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tkdnick
Guest
Oops! My bad!One and the same… he’s just not Catholic YET(and quit making me give the whole story away already!)
BlueRose
Need info on Church of Christ for a novel I'm writing!
- Thread starter bluerose
- Start date
- Status
T
tkdnick
Guest
Oops! My bad!One and the same… he’s just not Catholic YET
BlueRose
F
flameburns623
Guest
Some would PROUDLY describe themselves as ‘Fundamentalists’. Remember: the CofC split among Restorationists was largely a rejection of the creeping liberalism (what Catholics later called ‘modernism’) which was beginning to dominate Restorationist colleges in the late 1800’s. The term ‘Fundamentalist’ refers to those who stood for a list of (14?) fundamental doctrines for which Protestant Christians felt it could not compromise. Obviously, the CofC was particularly sectarian–the a’cappella music issue is very divisive–but they were clearly supportive of the ‘fundamentalist’ position. Most contemporary CofC’ers, I suspect, would prefer to be thought of as ‘Evangelicals’–or would shun either label and insist they are simply ‘Christians’.
You’d be a bit more likely to find this among CofC sorts, especially those of the ‘old school’, but here’s the wrinkle: restorationism in generally was originally an effort at ecumenicism and Christian unity. The idea was to pare Christianity down to the absolute essentials which could be discovered in the New Testament. I stress : NEW TESTAMENT and not the entire Holy Bible. The OT is considered to be of another covenant, and not applicable to Christians.
On all other issues not clearly found in the NT, there was to be liberty. The moderate factions of restorationism felt (and feel) that whatsoever is not explicitly prohibited by command or example in the New Testament can be tolerated. The CofC took a more restrictive view: whatsoever is not explicitly authorized or commanded by the New Testament is divisive and should be shunned. (Hence: no commandment explicitly linking instrumental music and singing in the New Testament, ergo, all singing in the Christian Church should be a cappella).
As this boils down to the debate 'twixt Roman Catholicism and the CofC: the CofC’ers feel it is a scandal that Christians in the Roman Catholic Church are separated from Christians in the CofC. But the CofC blames the RCC for this separation. “If only the Catholics (or ‘Methodists’ or ‘Baptists’ or ‘insert-your-preferred-denomination’) would lay aside all practices and beliefs not explicitly commanded or authorized by the New Testament, the Christian faith could be unified once again”. In general, CofC people despise rhetoric which is hateful or divides Christians from one another: the native impulse of the movement is to unify and not to divide. Individuals differ, of course.
Some things to be aware of. There is an extremely famous debate which took place between Alexander Campbell and a Roman Catholic priest in the 1840’s. It’s available in a great many theological libraries. Very good background material: on many subjects, the debate ends essentially in a ‘draw’. I think the consensus was that Thomas Campbell ‘won’, but the priest involved made a very good showing of himself. (I don’t think debates determine ‘truth’ anyhow). This debate may be available on-line as a PDF file–I want to do a web search and check on this.
Also: I own a copy of a debate between and Independent Christian Church minister and a CofC minister, on the issue of instrumental music. I will attempt to locate that debate tonight. If you would like a copy of it, please e-mail me and I will send it to you. My copy may be a tad weatherbeaten but it’s bound to be of some help to you. In exchange, if you do decide to attempt to publish the novel, I would like a chance to purchase a copy. Obviously, if the book doesn’t publish you owe nothing in return.
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flameburns623
Guest
I need to ‘concede’ a point: apparently the title ‘pastor’ is exceedingly rare among Church of Christ churches. The preferred term is usually ‘Brother’ or sometimes ‘Mr.’
Oh, dear, I see lots of editing ahead of me!
So, what would I use in place of “pastor” in the following sentences?
BlueRose
So, what would I use in place of “pastor” in the following sentences?
- “Our pastor discussed this at Bible study last week…”
- “Pastor Smith has a lot on his mind these days…”
BlueRose
F
flameburns623
Guest
Two options:
First–make a point of explaining, early in the book, that the CofC minister has, for personal reasons, opted to use the term ‘pastor’. Make him a convert from the Disciples of Christ or the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Give him an advanced academic degree and mebbe the remnants of a congregation that he ‘brought over’ from wherever he converted from. If he’s a major antagonist in the novel, his zeal as a convert, and the measure of skepticism he’s going to face from other CofC pastors for not quite ‘shucking’ all of the trappings of his from association will make him all the more credible as an anti-Catholic. You WILL need to stress his tendency to also be particularly virulent towards other Restorationist bodies.
