ANALYSIS OF THE CASE

Pastor Rene Bajalan

        The early members of the Baptist denomination started its fellowship in a house of a fellow member.  This is in accordance with the belief on the importance of a local church that assemble together to practice the “New Testament ordinances” and to meet together for “worship, prayer, teaching a united testimony, and to actively engage in carrying out the Great Commission.”  This is supported by scriptures found in Matthew 16:18; Acts 13:1-3; and I Corinthians 11:2.  The gathering of the early baptized Christians in the house of Mrs. Dela Cruz is one privilege of witnessing the power of grace from the Lord as its membership started to grow over a period of time.

        The gradual increase in the number of baptized members from seven (7) to fifty (50) for only six months is a remarkable accomplishment.  The faith from the members did not remain stagnant as the Grace from God inspired them to spread the good news message of salvation to the neighbors as well as the nearby communities.  The increase in membership necessitated a larger area for prayer meetings and gatherings.  Through the efforts of  the members, a decision was finally agreed to construct a church building to accommodate its growing number.

        It was through this decision that the local church started to experience unpleasant relationships among its members.  It is indeed a common truth that no two or more persons are alike, not even an identical twin.  People are unique, even to having ideas of how things should be done.  It now becomes a matter of superiority or inferiority of the concerned individuals to impose his/her opinion over the others.  The manifestation of Mrs. Gemina to impose her judgment and decision at the expense of the august body brings out the tendency of arising conflict.  Misunderstandings usually occur and more often than not, bickerings and criticisms follow suit.  However, there is always a positive that comes out from a negative; a rainbow after the rain; or a blessing from disparaging circumstances.  Due to the misunderstandings from the members on matters relating to the construction of a Church Building, the members decided to formally organize a church, with its officers duly elected by the congregation, and not merely an appointment of a chairman to a certain Committee.  It was then that a Constitution and By-laws for the Church was drafted and ratified.

        A growing Church needs a Church Pastor to provide guidance in its efforts for evangelism and nurturing, as well as the assistance in handling church matters and decorum.  It is through this need that the members of the Church unanimously agreed to invite a Pastor to work full-time for the Church, which was readily accepted by a lady pastor.  Momentarily, the lady pastor initiated new developments for the Church but this was countered by some church officials.   Accordingly, the lady pastor was prompted to resign from her pastoral work due to the conflict between her and chairman of the Construction Committee.  What gave her the firm decision to resign was because of the presence of distorted claims and stories against her, plus her feeling of not being supported by the church members.

        According to Elder W.S. Craig, differences between brethren (or pastor) “should always, if possible, be settled between themselves, and that privately and alone. It is very wrong and dangerous to spread their grievances among others. And if the right spirit of love and kindness is shown, all private offenses can be easily settled; and this should be done so very privately and carefully that the other members would never know anything about the matter at all.”  What happened between the lady pastor and the Committee Chairman was entirely the opposite.

        Despite the resignation of the lady pastor, the Church continued with its business of spreading the gospel message.  The invitation extended by the Church to another lady pastor was accepted but again for only two years, the lady pastor again made an exit.  This can be attributed to the personality of the lady pastor which earned the ire of the members.  Being frank can be considered a virtue, but frankness should be measured with tact, making sure that no people will be hurt along the way.  It can be considered that the Church, especially the members, are responsible in supporting its Pastor, financially or economically (at a very conservative assistance extended).  At this instance, it can be implied that the Pastor should consider the intricacies of the church members, especially the temporal hand that feeds the stomach.  By not being submissive to the requests from the members (e.g. request for Bible study, or baptism, or other religious inclinations) will surely pop complaints from the members.  

        Running the church affairs by members alone may sometimes be taxing on the part of the members.  Some members may have other regular employment thus may find it difficult to provide full time attention to the church activities.  But although how busy the church officers or members are, they still accepted the call of priesthood in helping each other to continue the church activities.  This is one of the core beliefs that all baptized members are granted the responsibility of a “priesthood”.   In this regard, “Christ is the Great High Priest and through Him every born-again person has direct access into God's presence without need of a human priest. The believer has the right and the responsibility to personally study and interpret the Scripture, in light of the scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit. This belief is supported by the following texts: Revelation 1:6;  Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:5; and 2 Peter 1:20-21.

