In many of the IFB churches (and perhaps other types of churches) a calling to professional ministry is a higher calling than a calling to a tentmaker ministry and much more recognition is given to those in this type of ministry. Usually those in the ministry are better christians than those not in the ministry. This has led to perhaps a looking down upon the laymen in many churches in that laymen do not know much theology, and a overemphasis on the professionals. Interesting one can have this position given that Paul was a tentmaker, as well as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, John the Baptist, and such. I know that Ezra was a scribe and a professional in the ministry, but God has used so many that were not ministry professionals. Yet in todays day you can't be used unless you are ordained.
I am not saying all churches are like this, but perhaps many. WOTM has equipped many to do evangelism and not rely on the professionals and that anyone can be an open air preacher just as long as they have the heart, the calling, the boldness, and the voice.
And the understanding.
I have rarely witnessed "open air preaching," probably only two to three times.
But of these times, all were idiots who may have loved God but shouted stupid and unbiblical ramblings (I am not counting WOTM videos and your recorded efforts, John - just live attempts I've witnessed).
It's hard to applaud their willingness when they are so much in error.
You, my friend, would serve as a good example to those guys.
Too often discipleship is ignored.
I had a man walk up to me and cuss me out when open air preaching and I did not fight back and we ended up chatting for a half hour and he was amazed at my kindness and love.
Yes you are correct lots of open air preachers that do it wrong.
I do as we'll sometimes.
God can use most any sort of witness.
My son asked a friend (high schoolers) to church.
The pastor spewed one of the worst discombobulated messages I've ever had to endure.
I was saying to myself all the way through, why did we have to bring him this Sunday.
At the invitation, which was rather useless as the gospel was barely to be seen in the message, the kid went forward and accepted the Lord.
It is the Holy Spirit that does the work not our greatness or poorness of witness.
I personally have never been to a church where I perceived that laymen were looked at as "second class citizens". On the contrary, most of the churches I've been in have looked at all the men as preachers in training, whether or not they were called to ministry. In one church, it was common during announcements for the pastor to stand up and say, "First man up here gets five minutes to preach". This would start a mad dash to the pulpit by about 10-15 men. It was an amazing, on fire atmosphere.
Laymen (and laywomen) are the backbone of my church. Sure, the "senior" pastor does the preaching, but it's the men and women who work tirelessly behind the scenes that keep our church running and various church ministries strong. I highly doubt they are looked down upon.
Or perhaps maybe my Calvinism is what defers me of opportunities to teach, read scripture and make announcements. Or maybe it's my ESV Bible. But the pastors know I would use the KJV when doing anything formal. But maybe they want people that are already KJV ONLY so no need to ask them to bring a KJV.
This is not a blast against you. I know we believe differently, me being a non-Cal. But with your situation, being a Cal in a non-Cal church, I can see why you would be slightly ostracized. Especially with the uproar you seem to be making.
Judging from your posts (and purely from your posts, because I don't know you) it seems as if you went into the church with the attitude that "If my wife won't let me go to the church I want to attend, I'll change her church to what I want it to be".
Brother, you aren't happy there. This much is obvious. And if you aren't happy, you aren't getting fed. This is why you constantly feel the need to be reading all the books you can get your hands on. You crave meat, and feel you are being fed salad.
I urge you to work on the root problem, which seems to be you and your wife's differences. You need to be where you can be fed.
The effort has failed and I did try again. Well on the positive I am being fed eschatology and Jerry Bridges so I am being fed a little. :) also I can attend the men's discipleship at the local Calvinist church once a week and I never miss a week. Those boys love theology it's very good!
Frequently a power struggle develops within the church, and just as frequently folks use "credentials" to assert they stand on higher ground.
How often have you seen Calvinists ask for my credentials.
It is interesting to note Christ taught that we should not seek the favored place at the table, but with a servants heart, seek to build up others.
Very much indeed. One of them made a book recommendation last night but I won't buy anymore books, nor donate for a book. However someone can give me a book as a gift but thats it. I need to finish books.