Otherwise: just change the word ‘Pastor’ to ‘Brother’ or ‘Mr.’. Change the word ‘Pastor’ to ‘Evangelist’ or ‘Preacher’ or ‘our preaching elder’, etcetera.
Apparently the CofC feels that putting too great a distance between the pastor and the laity is also divisive. My brother is an elder among the Independents (the more moderate Evangelical wing of Restorationism) and he indicates that the term ‘pastor’ is actually a johnny-come-lately term for the entire Restorationist movement. When I was growing up, it was fairly rare: I only ‘think’ I recall it being used by some of the ‘Indie’ congregations I was exposed to–my brother tells me that only one or two of the local ‘Indies’ darst to use it. The term gained coinage as the ‘Indies’ have sought to seem more mainstream. As you have noted–it also makes speaking about one’s clergy somewhat less awkward.
In case this is useful for you to know: some other Evangelical churches list the Churches of Christ and the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ as ‘cultic’ or ‘aberrant’. This is because the Restorationist Movement is both militantly Arminian AND believes that one must receive a Christian baptism (by immersion only) to be saved. The charge is that Restorationist emphasis upon good works often crosses the line between Arminianism and semi-Pelagianism (this is a very common criticism of Arminianism among Protestant groups which are influenced by Calvinism and the once-saved/always-saved theory also known as Eternal Security. Arminians reject OSAS and the CofC rejects it with special vehemence). The Restoriationist emphasis upon baptism as an ‘essential part’ of salvation is elsewhere sometimes called ‘baptismal regeneration’ and a great portion of Evangelical Protestantism rejects this. (Many of the historic Reformation churches, such as Lutheranism, also teach ‘baptismal regeneration’–but these groups would accept baptism by pouring or sprinkling as well, whilst the CofC NEVER would). The criticism is that Restorationism crosses the invisible line between faith-based salvation and salvation involving some measure of human works and/or merit. This is EXACTLY the same criticism which is leveled at Roman Catholicism by the way, though there are clear differences between RCC doctrine on the meritoriousness of good works and the CofC emphasis upon obedience as an indicator or measure of whether one is saved.
First–make a point of explaining, early in the book, that the CofC minister has, for personal reasons, opted to use the term ‘pastor’. Make him a convert from the Disciples of Christ or the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Give him an advanced academic degree and mebbe the remnants of a congregation that he ‘brought over’ from wherever he converted from. If he’s a major antagonist in the novel, his zeal as a convert, and the measure of skepticism he’s going to face from other CofC pastors for not quite ‘shucking’ all of the trappings of his from association will make him all the more credible as an anti-Catholic. You WILL need to stress his tendency to also be particularly virulent towards other Restorationist bodies.
Otherwise: just change the word ‘Pastor’ to ‘Brother’ or ‘Mr.’. Change the word ‘Pastor’ to ‘Evangelist’ or ‘Preacher’ or ‘our preaching elder’, etcetera.
Apparently the CofC feels that putting too great a distance between the pastor and the laity is also divisive. My brother is an elder among the Independents (the more moderate Evangelical wing of Restorationism) and he indicates that the term ‘pastor’ is actually a johnny-come-lately term for the entire Restorationist movement. When I was growing up, it was fairly rare: I only ‘think’ I recall it being used by some of the ‘Indie’ congregations I was exposed to–my brother tells me that only one or two of the local ‘Indies’ darst to use it. The term gained coinage as the ‘Indies’ have sought to seem more mainstream. As you have noted–it also makes speaking about one’s clergy somewhat less awkward.