        The acceptance of Pastor Danilo by the Church members to work as its volunteer worker was a sweet-bitter situation.  At first the Church experienced growth and development for the Church.  But being a “conventionalist”, Pastor Danilo started to go against the program and personnel of the CPBC, which is most unlikely for a pastor.  Being prejudiced to the organization sometimes takes its toll, and this disrupted the sacredness of the church services, it affected the trust and confidence of some members towards the pastor or towards the convention; and even instill “division” among members.  It indeed pose a big threat to the integrity of the Church.  In the end, the resignation of Pastor Danilo as a volunteer was a triumph for the Church, like a thorn plucked out from the human skin, relief from the officers and members ushered in.

        A renaissance period for the church was experience when it called in Pastor Pedro to work for the Church.  Although Pastor Pedro is already 60 years old, but his feebleness and old age did not stop him from bringing in significant contributions to the Church.  Church members, both young and old, felt blessed and supported the church all the way through the leadership of Pastor Pedro. The church members considered “his presence as God’s grace to their lives.”  Through the efforts of Pastor Pedro, the membership of the church increased and attention for other religious activities of the church such as evangelism, nurturing, prayer meetings became wanting.  It was at this point that Pastor Pedro, although very active in spirit, can no longer cope with the compliance of the religious activities, considering his age and physical strength.   To help Pastor Pedro, the officers and members “agreed together to call an Associate Pastor.”  This decision can be considered noble because the work requirements can no longer be taken cared of by a single, old pastor.  To complement experience from the old pastor and physical alertness from a young pastor, the young Associate Pastor was a perfect fit for the situation.

        The tandem of the old and young pastors working for the church was at first extraordinary.  A lot of physical and spiritual improvements have been contributed.  But this became short-lived when the young pastor started to spread “negative” rumors against Pastor Pedro relative to church protocols and “things to be done.”  These rumors sprang from jealousy which built a gap between their working relationship.    Although the gift of tongues (languages) was a manifestation of the Spirit's power solely for the demonstration of God's wisdom, purpose, and power in the establishment of the early church (Acts 2:6, I Cor. 14:21,22), the young pastor used this gift in a selfish manner to cause trouble and division in the Church. 

        According to Elder Craig, the tongue, that "unruly" member (James 3: 5-10), so often “spreads hurtful things and makes them much worse. And as a long tongue is the very worst kind of an instrument to sow the poisonous seeds of strife, brethren should be very, very careful how they criticize each other, and especially to their backs. So all should carefully bridle their tongues at all times; for Satan is always so ready and anxious through its bad use to destroy the peace, love and fellowship between brethren, and rob them of all the pleasures and blessings that he possibly can.”

        Most offenses are passed by, overlooked or forgotten since the people of God should show a very forgiving spirit, and not expect too much of their brethren or pastors, and also they should “ever remember their own weaknesses, liability to err and unworthiness. But, of course, in the case of gross, scandalous and public offenses, the church's honor demands that she should act promptly by excluding the offender. An offense against the church is far worse than a private offense. But carefulness should at all times be exercised. Many mistakes are made through haste. Sometimes members or pastors refuse to attend prayer meetings because of some grievance against another member. This course is very wrong in them. They should take gospel steps if necessary, but never neglect their church obligations, nor treat the church with contempt in any way.”  However, through the Holy Spirit and God’s revelation and grace, the officers of the church made a firm decision of requesting the resignation of the young pastor.

        The barangay church has experienced pleasant and unpleasant situations that sometimes brought encouragements or most often discouragements.  But through the unity of the Church in working for the Lord, the “ministry has to go on.”  The Church believes in the “Lordship of Jesus Christ and that He alone is the Head of the Body of Christ, into which all true believers are immediately baptized at the time of salvation by the Holy Spirit; that all members of this one spiritual body should assemble and identify themselves in local churches” and continue serving the Lord despite all obstacles (Acts 2:36; Colossians 1:18).

Sources:

BAPTIST CORE BELIEFS

 1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the written record of His supernatural revelation of Himself to man, absolute in its authority, complete in its revelation, final in its content, and without any errors in its statements. (II Timothy 3:15, 16, II Peter 1:20-21, John 10:35, Psalm 8:34, Hebrews 6:13, II Peter 3:16). Our church uses only the King James Bible in all its services.

