resolution passed.
And seeing that Karl and I absolutely do not agree with that teaching regarding God’s Word, we cannot join that church. We aren’t the only ones, though. Several families decided that they wouldn’t be returning either. And the pastor resigned.
So we’ve been meeting in order to discuss whether or not we will plant a church together or go our separate ways. There are nearly, if not more than, one hundred churches in our area. However, we know that there is not one like the one we would try to establish. Most of the churches here are patterned after the purpose-driven model, and we’d be doing the opposite.
I suppose one of the biggest obstacles will be finding a leader. The pastor is planning to pursue a doctorate in Old Testament studies. His desire is to teach at the seminary level. He has said that he will help as much as he can until he goes to school.
I’m not really sure what we’re going to do. Church planting is hard work. Part of me wants to tough it out and do my part to see a strong, biblical, God-centered church in my city. Another part of me wants to just settle on a place and make the best of it. I think both options present opportunities to glorify God, so it is difficult to know which avenue is best. The only thing of which I am certain is that not being part of a church for any longer is not what God wants.
So that’s the big news.
And I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to pray for us.
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Leslie Wiggins 
16 responses to “In the News”
That’s a really difficult decision to make, and disappointing news about the church. I will pray for you!
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How well I know the misery surrounding that whole issue – sorry you (and so many others) got caught in the crossfire. I’m glad to know how to pray for you and will definitely be in prayer that you would prosper and grow and encourage in a body where glorifying God is the thing that’s most important to them – how easily other things become idols!
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Oh Leslie! What a long road this has been for you all while you search for a church home. Being deliberate and intentional throughout this process has not been easy, I’m sure. Prayers as you continue on this journey.While our previous church situation was not *identical* there are definite similarities. I am anxious for your family as God’s plan continues to unfold.I love your “In the News” posts 🙂
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We are in a similar situation (for very different reasons).We’re a bit farther down the road than you are. I’ll email you some of the specifics and, perhaps, some encouragement with regard to church plants when I get a chance.Our new work in progress meets for worship this Sunday evening for the first time. It’s an exciting and encouraging time!I’ll pray for you if you pray for me! (I’ll pray for you regardless, of course!) : D
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I’m sorry to hear it turned out that way. That is a hard decision to make. I will be praying for you.I love your “in the news” posts too.
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Oh, Leslie! That is REALLY hard. Some people from my parent’s church feel the same way. It’s the OKJ or NOTHING! It’s really too bad that it divided your church. I will pray that you can find a good (and biblical) place to worship.
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I know how hard this is. Praying for you even now that good decisions would be made and that you will find yourselves with a body of believers soon.
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Will definitely pray for you. This is never easy. Remember God has a plan and purpose for your family even in this time of waiting and looking :o)
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We are in a VERY similar place right now. We have found the right church but it is three hours away! We travelled most Sundays to attend, thinking we would move but over a year later the Lord has not opened that door for us. And we can’t fully participate in church life from so far away. Like you, there are a few good churches we could choose from here – but any one of them would be a compromise on several levels for us. SO, we are praying for a church plant here from the church we’ve been attending, and working at getting group of others together who are in the same shoes as us for fellowship.I REALLY DO NOT LIKE being detached from a body of believers like this!
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May God direct your paths as you seek Him…
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Oh yeah, I like the newsy posts too! 😉
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Wow, that’s definitely tough. I will lift you all up in prayer. And I just LOVE your idea about a newsy updates on Fridays! I may join you on that!
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We are in a very similar situation, so I can relate to your search for God’s will. It is hard to see where He wants you to be when both side will glorify Him, but He has a specific plan for you and with prayer, you will see it.Sophia
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Leslie,You know I will be in prayer for you. It is a hard road either way. We’ve been through similar things…I know you already know our history…I will be praying that God will bring about His purposes and plans through this.Kim
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WOW!!!!! Finding a church home is HUGE! And praying about a plant is MASSIVE! Planting is definitely a calling! Just from the little that I know you through your blog, if the Lord called ya’ll to do that, you would be an incredible asset to a church plant! Definitely praying for ya’ll, Leslie! Thanks for sharing this!!!!! Keep us posted!
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Thanks for the update with church. I’ve often wondered how that was going for you. I’ll definitely pray for you and Karl. I love your idea about posting on Friday about school. Mind if I copy you? Keep up the newsy posts. They’re lots of fun.
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