In case this is useful for you to know: some other Evangelical churches list the Churches of Christ and the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ as ‘cultic’ or ‘aberrant’. This is because the Restorationist Movement is both militantly Arminian AND believes that one must receive a Christian baptism (by immersion only) to be saved. The charge is that Restorationist emphasis upon good works often crosses the line between Arminianism and semi-Pelagianism (this is a very common criticism of Arminianism among Protestant groups which are influenced by Calvinism and the once-saved/always-saved theory also known as Eternal Security. Arminians reject OSAS and the CofC rejects it with special vehemence). The Restoriationist emphasis upon baptism as an ‘essential part’ of salvation is elsewhere sometimes called ‘baptismal regeneration’ and a great portion of Evangelical Protestantism rejects this. (Many of the historic Reformation churches, such as Lutheranism, also teach ‘baptismal regeneration’–but these groups would accept baptism by pouring or sprinkling as well, whilst the CofC NEVER would). The criticism is that Restorationism crosses the invisible line between faith-based salvation and salvation involving some measure of human works and/or merit. This is EXACTLY the same criticism which is leveled at Roman Catholicism by the way, though there are clear differences between RCC doctrine on the meritoriousness of good works and the CofC emphasis upon obedience as an indicator or measure of whether one is saved.
L
Lisa4Catholics
Guest
I grew up Church of Christ in Tennessee. I hate to sound bitter,but, after a nightmarish childhood over sermons that condemn everyone who does not belong to the Church of Christ to hell I will try to be charitable. They do not allow intruments in worship but secular music is fine. They are very concerned with appearances in dress on Sunday(a woman in nice slacks is a scandal).If you become another religion they will tell you that your going to hell. And they as a rule will not attend another worship service, even a wedding service or funeral of another faith.In your book make sure you deal with the non-catholic being harassed if they don’t convert their other half they will be smited to hell.
God Bless you
God Bless youLots of good info here! Thank you!
Perhaps it’s just the fact that I’m so accustomed to hearing other folks say “Pastor” that it comes so much more easily to use that term rather than “Brother” or “Preacher” (having just read Beverly Lewis’ novels set in Amish country, those two terms seem more Amish to me).
Without trying to give away too much of the plot (I’ll have to shoot you all if I do
), I really do need the pastor to be a bit more antagonistic than I had originally planned (his favorite granddaughter turned prima donna on me and went from a cameo role to an important minor character–if there is such a thing!–and so there is a lot more to his motives for dissuading the protagonist’s love interest than concern for his spiritual welfare… hey, ministers are human, too!)
Furthermore, it will be revealed that the young man’s mother, who has up to this point been so supportive of her oldest son’s dreams and goals and is now inexplicably hostile and unwilling to listen, converted from Catholicism in order to marry his father. So, is she afraid her son will be led astray and fears for his salvation? Or, does she fear he will be as persuasive as his father was and is she trying to help his love interest preserve the faith that she, herself, couldn’t defend?
And as stated before, I am not out to bash the non-Catholics… it’s just that I already have the information I need about them (and believe me, there are a couple that stretch the definition of a Christian to a near-breaking point!)
Thanks again! Any more info will be appreciated!
BlueRose
Perhaps it’s just the fact that I’m so accustomed to hearing other folks say “Pastor” that it comes so much more easily to use that term rather than “Brother” or “Preacher” (having just read Beverly Lewis’ novels set in Amish country, those two terms seem more Amish to me).
Without trying to give away too much of the plot (I’ll have to shoot you all if I do
), I really do need the pastor to be a bit more antagonistic than I had originally planned (his favorite granddaughter turned prima donna on me and went from a cameo role to an important minor character–if there is such a thing!–and so there is a lot more to his motives for dissuading the protagonist’s love interest than concern for his spiritual welfare… hey, ministers are human, too!)Furthermore, it will be revealed that the young man’s mother, who has up to this point been so supportive of her oldest son’s dreams and goals and is now inexplicably hostile and unwilling to listen, converted from Catholicism in order to marry his father. So, is she afraid her son will be led astray and fears for his salvation? Or, does she fear he will be as persuasive as his father was and is she trying to help his love interest preserve the faith that she, herself, couldn’t defend?
And as stated before, I am not out to bash the non-Catholics… it’s just that I already have the information I need about them (and believe me, there are a couple that stretch the definition of a Christian to a near-breaking point!)
Thanks again! Any more info will be appreciated!
BlueRose
K
kage_ar
Guest
In my experience, the CofC’er would say:
Allow me to introduce our Minister, Brother Jones. Last Sunday, our Minister made the interesting comment…
Also, (this is 25 years ago…) the Roman Road to Salvation was taught and used (kids learned this in Sunday School, your 5 fingers were for
Believe
Repent
Confess
Be Baptized
You’re Saved!
