Two Rivers: The Saga Continues

Tim, you're there in Nashville. Do you have any insights into the TRBC situation beyond what has been reported in the Tennesseean? I've been to the dissident website, but I'm lookiing for a more independent viewpoint.

To see a church in conflict is heartbreaking.

 

I lived about a mile from Two Rivers for four years, from 1998-2002. While I was not a member, our neighbors were, and we visited the church on several ocassions. I also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Sutton, and I have great respect for the Lord's accomplishments through him at Two Rivers.

That said, I find the events at Two Rivers shameful, and I don't think either bunch can claim the "Biblical" high ground in the dispute. There are a lot more questions than answers in the circumstance, but a few observations that can be factually substantiated.

First, the 71 members who filed suit in a court directly violated the prohibition of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 6. That is not arguable, and on those grounds alone, these members deserved Discipline -- probably expulsion.

Second, the failure of the congregation to expel the 71 has created a circumstance that forces two opposing factions to remain in the same organization, yet divided on principle and allegiance. This will not work in the long term. It cannot. Thus, Two Rivers will become a monument to the FAILURES of the church to their community, and will remain a reproach to the Gospel.

Third, too much value has been placed upon the "local church" as "my church." Sutton and his supporters have said Two Rivers is "our church" while the gang of 71 have protested that "I shouldn't have to leave 'my church.'" Both fail to understand that it is God's Church that is important. Their claim to a building or an organization is meaningless, and their loyalties are misplaced by hanging on.

Fourth, the responsible and biblical next move would be that one of the factions voluntarily withdraw from Two Rivers and form a new congregation. I would suggest that Dr. Sutton and the almost 700 who supported his desire to purge the gang of 71 be the mature believers, and let them have the building and the organization. After all, that which grew Two Rivers into a great church was not the organization, nor the buildings and grounds. The Church was built by the Holy Spirit through a willing and faithful congregation. If those who remain faithful withdraw and found a new congregation, meeting temporarily in any number of places near Opryland or Donelson, and they do so under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then God will be honored and He will bless. Let those who want to keep "my church" have it. I'd rather go with the Holy Ghost anyway!

I HOPE Dr. Sutton will come to this realization. If not, if he hangs on to the building and the institution of Two Rivers rather than building a greater work apart from the bitterness and the battles, then Two Rivers, despite all the great things accomplished there will be remembered only for the dishonor it brings to the cause of Christ. I trust the Holy Spirit is speaking of such things in the hearts of the His people even now.

 

Sad but necessary

 

Why do some churches find it necessary to air their dirty laundry in public.

 

It's more akin to a sports club than a church.

Doesn't give a good impression at all.

 

Filing laws suits and talking to secular news organizations is shameful.

 

I live in Nashville and know people who are still members at Two Rivers. A few members have left there and joined our church, no matter what side of the issue they are on - they have been welcomed with open arms into our fellowship and as far as I know, no one at our church cares what the reasons were that they left TR. I personally refuse to discuss the matter in public, gossip, or speculate - that the matter went to the press is shameful and should have been handled internally according to Scripture, not in the court system. That's all I have to say about the situation.

 

I tend to agree, but an even bigger question is why do churches have so much dirty laundry to begin with. raying:

 

Yes it is, it needs to be handled internally, how does this look to an unbeleiving world.

 

All churches do. Most just hide it better.

 

That I won't deny, but why doesn't that still raise red flags all over the place? Just because it happens doesn't make it right or less tragic. Satan is a dissenter and loves to sow discord among church members. Our churches have enough attacks from the outside than to have all this turmoil on the inside. God help us!

 

RE: Two Rivers.....The saga continues

DonnA,

I can't help but think of Judas Iscariot as I was reading this thread. Not that I am calling any one a "Judas", but that Judas was amongst the other 11 Disciples and Jesus, during Jesus' Ministry here on earth. I think it was because of this, that Jesus used this(Judas with them) as a warning that wolves would be amongst the flock scattering the sheep. People want to live be the old Burger King slogan, "Have it your way", and in church, we all need to look out for each other, and not worry about ourselves only. I have only been in church going on a year, so many more on here have witnessed more than I, but as Apostle Paul wrote, "In the flesh dwelleth no good thing, for when I do good, evil is present". If everyone would just lean on God, there wouldn't be any trouble. It really bothers me to see a church in such turmoil. What kind of impression does this leave on sinners? If they see trouble in a church, with bickering, arguing, strife, etc.....they could also see that in a bar, too. I pray to God that He helps the innocent at Two Rivers to survive this "dry season", and those who stirred this up, and are still stirring it, that they turn to Him when, and if, they see they are in the wrong.

Willis

 

It would be nice if all churches were interested in "cleaning up". For some reason they aren't. Which is sad, Jesus is worth it.

 

Satan has his people in church too. But, we as christians, do chose to do wrong too, even in church.