2. There is one God, eternally existent, creator of the heavens and earth. He is manifested in three (3) persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen. 1:1,2, Deut. 6:4, Isaiah 7:14, John 14:9, I Timothy 3:16, I John 5:7).

3. The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God who took on flesh and dwelt on earth. He was sinlessly perfect and gave Himself as substitutionary sacrifice by shedding His blood and dying on the tree. He then arose from the dead. This was to pay for all sins (past, present and future) for all those who believe. (II Cor. 5:21, Hebrews 2:9 I John 3:5).

4. God is absolutely sovereign, and in His sovereignity gave man a free will to accept or reject the salvation that He has provided. It is God's will that all would be saved and that none should perish. God foreknows, but does not predetermine any man to condemnation. God permits man's destiny to depend upon man's choice. (I Tim. 2:4, II Thess. 2:13, I Peter 1:2, II Peter 3:9, John 6:64,65, Romans 8:29,30, Acts 10:34).

5. Each member of the human race is fallen, sinful and lost, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for salvation. That the moment a person receives Christ as Saviour, immediately the Holy Spirit indwells the believer who is sealed until the day of redemption. (Rom. 3:23, John 3:7, Rom. 8:9, I Cor. 6:9 Eph. 1:13,14, Titus 3:5).

6. Man is saved by grace through faith and nothing of man enters into his salvation. It is a free gift. Man's efforts, regardless of how good or well intended before or after salvation, have nothing to do with it. Salvation is by the finished work of Christ and nothing can be added to it. (Eph. 2:8,9, Gal. 2:16, Col. 2:13, Rom. 11:6, Titus 2:5, Rom. 3:22).

7. Every true child of God possesses eternal life, being justified by faith, sanctified by God, sealed with the Holy Spirit, is safe and secure for all eternity, and cannot lose his salvation. However, a Christian can, through sin, lose his fellowship, joy, power, testimony and reward, and incur the Father's chastisement. Relationship is eternal being established by the New Birth. Fellowship, however, is dependent upon obedience. (I Cor. 3:11-17, Heb. 12:5-11, I Cor. 5:1-5, 11:30-32).

8. A true child of God has two births: one of the flesh, the other of the Spirit, giving man a fleshly nature and Spiritual nature. The fleshly nature is neither good nor righteous. The Spiritual man does not desire to commit sin. This results in a warfare between the Spirit and the flesh, which continues until physical death or the return of the Lord. The fleshly nature of man does not change in any way with the new birth, but can be controlled and kept subdued by the new man. (John 3:3-7, Rom.7:15-25, Rom. 8:8, Gal. 5:17, I John 3:9, I Peter 1:25, I John 5:18, I John 1:8).

9. There will be a resurrection of the saved and of the lost; of the saved unto eternal life, and of the lost unto eternal, concious punishment. These two resurrections are separated by at least 1,000 years. (Dan: 12:2, I Thess. 4:13-18, Rev. 20:5-16, Matt. 25:41).

10. We believe in the personal, pre-tribulational and pre-millennial return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, His pre-tribulational return in the air for the Church and His pre-millennial return to the earth to set up His kingdom. (I Thess.5:9-11, I Thess. 1:10, II Thess. 2:1-8, Rev. 3:10, Titus 2:13, Isaiah 26:19-21, Rev.4:1).

11. Satan is a person, the author of sin; and he and his angels shall be eternally punished. (Ezek. 28:13-17, Isa. 14:12-15, Rev. 30:10, Matt. 25:41).

12. The gift of tongues (languages) was a manifestation of the Spirit's power solely for the demonstration of God's wisdom, purpose, and power in the establishment of the early church; and was always in a language that was in use. (Acts 2:6, I Cor. 14:21,22).

13. We believe in the separation of church and state, with each having a definite and distinct spheres of responsibility. (Matt. 22:17-21).

14. We believe in the priesthood of all believers. Christ is our Great High Priest and through Him every born-again person has direct access into God's presence without need of a human priest. The believer has the right and the responsibility to personally study and interpret the Scripture, in light of the scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit. (Rev. 1:6, Heb. 4:14-16, I Tim. 2:5, II Peter 1:20,21).