Some Sunday School songs were:
The B-I-B-L-E
Yes, that’s the book for me
I stand alone on the cornerstone
The B-I-B-L-E
And another:
I have a wonderful treasure
A gift of God without measure
So we travel together
My Bible and I
A favorite saying was “We’re not the only Christians, but Christians only”
And “No Creed but Christ”
Lastly, we were big on Easter Egg hunts and Christmas pagents…
Allow me to introduce our Minister, Brother Jones. Last Sunday, our Minister made the interesting comment…
Also, (this is 25 years ago…) the Roman Road to Salvation was taught and used (kids learned this in Sunday School, your 5 fingers were for
Believe
Repent
Confess
Be Baptized
You’re Saved!
Some Sunday School songs were:
The B-I-B-L-E
Yes, that’s the book for me
I stand alone on the cornerstone
The B-I-B-L-E
And another:
I have a wonderful treasure
A gift of God without measure
So we travel together
My Bible and I
A favorite saying was “We’re not the only Christians, but Christians only”
And “No Creed but Christ”
Lastly, we were big on Easter Egg hunts and Christmas pagents…
I
Irish_Melkite
Guest
Just a couple of observations, I have relatives who are members of a Disciple of Christ congregation here in the northeast (where things are always “different”) and have been acquainted with the Disciples in particular for about 35 years. My experience has probably been closer to that described by Flameburns, but probably a bit more liberal.
Many years,
Neil
- the pastors of the local churches have almost invariably identified themselves “Doctor”, although in conversation, they are as likely to be addressed by first name.
- Holidays such as Christmas and Easter are approached with reverence and both the secular and religious aspects observed.
- Strong emphasis on family, but no particular aversion to birth control. Lot of youth programs, always welcoming to non-church youth from the community, but not used in a proslytizing manner.
- Mixed blue- and white-collar congregations, but almost invariably articulate and well-spoken, regardless of background, with the blue-collar members being principally representative of technical skills or the service-sector, rather than unskilled labor.
- Education for their kids is a priority and there’s a liking for colleges such as Bethany in WV. (a DofC school and an excellent small liberal arts college, btw), but mainly as a two-year prep venture, with the student then transferring into larger, more mainstream colleges, secular or church-related (not usually DofC).
- No real proslytizing, although welcoming of new members.
- Ecumenically-involved; very quick to offer use of their facilities to any congregation in the area that suffers loss of their own church or synagogue due to fire, etc.
- Strong social-service concern, operating and cooperating with local Catholic parish and other churches in soup kitchens, food banks, and thrift shops.
- I’ve never observed any anti-Catholicism; there is invariably a very cordial relationship - really personal friendship - on part of the ministers with all other faith leaders in the community. I attended a wedding there at which several nuns (co-workers of the groom)were present - this in the days of nuns still being traditionally habited. They remarked to the groom afterwards on how very welcome they were made to feel.
- Sanctuary is very mainstream Protestant in style with a prominently displayed cross on the back wall (there is also a cross on the exterior wall of the building).
- Services are much as described already, with music.
- Individual congregants are very much that, very individualistic. I know one with a deep devotion to St. Anthony for the recovery of lost items. We’ve received Catholic “spiritual bouquets” from several, including at least one minister and his wife, on the occasion of deaths of Catholic family members.
- Overall, I find them to be not particularly dogmatic in their theology, with a loose doctrinal structure that appears to allow for a wide variety of individual beliefs.
Many years,
Neil
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flameburns623
Guest
Irish Melkite:
The Boston Church of Christ, now knowns as the International Church of Christ, is deemed to be cultic or aberrant by many: very abusive, controlling, and rigidly sectarian. There were allegations of heresies at one time. They consider themselves pretty much the only Christians around. They have been inchng their way back towards a more traditional expression of Christian faith but I have not heard how this is progressing.
Fr. Neil is describing the Disciples of Christ–the most liberal wing of Restorationism. Actually, from his description his friends belong to a rather moderate congregation. The Disciples of Christ tend to follow in the footprints of the United Church of Christ (not related to Restorationism except for one very distant link). The UCC in turn follows closely on the heels of the Episcopal Church/USA, which follows pretty closely on the heels of the Unitarian Universalists, who are allowing the Ethical Humanists to lead the way. In other words–by any reasonable standard–the Disciples of Christ are well on their way towards apostacy from the Christian faith in any recognizable form.
