Shedding Some Light on Conservative Evangelicalism
I grew up in Winston Salem, NC, a city of roughly 230,000. Not large, but by North Carolina standards, in the top five. Over the years, I’ve bumped into people from rural towns who have noted, sometimes with genuine deference, “Oh, you’re from the big city.” This makes me chuckle considering Winston would probably fit inside of Donald Trump’s living room. Our worldview is potently molded to our experiences such that it affects our perception of objective data and propositional truth.
If your experience of the Christian faith has been primarily independent, fundamentalist, traditional and conservative, operating in small to medium-sized churches, then your perception of evangelicalism may be similar to a small town resident visiting a large city. Bigger doesn’t mean better, but it is certainly different with diverse and multiple choices. This is not to denigrate traditional conservatives (whom I have affectionately nicknamed Tracons) or small towns. It is to illustrate perceptual distinctions. Why write about this? Let me explain.
Our church staff and elders attended the Gospel Coalition 2011 conference in Chicago this past week. What we experienced was simple, but profound, gracious, yet powerful. The subject matter, Preaching Christ from the Old Testament, was well crafted and delivered from many regions of the older testament by gifted pastors and leaders. Some of you may have read the updates. While writing the updates and ruminating on the spectrum of participants and contributors at SharperIron, I considered the many articles and comments deliberating the topics of conservative evangelicals, culture, cooperation, fences, separation, etc. It occurred to me that “small town/large city” perceptions exist that skew an appreciation of the believers some have termed “fundagelicals.”
My comments are not meant to define nor defend TGC. You can read their confessional statements and theological vision here. I hope to bring some clarity to the ongoing tension between those of you within the Tracon ecosystem, and those like myself, who are fundamentally grounded in orthodoxy, but less traditional in orthopraxy.
At TGC the entire conference pointed the attendees to Jesus Christ. Every introduction, song, message and workshop proclaimed explicitly that Jesus is Lord. His glory and sovereignty over this world and individual lives were woven into the tapestry of events. I write this because when I read certain debates on this site, I often see a black & white, cut and dried viewpoint that imparts to evangelicals some nebulous legitimacy within Christendom while maintaining fundamentalism as the theocentric ministry gold standard. As difficult as it might be for Tracons to hear, TGC leaders preach God’s Word unapologetically. The Bible is their defining source of reference for all things pertaining to life and godliness. Why the negative little zinger?
I think that many conservative folk who have chosen a traditional path of ministry, with traditional personal standards and traditional music assume that those who do not share their specific personal convictions and conclusions in these matters don’t share equal footing in God’s kingdom. Allow me to illustrate. Please note that I respect Dr. Bauder, whom I know only through his writings. I also appreciate the dialogue he has initiated on this subject. In his Reflections article after ATC, he made a couple of statements that I think sum up the general mindset within the Tracon ecosystem.
If someone is choosing between fundamentalism and conservative evangelicalism, then fundamentalism is the right choice. And if one is looking for a movement that offers structures through which to advance ideas, it may be the only choice.
Later, he writes:
Conservative evangelicalism is on the far side of fundamentalism from me.
Bauder concludes he is a conservative Christian, neither CE or Fundie. Nonetheless, his conclusions are illustrative of the significant divergence between Tracon and CE mindsets. One, somehow there exists a choice between two teams. “You can be a Cowboys fan, or you can be a Redskins fan, but you can’t be both.” Two, my personal position is home base. Every other theocentric ministry style must measure itself against my personal conclusions. In this is the perceptual distinction. CE’s do not think in these terms.
Within CE circles, there is broad and open acceptance of differing points of view, different styles, and different approaches to ministry. TGC doesn’t promote one way as the best way. In fact, you will hear recommendations to form heterogeneous ministry partnerships. What is promoted is the power of the gospel over people’s lives. Everything is pointed back to redemption, the power of the gospel and the sovereignty of God.
I’ve seen Tracons hypothesize in regard to CE’s, “I appreciate this, that or the other, but I couldn’t join in ministry with them.” Or “I like him, but I couldn’t share a stage with him.” OK, please don’t take this the wrong way, but they don’t care. CE’s have no concern whether or not you think they have the right framework for advancing ideas. They are devoted to serving the Lord, advancing the gospel, seeing God work in lives. The leaders of the CE movement are biblical, spiritually minded and servant hearted. Those involved in their ministries love the Lord, long to see Him glorified and work tirelessly to that end. They attempt to avoid the theoretical and operate in the real. Here’s the rub. Tracon ministries are decreasing in influence while CE’s are increasing.
