“By this all people will know you are my disciples,” Jesus said, “if you love one another” (John 13:35). But what does it look like to love Christians who aren’t from our theological tribe or denomination? Does brotherly love include partnering as churches?
TGC Council members Darryl Williamson, Ryan Kelly, and Julius Kim sat down to discuss such questions. They talk about the need to define primary and secondary theological issues as we look for ways to work together as churches. Kelly referenced Al Mohler’s article on theological triage to discern which doctrines are of first-, second-, and third-level importance. Williamson points out that some doctrines, such as the prosperity gospel, should present genuine obstacles to church partnerships. But we should be eager to work together with churches of other denominations and traditions that hold to the same core doctrines in common mission.
Related:
- When Should Doctrine Divide? by Gavin Ortlund
- Theological Triage and the Doctrine of Creation by Sam Emadi
- Your Church Is Not Your City’s Savior by Scott Slayton
- The Urgency of Evangelical Ecumenism by Nathan Finn
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