The Boston Church of Christ, now knowns as the International Church of Christ, is deemed to be cultic or aberrant by many: very abusive, controlling, and rigidly sectarian. There were allegations of heresies at one time. They consider themselves pretty much the only Christians around. They have been inchng their way back towards a more traditional expression of Christian faith but I have not heard how this is progressing.
I
Irish_Melkite
Guest
Flameburns,
Gee, you ordained me
. Thanks.Many years,
Neil, who marvels at the benefices one can attain on the net and is hoping for an episcopacy next
F
flameburns623
Guest
Irish Melkite:
On the other hand I could give you some leads to that episcopacy you’re after . . . .:bowdown:
Sorry Neil: somehow I thought you were a Melkite priest and a peer of our beloved Fr. Ambrose.Flameburns,
Gee, you ordained me
Many years,
Neil, who marvels at the benefices one can attain on the net and is hoping for an episcopacy next
On the other hand I could give you some leads to that episcopacy you’re after . . . .:bowdown:
B
bhanifan
Guest
The wine in The Lord’s Supper at a churches of Christ worship service will be always and everywhere thoroughly be referred to as “fruit of the vine”.
B
bhanifan
Guest
The debate that was mentioned earlier was between Alexander Campbell himself defending “protestentism” vs. Bishop Purcell of Cincinatti, Ohio (their second bishop). I actually was reading a church of Christ book a while back (about settlers in Oregon). I was researching the church because my fiance (now wife) is a member. In the book a major churches of Christ mover and shaker in the young Oregon read the debate between the good Bishop and the “founder” of the Restoration Movement and he was disturbed that the Bishop had answers for Catholic beliefs. This man ended up converting and moved to california and became a state supreme court justice and also wrote a long (700 odd page) defense of Catholicism. All of this was talked about in this book about the churches of Christ in Oregon. Very interesting stuff.
B
bhanifan
Guest
More info on that convert … His name was Peter H. Burnett and also was California’s Governor. This website:
famousamericans.net/peterhardemanburnett/
has some info about him including what books he wrote.
He has published " The Path which Led a Protestant Lawyer to the Catholic Church" (New York, 1860); “The American Theory of Government, considered with reference to the Present Crisis” (1861); “Recollections of an Old Pioneer” (1878), which is especially valuable in connection with the early political and constitutional history of the Pacific coast; and “Reasons why we should Believe in God, Love God, and Obey God” (1884).
I love history. Knowing that this man became a devout Catholic due in large part to Bishop Purcell’s brilliant defense of Catholicism against Alexander Campbell, makes me want to find more and more cool stories like this.
famousamericans.net/peterhardemanburnett/
has some info about him including what books he wrote.
He has published " The Path which Led a Protestant Lawyer to the Catholic Church" (New York, 1860); “The American Theory of Government, considered with reference to the Present Crisis” (1861); “Recollections of an Old Pioneer” (1878), which is especially valuable in connection with the early political and constitutional history of the Pacific coast; and “Reasons why we should Believe in God, Love God, and Obey God” (1884).
I love history. Knowing that this man became a devout Catholic due in large part to Bishop Purcell’s brilliant defense of Catholicism against Alexander Campbell, makes me want to find more and more cool stories like this.
A
Anne
Guest
Are you sure churches of Christ worship with wine? I have only known them to worship with grape juice.They want nothing to do with wine as they do not believe in drinking alcohol.One more item of interest for Bluerose ;just recieved my bi-monthly phamplet from this group. This month they are claiming to be the church of the last 2000 years.I guess maybe they could use some form of documentation to back this claim up.
I
Importer
Guest
For your novel, why not go go do some reading before too many assumptions make an unrealistic depiction of a church? I guarantee you that many folks here are likely to have misconceptions about the church of Christ, just as many folks outside of the Catholic church have misconceptions about it. The site I am referring you to is an outside source where many people have the chance to go over the material and make sure it is an accurate reflection.
flameburns623:
Elders are not the same as the pulpit minister. The preacher/pulpit minister is selected by the elders. In dynamic contrast to ordinary Protestant churches, the preacher is NOT the head of the congregation. It is possible but rare for a preacher to simultaneously serve as an elder but congregations with elders will have a plurality of elders; thus, if the preacher also happens to be an elder, he will still be one among many. Though it would be technically correct, it’s unheard of to address an elder as “Pastor Smith” or whatever. In the rare case where a preacher happens to be a pastor/elder, he would still not be called “Pastor Smith.” He would definitely not be called such if he were not an elder, which is the case in 98% of congregations.