I hope you will think about this deeply. You must recognize the movement and flow of young adults into the CE ecosystem. It started a decade ago and has built great momentum. Events like TGC highlight the influx. ATC drew 500. TGC drew 6000+. Size is not success, but it illustrates the direction of flow for kingdom resources, both capital and human. One only need look at the attendance patterns of the last decade at Bible colleges and Tracon churches to recognize the significance of the changes.
Some think this shift highlights the gravitation to worldliness and attractional ministry, and sadly a Christianized pop culture does exist in some churches. Yet many are gravitating to the power of the preaching, the proactivity of the ministries and the principal emphasis on biblical community.
You’ll have to take my word for this anecdotal evidence. I have spoken with countless men and women in the last five years who have left a traditional ministry setting for our CE church. Two things I hear often. One, “I’ve never heard the gospel preached so clearly, so practically and with such high expectations.” Two, “The people here are authentic believers. Jesus is real to them seven days a week.” There is genuine, humble, loving and biblical ministry outside of the walls of traditional fundamentalism.
In conclusion, the reason I started with TGC is that it represents a nexus of CE’s. It should help us to put into perspective what is happening in our generation. I’m not suggesting Tracons should migrate, I am advocating a recognition of God’s hand at work among his multifarious body, the church.
I hope each of us will rejoice in knowing that God is working in diverse ways through countless individuals and innumerable churches to accomplish His will. The uniting factor is the transformative redemption found only in Jesus Christ. Despite this complex hurricane of a discussion, remember what Paul wrote: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (ESV, Col. 3:14).
dmicah Bio
Micah Pattisall is the Pastor of Church Life at Salem Chapel in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He graduated from Piedmont Baptist College with a degree in Biblical Studies. His primary responsibilities are small groups, assimilation, local ministry and counseling. He and his wife have three sons and live just outside of Winston Salem. He blogs sporadically at www.micahpattisall.com.
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Still, I can’t help but feel that some — certainly not all — within fundamentalist circles are missing out on the fellowship, blessing, and perspective that comes with seeing God work in and through those with whom we might not necessarily agree. This discussion only makes me more eager for the day when our differences are forgotten and we bow together before our risen Lord!
Full disclosure: The church I grew up in was a former brethren assembly in Scotland (JG, I’d love to know what church you serve in), I attended that “ultra-liberal Furman University”, and I’m a complete newbie to SI. I’m also an former city girl who now lives down the street from a cow field. =)
Matthew
Let me clarify two things, I really did not intend to imply anyone in the Tracon world is a bumpkin. Perhaps i should have used an illustration like growing up in England, and then moving to the states. The US is much larger and more diverse, but not superior. It’s a culture distinction that affects life experience. Those who thought i was looking down from the enlightened halls of the CE ecosystem misunderstood, probably my lack of clarity. For those who included sarcasm in their response, thank you for speaking to one of my love languages. :-)
When i emphasized “thinking deeply”, in the article, i was specifically referring to the apparent exodus of young people from the traditional conservative setting. It is something to consider, especially in light of what i believe the CE world has to offer, i.e. biblical community, authentic daily walks of faith, solid expositional teaching, etc. I was not assuming fundies don’t think. It’s obvious, Dr. Bauder thinks. i could have made that clearer.
Lastly, i am not challenging anyone to leave the Tracon ecosystem. I am challenging those in it to consider the breadth of our faith and the sovereign control of the Lord to work in and through different people. If you are firmly in the CE world, remember that perception and experience affects everyone. We can quickly resort to reverse legalism. It may sound like I’m crying, “Why can’t we all just get along?” But I’m really saying that God’s creative track record includes a diverse multi-layered world full of exotic locales, environments, climates, animals and beauty. Why should we expect his people to be monolithic? …from every tongue, from every nation, from every culture.
So glad He rose from the grave and now acts as the holy advocate for those He is unashamed to call family. It’s so humbling.
Happy Easter!
