Hi Dan

I wrote to a friend yesterday “it’s a bizarro world”. Personally, I don’t expect them to survive this. As for integrity, can a leopard change its spots?

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Here’s the link to the chapel announcement. http://new.livestream.com/northlandu/chapel

Dave,

Thanks for the explanation. I figured the reason for your present participation in the GARB conference was probably due to its tighter application of its separation principles, a needed thing indeed.

In the early 70s I came to Christ in Upper Michigan through a then approved Regular Baptist mission agency, Hiawatha Land Independent Baptist Missions (now Continental Baptist Missions). The GARB men I came to know then (mostly in Upper Michigan and northern lower Michigain) were good separatist men.

Over the years I’ve been in and out of the GARB circles. Right now I’m planting a church in AZ and am not affiliated with any group, though I recently attended a Regular Baptist pastor’s meeting in Kingman, AZ, where I met Kevin Bauder’s father.

Again, thanks for the explanation.

TJP

Dave, from what I can observe, not ever having been close to GARBC circles, these changes have seemed encouraging. I hope that they are signs of good things to come from that quarter.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

But, for the sake of clarity, our church pulling out of the GARBC did not mean that we had chosen to practice separation from all people and things GARBC. We had speakers here who were affiliated with the GARBC. I (and others from here) have spoken and continue to speak in some GARBC contexts. Up until this year I had never been invited to speak at the national meeting. My guess is that we were invited this year because it is in our backyard more than anything else. My speaking is not contrary to anything I have ever believed and practiced regarding separation.

Dave,

What is it about the 2006 GARB statement on separation that persuades you that you can now associate with the Regular Baptists? As I said, I’ve worked among them for years, and there are some very fine men and churches in that fellowship. However, I don’t find anything of real principle in their 2006 statement that they’ve never really held to previously. So I’m a bit confused as to your present willingness to identify with them, especially since the animosity I encountered from your circle while I was among the GARBeepers went far beyond a few vagaries concerning separation.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not downing your new-found fellowship. Have at it. Personally, I think you’ll enjoy your time among the Regulars. My views on separation are probably not too far from your own. Perhaps they’re somewhere between yours and Don’s. But it did surprise me to see you listed as a workshop presenter for a group that is “awash in compromise.” I trust things will go well for you.

TJP

Hi Dave, I hope I am not making unfair judgements, but I am thinking you have changed your approach somewhat based on things you have said about separation in the recent past. Am I wrong in that assessment? I’m thinking about the message where you talked about “the map” and “the tribes” or some such metaphor.

BTW, I am away from the internet most of the day today, so if you reply it may take me a while to get it posted and to respond.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Wally, I have to agree, the whole scene is kind of bizarre.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

I would say that Dave has changed his approach somewhat. Some of the things that bug him bug me as well, but he has apparently decided to change the separation/cooperation paradigm for himself.

Last I checked on the GARBC conference, Matt Olson was to speak as well. Don’t know if he is still on the list.

I have a perception that the GARBC is having some increasing strength in its more conservative elements, but that is just a perception from a few news articles. I have no idea how widespread this “strengthening” might be, nor where the GARBC is going overall.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3