Preachers are considered lay members. Actually the church of Christ considers there to be no such thing as a clergy/laity distinction. There are biblical offices or jobs such as bishop/elder, deacon, minister, but persons serving in these capacities are still not considered clergy.
For the record, it is also considered blasphemous to refer to a man as “Reverend,” so that title is definitely not used. Most preachers from the church of Christ will quickly but politely correct non-members who might call them that, stating that only God is revered.
Many Christians address each other as “Brother Smith” or “Sister Smith,” and this is most commonly applied to preachers, but not limited to them, nor required. In your novel, persons in the church of Christ should quite likely call him “Brother so-and-so.” If they call him Pastor or Reverend you are writing about a decidedly progressive and liberal church of Christ.
In common with the RCC, the church of Christ recognizes that bishops must be men.
In summary:
Doctrine: preacher/minister/evangelist is a totally different office/job in the church of Christ from pastor/bishop/elder. If a congregation has elders, there will be more than one of them. The preacher is not automatically an elder. Although he could be one, that is almost always not the case. There is no clergy/laity distinction.
Practice: elders could be called bishops or pastors but the term elder is used almost exclusively. Ordinarily one would just use the person’s name in talking to them, rather than “Pastor Smith” or “Bishop Smith.” In talking about them, though, a person might refer to “our elders” or “our shepherds.” Preachers have no special title, though “Brother” is common even though it could be applied to any general Christian.
Now, there are an increasing number of liberal or progressive congregations where these things might not be true today, just as there are a lot of Catholics out there who want accept all Catholic doctrine. But this is the official story. Any church liberal enough to not adhere to these practices would probably also be completely accepting of any Catholic visitors and their religion.
In churches of Christ “pastor” is synonymous with “shepherd,” “bishop,” and “elder.” Fully established churches will be overseen by a plurality of bishops/elders/pastors. These titles are interchangeable, but the most common usage is “elder.” In person, an elder would be addressed by name, not by any title.
Elders are not the same as the pulpit minister. The preacher/pulpit minister is selected by the elders. In dynamic contrast to ordinary Protestant churches, the preacher is NOT the head of the congregation. It is possible but rare for a preacher to simultaneously serve as an elder but congregations with elders will have a plurality of elders; thus, if the preacher also happens to be an elder, he will still be one among many. Though it would be technically correct, it’s unheard of to address an elder as “Pastor Smith” or whatever. In the rare case where a preacher happens to be a pastor/elder, he would still not be called “Pastor Smith.” He would definitely not be called such if he were not an elder, which is the case in 98% of congregations.
Preachers are considered lay members. Actually the church of Christ considers there to be no such thing as a clergy/laity distinction. There are biblical offices or jobs such as bishop/elder, deacon, minister, but persons serving in these capacities are still not considered clergy.
For the record, it is also considered blasphemous to refer to a man as “Reverend,” so that title is definitely not used. Most preachers from the church of Christ will quickly but politely correct non-members who might call them that, stating that only God is revered.
Many Christians address each other as “Brother Smith” or “Sister Smith,” and this is most commonly applied to preachers, but not limited to them, nor required. In your novel, persons in the church of Christ should quite likely call him “Brother so-and-so.” If they call him Pastor or Reverend you are writing about a decidedly progressive and liberal church of Christ.
In common with the RCC, the church of Christ recognizes that bishops must be men.
In summary:
Doctrine: preacher/minister/evangelist is a totally different office/job in the church of Christ from pastor/bishop/elder. If a congregation has elders, there will be more than one of them. The preacher is not automatically an elder. Although he could be one, that is almost always not the case. There is no clergy/laity distinction.
Practice: elders could be called bishops or pastors but the term elder is used almost exclusively. Ordinarily one would just use the person’s name in talking to them, rather than “Pastor Smith” or “Bishop Smith.” In talking about them, though, a person might refer to “our elders” or “our shepherds.” Preachers have no special title, though “Brother” is common even though it could be applied to any general Christian.
Now, there are an increasing number of liberal or progressive congregations where these things might not be true today, just as there are a lot of Catholics out there who want accept all Catholic doctrine. But this is the official story. Any church liberal enough to not adhere to these practices would probably also be completely accepting of any Catholic visitors and their religion.
- Status