15. We believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and that He alone is the Head of the Body of Christ, into which all true believers are immediately baptized at the time of salvation by the Holy Spirit; that all memabers of this one spiritual body should assemble and identify themselves in local churches. (Acts 2:36, Col. 1:18, I Cor. 12:13, Heb. 10:25, I Tim. 3:9).

16. We believe in the importance of the local church. That it is an assembly of born-again baptized believers united in organization to practice New Testament ordinances, to meet together for worship, prayer, fellowship, teaching and a united testimony, and to actively engage in carrying out the Great Commission. (Matt. 16:18, Acts 13:1-3, 15:4, 16:5, I Cor. 11:2).

17. We believe the ordinances given to the local church are two: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is by immersion of believers, thus portraying the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper is the partaking of bread and the cup by the believer as a continuing memorial of the broken body and shed blood of Christ until He returns. (Rom. 6:3,4, I Cor. 11:2, I Cor. 11:23-26).

OFFENSES

By Elder W.S. Craig

http://www.pb.org/pbdocs/craig3.html

Reproduced from Primitive Baptist Faith and Practice by Elder W.S. Craig.

Differences between brethren should always, if possible, be settled between themselves, and that privately and alone. It is very wrong and dangerous to spread their grievances among others. And if the right spirit of love and kindness is shown, I believe nearly all private offenses can be easily settled; and this should be done so very privately and carefully that the other members would never know anything about the matter at all.

 Our blessed Savior has laid down a positive law (Matt. xviii. l5-17) to govern us, and there is no higher authority. First, a strictly private interview with the offender, with the positive object of gaining the brother, and never, never for spite or revenge. And I think more than one attempt should be made, if there is any possible hope for settlement. If this should fail, one or two brethren, (and they should be good friends of the offender, because their influence will be greater) as helpers and witnesses, should be taken (and these should not be previously told of the trouble) and another interview held. And I think that also in this step more than one trial should be made, unless the brother flatly refuses "to hear them." But of course if all this fails, then as a last resort, "tell it unto the church." The offended party and his witnesses should be very careful not to talk to others about the trouble before it is laid before the church.

It will surely not do for members to try to justify themselves in failing to take gospel steps under the plea that "It would do no good," or any other excuse; for they themselves are not the judge nor lawgiver. The provisions which Jesus Christ has laid down positively must not be laid aside or ignored. To do so is open rebellion against His authority, and this is far worse in His sight than any offense between brethren. It also shows a bad contempt for the church by such plain violation of her rules. I earnestly beg, plead and warn all our people, because of the certainly dangerous results for themselves, to be very, very careful about treating this divine law and the church with contempt.

The tongue, that "unruly" member (James iii. 5-10), so often spreads hurtful things and makes them much worse. And as a long tongue is the very worst kind of an instrument to sow the poisonous seeds of strife, brethren should be very, very careful how they criticize each other, and especially to their backs. So all should carefully bridle their tongues at all times; for Satan is always so ready and anxious through its bad use to destroy the peace, love and fellowship between brethren, and rob them of all the pleasures and blessings that he possibly can. Never, never give "they say" as authority for anything disparaging to others. If reproof or correction be needed, kindly do so face to face.

Very many offenses should be passed by, overlooked and forgotten if possible, for the people of God should show a very forgiving spirit, and not expect too much of their brethren, and also they should ever remember their own weaknesses, liability to err and unworthiness. But, of course, in the case of gross, scandalous and public offenses, the church's honor demands that she should act promptly by excluding the offender. An offense against the church is far worse than a private offense. But carefulness should at all times be exercised. Many mistakes are made through haste. Sometimes members refuse to go to their meetings because of some grievance against another member. This course is very wrong in them. They should take gospel steps if necessary, but never neglect their church obligations, nor treat the church with contempt in any way.

While this divine law is so plainly intended for the people of God, but what a wonderfully blessed thing it would be for the world at large if all men would earnestly try to settle their differences according to the first two steps laid down in Matt. xviii. 15,16! All the wisdom of our wisest men combined has never been able to make any improvement on this divinely wise course of action. And this rule carried out in practice would surely do away with so much quarreling, hard feeling, strife and many grievous and costly lawsuits.