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DEACON’S RESOLUTION We understand that within any church body, there will be differences of interpretation of scripture and differences on some doctrinal issues, and that in many cases, these are not major enough that they should cause disunity and strife among the members. As Christian adults, we can agree to disagree on the small things, and with mutual respect seek the furtherance of God’s kingdom. However, at times an issue arises that deals with a fundamental doctrinal belief, and must be considered within the framework of the church’s scriptural beliefs, denomination, doctrinal statements, and history. Regrettably, one such issue that has come to light in our church is the teaching of what has become known as “Prosperity Gospel,” which goes to the core of how we approach God for physical and spiritual healing, and material blessings. Our understanding of this theology is that it centers around a belief that God will always heal any physical illness or disease provided the afflicted person has enough faith that healing will follow. The implication of this then is that if the person dies from the affliction, it must have been their fault for not having enough faith. Other aspects of this teaching embrace what is commonly referred to as “name it and claim it” meaning whatever we ask for, God will give us provided we have the faith necessary—presumably without consideration for whether what we are asking for is something we actually should have as part of God’s will for our lives. While we respect an individual’s right to believe this way, as the spiritual leaders of this church we believe it is based on incorrect scriptural interpretation, is outside of Baptist doctrine, and should not be taught in the church. Does God heal the sick? Certainly—all healing is a gift from God. Have we seen genuine examples of God’s healing at work? Yes, we have. Does he send healing each and every time, provided the sick person is faithful enough? We believe he does not. One need only to look at the example of the Apostle Paul, certainly one of God’s most faithful New Testament warriors. He repeatedly asked God for healing of his affliction, and God repeatedly said no—that his Grace was sufficient for Paul. We are not told what Paul’s affliction was, which makes this a universal example to us. The fact that Paul was told no is certainly a message to us that we may be told no as well. How a Christian bears up under a physical or spiritual affliction can be as much a testimony as if God miraculously healed them. And ultimately, death may be the form of healing God chooses—to bring us home to be with Him, in a new and perfect body, rid of all disease and affliction. God and God only knows what is best for us, and when the outcome is not what our “faith” dictates it should be, we need to understand that we may have asked for the wrong thing. It should not be taken as a sign of lack of faith. Dealing with these issues can be uncomfortable, but it is sometimes necessary. A part of our charge, as deacons, is to guard against anything that threatens the spiritual identity of the church, and we pledge that we shall continue to do this to the best of our ability. We ask that you prayerfully consider this resolution and seek God in it. We also are hopeful this will set the record straight so as not to cause any further disunity within the body. It is not our goal to remove prayers for healing from the church. The laying on of hands and anointing with oil are New Testament practices that can and should continue, as well as praying for the sick and asking for healing. We should share in a fellow Christian’s joy when healing comes, but understand that only God’s plan for our life is perfect when it does not. ----------------------- This Policy was first adopted by the membership July 11, 2001 as a Bylaw. This Policy was moved from the Bylaws to the Church Policies by vote of the membership at the Business Meeting on April 10, 2002.
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