Quote:
Originally Posted by leastofthese
Drake, from your experience with these matters. What could the LSM representatives done differently or better?
*edit- in regards to the the whole story in Mansfield
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LofT,
You’re asking for a rear view mirror analysis of an event that unfolded over decades with a brother that many of us appreciated and respected. So, it’s really hard to know what action would have made a difference and when. Would nipping the bud of ambition decades earlier prevented the Mansfield event or one like it? As C.S.Lewis observed “no one knows what would have happened “. It’s a double edged sword. Taking decisive action too soon might cause problems and taking action too late might cause problems. Taking any at all action may cause a turmoil and taking no action may cause a turmoil. What we know for sure is there was a turmoil! Consequences follow turmoils. Mansfield was a consequence of a turmoil in a larger context (the Midwest). Even our precious brother Ohio who, I am confident , at his very core is a caring and loving person toward all Christians suffered as a consequence of that same turmoil. He dropped out. I’m certain everyone involved considered the question you asked at some point. If only this, if only that but there is no way of knowing what would have happened.
Representatives from 20 local churches met in Iowa City to fellowship about the situation in Mansfield after the takeover by Titus Chus proxy elders. In answer to your question I would say, more of that type of fellowship was needed in Mansfield, in the Midwest, and throughout the U.S. Yet, did that fellowship prevent the activity I described in #117 from occurring? Nope. Therefore, looking in the rear view mirror this we can say for sure, the Midwest turmoil was a test to us. God did not design it but he obviously allowed it. Perhaps, for the reason Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 11:19.
Drake