Micah
I think I’m the one who originated the term “bumpkin”. I was teasing. I didn’t think Micah implied that fundies/tracons/whatever are bumpkins — just that people have limited perspective/perceptions. I don’t think it was a well-founded premise, but I certainly don’t feel touchy about it.
I’m quite happy with where I am, because I’m convinced (for good Biblical reason) that where I was when I was in the CE camp is not where God wants me. While no doubt I have much to learn about exactly where and what He wants me to be, I’m pretty confident I’m on the right path.
I’m thankful for my time in CE-dom, though. I learned a lot in those days. A lot of Scripture, a lot of the errors and compromises of evangelicalism, a lot of the danger in those things, but also a lot of appreciation for godly people who are seeking to please Him.
For many in conservative evangelicalism, the worst that can be said is that their heart is towards the Lord but they haven’t quite got an understanding from the Scriptures of all that would please the Lord. That is undoubtedly true of me, too. I’m thankful for II Chronicles 30:17-20. It makes it very clear — purity matters, but the good Lord is gracious to those whose hearts are prepared. We need to seek purity with all our hearts, for that is the mark of one whose heart is truly prepared, but should we fail in purity despite a heart desire for God, the Lord is good and heals.
The fundamentalist attitude towards conservative evangelicals, all too often, doesn’t match up very well to Hezekiah’s attitude. In my experience, CEs can be just as inappropriate, or even worse, towards fundies, but that doesn’t excuse us.
Sus, I’ve sent you a message.
I think your comment was one of the most hilarious things I have read in a long time. Satire can be quite effective.
Mike Harding
Pastor Mike Harding
[JG] Hey, all, if I sounded touchy, please forgive me. I meant it to be humorous.It was probably just my touchy reading glasses…. actually I can’t remember now if I was thinking of you or not!
[Sus] ‘m also an former city girl who now lives down the street from a cow field. =)Welcome… and let’s hear it for the cow fields!
(I occasionally hear a horse to two trot by my office window… not unusual around here)
[dmicah] I am challenging those in it to consider the breadth of our faith and the sovereign control of the Lord to work in and through different people.Writing that communicates what you really mean it to is hard work, isn’t it?! Well, there was (still is, I’m sure) a segment of the “tracon ecosystem” (that actually sounds pretty cool. I’m picturing it on a T shirt) that is eager to think of and portray everyone outside it as an evil just about equal to the Devil himself. I didn’t grow up thinking that way, mostly because we read all the books of our nearest evangelical neighbors (and some not so near ones). So the reasons for being the Tracon Collective (sorry, it’s cooler than “ecosystem”) don’t—in my case—include thinking that God is doing nothing important among those outside it.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
I’ll take orders… if we get a hundred or so, we’ll have a batch made. :D
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
[Aaron Blumer] [img=433x430] /sites/default/files/images/11_04/teshirt.jpgCount me in!
I’ll take orders… if we get a hundred or so, we’ll have a batch made. :D
That is so funny.
You ought to put an add on the front page, and make it a prize for the writing contest too!
lol
Forrest Berry
(“fyoo tile” has a double purpose: first, you don’t get the right effect unless you pronounce futile the British way and second, everybody knows fundies can’t spell)
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Thanks for this article…I have definitely met a lot of people that fit the description you present and hope would give you a hearing. I don’t post much here anymore simply because I do not define myself anymore as a fundamentalist, and this is where my response to Roland comes in. There are many of us who have thought long and hard about our intentional decision to move out of our fundamentalist upbringing. You can call me young and inexperienced- compared to many on here I am; but I have been in full time ministry for the last 12 years, since I was 24, all of it in a Southern Baptist context. What caused me to leave was becoming convinced theologically that unity within the body of Christ is an imperative for the church; and while I believe in separation from sin and false doctrine, those two areas encompass far smaller realms of actions and beliefs than what the fundamentalism I grew up with in the BJU orbit espoused. Are there issues in the CE world and even in my SBC world that I am not comfortable with - yes. Do they meet the definition of sin or false doctrine? In my opinion, based on my study of Scripture, no.
