Ron Crawford concludes the societal and congregational center of our conscience is fading quickly, overtaken by political and theological extremes.  Defined more and more by issues produced by polar extremes, churches are finding themselves at the mercy of extremism and are not able to engage in honest and open discussion.  Churches must feel comfortable addressing real issues under the auspices of biblical authority with Christian decorum and the search for common ground at the heart of any conclusions.

Here is an excerpt from his essay:

Church life in modern American is characterized by the loss of a “consensus in the middle” and the growing influence of the political/theological right and left; as we have experienced in the national political environment.  The disappearing middle is exceedingly troubling for local churches, which traditionally based their identity and work on a solid consensus in the middle; thus off-setting the influence of extremes in a congregation’s life.  With a weakened middle, many churches are experiencing greater instability.  What is a minister to do? 

Yesterday, the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) voted to “disfellowship” Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas, TX due to the fact they ordained to their deacon body a homosexual and lesbian.  Now, the intention of this particular blog is not to argue the validity or sinfulness of homosexual behavior.  The real point of this blog is to ask the question, “Why do denominations and churches find it so alluring to single out particular behaviors but totally ignore others?”  How can we Christians stop valuing one behavior over others?

In making an argument in support of the action, BGCT President David Lowrie attempted to make the point that homosexual and lesbian individuals do not have “repentance” in their hearts.  The Baptist Standard reported, “BGCT President David Lowrie agreed churches should be open to all people, recognizing all people who come to Christ must acknowledge their sin.  However, he added, the gospel also includes a call to repentance.”  Lowrie was directly quoted, “To repent means acknowledging the brokenness that is in all of us and acknowledging that change is possible.”  Lowrie’s theology is quite sound, but the difficulty arises when applying this to the “particulars” of what is deemed sinful behaviors by others as institutions chose to fellowship or disfellowship churches.