Quote:
Originally Posted by YP0534
A trend I've noticed:
....around here they avoid use of the common denominational name "Local Church" that has been used in Christianity for decades. I've noticed this most commonly among those who are most strongly antagonistic to the group. Instead, they prefer to add other words as descriptors such as "system" or "movement" or to make express reference to the denomination's LSM connection, e.g. "LSM-affiliated local churches."
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A couple of observations using my perspective.
Often times preachers/teachers/evangelists who have never been under Witness Lee or even heard of him use the term local church to refer to congregations who assemble under a particular pastor.
The first time I heard a pastor speak about the local church, many years ago, my ears perked up wondering if he/she was referring to 'THE' local church.
The pastor wasn't.
Then when I came to this board, I had to figure out what LSM was. It took some time to figure out the local church as I knew it had splintered and those who followed and parroted Witness Lee's teachings to a Teeeee were the LSMrs..
I think this is why there is such a strong application differentiating the LSM local church from 'THE local church'.
One more caveat....there are probably lurkers who have never been under Witness Lee's ministry but have 'touched' it or have friends/relatives who are in it and to distinguish the different groups is helpful to them.
Have a good and BLESSED day.