Roland, you brought up some examples of CE young people and their attitudes towards sin. Those attitudes are reflections on those people and possibly their churches and parents, not CEs as a whole. As someone who grew up in fundamentalist churches and schools all my life, I can tell you about the exact same scenario’s among BJU students. Its not right for a fundamentalist teenager and its not right for a CE teenager - both are in sin. However, in neither scenario do their actions reflect on the church unless the church is teaching that the Bible says that is correct and holy action. I can positively say that I have never yet been in a CE church that says immorality isn’t sin. I have been in a church that didn’t deal well with it and gave the wrong impression, but I have seen fundamentalist churches do that as well.
Charlie demonstrated my thoughts for me when he said,
Who are the people who remain most stringently separated from conservative evangelicalism? The Hyles types. The Jack Schaaps. The crazy KJVO’s (as distinguished from the sane ones). The Finney-esque revivalists.
Those are the people who have pretty well defined fundamentalism, especially around the military bases where I serve. In my opinion, those views represent far more serious doctrinal deviations from Scripture than the fact that a fellow pastor fellowships with someone who may be somewhat to the left of where I am theologically.
You are more than welcome to disagree with our beliefs and opinions, but at least give us the benefit of the doubt that many of us have spent much time in thought, prayer, and study as we have expanded our associations and left behind some teaching of our youth.
[Ben Howard] You are more than welcome to disagree with our beliefs and opinions, but at least give us the benefit of the doubt that many of us have spent much time in thought, prayer, and study as we have expanded our associations and left behind some teaching of our youth.So you thought about it. I also thought about it. That makes at least four of us on this thread. I come to different conclusions than you, more along the line of Roland. So what does that prove? So we all thought about it. Big deal.
I think you probably agree with me on that, at least. Perhaps we should just give up statements like “I’ve thought seriously about it” and assume that those who disagree with us also have brains that occasionally think and may have thought over our points of disagreement, eh?
Better to simply make Biblical arguments for our conclusions, if we can.
BTW, I think Charlie’s statement is completely untrue. He can’t possibly know all fundamentalists everywhere and has no basis for making the assumptions he makes in that statement.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Would someone please tell me what’s wrong with this church and why I should give it up for one of the churches in my area that are decidedly non-CE but are noted more for what they’re against than what they’re for.
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
[Don Johnson]C’mon, Don, you completely missed his point. He wasn’t saying he’s the only who thought about it. He’s reacting to Roland, who seems to indicate that the only reason people leave fundamentalism is because they are starry-eyed sophomores who are enraptured by CE. Ben was simply saying that this is not true of him, that his decision to leave fundamentalism was a careful and sober one. Again, he didn’t make any suggestion that those who stay in fundamentalism aren’t thoughtful. I’m not sure why you reacted so sarcastically to his post.[Ben Howard] You are more than welcome to disagree with our beliefs and opinions, but at least give us the benefit of the doubt that many of us have spent much time in thought, prayer, and study as we have expanded our associations and left behind some teaching of our youth.So you thought about it. I also thought about it. That makes at least four of us on this thread. I come to different conclusions than you, more along the line of Roland. So what does that prove? So we all thought about it. Big deal.
I think you probably agree with me on that, at least. Perhaps we should just give up statements like “I’ve thought seriously about it” and assume that those who disagree with us also have brains that occasionally think and may have thought over our points of disagreement, eh?
Better to simply make Biblical arguments for our conclusions, if we can.
BTW, I think Charlie’s statement is completely untrue. He can’t possibly know all fundamentalists everywhere and has no basis for making the assumptions he makes in that statement.
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Greg Long, Ed.D. (SBTS)
Pastor of Adult Ministries
Grace Church, Des Moines, IA
Adjunct Instructor
School of Divinity
Liberty University
[Greg Long]Well, as to missing the point, that is entirely possible. However, I thought Ben was reacting to Roland who was reacting to Micah who started the ball rolling.
C’mon, Don, you completely missed his point. He wasn’t saying he’s the only who thought about it. He’s reacting to Roland, who seems to indicate that the only reason people leave fundamentalism is because they are starry-eyed sophomores who are enraptured by CE.
My point, however, is that the value of our decisions doesn’t depend on how long we think about something, or how deeply. The value of our decisions depends on conformity to God’s will as revealed in the Scriptures and nothing else.
P.S. It is also possible that you missed the point, no?
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Discussion