I’ve really enjoyed the response to several of my recent posts, including the ones related to yesterday’s post about unity, and the new round of comments on my older post about debating. Most of the comments are supportive, some take me to task and I appreciate every one of them.  Thinking about it, there are a few things I’d like to share about both; unity and debating.

First of all, building unity requires leadership; there will be no unity without it.  Building unity also requires an end to debating, argument and discord, and you know what?  That also requires leadership.  I have received a few comments taking me to task about “looking the other way” when someone is in error about the Scriptures; I’ve also been taken to task about being in error myself.  All of the comments of this type are entirely legitimate in my view, whether or not I happen to agree; they have their points to be made. The issue here is not whether we agree or disagree on a doctrinal point.  You have every right to see things differently than I do, and like I always say, the thing that’s great about America is that you have the right to be wrong!

As do I…

What is more important, in my view, is whether or not the lost are being led to Christ. Rather than you and I arguing, wouldn’t more people come to Christ if we shared the gospel rather than arguing? If your answer to that is “no” then I’m not sure I can help you.  If your answer is “yes” then ‘why not let’s get busy,’ as my Mom used to say.

Of course, that’s not really the end of the story.  What about those Christians who, in your view, might think something wrong about, say… baptism.  I’ve shared my thoughts on that subject already.  Since we all believe a new Christian should be baptized, let’s get the job done first and argue later.

In my experience, debates don’t change anyone’s mind.  Formal debates can change minds in the audience, but how many formal debates are you invited to participate in normally?  For the overwhelming majority, the answer is none!  So who are we debating with?  Each other!  Since the debater isn’t going to budge in most cases, what’s the point?  To gently but firmly correct a brother in error?  Maybe so, but that is where leadership comes in!

In this case, leadership is taking the role of a maker of disciples.  Making disciples requires relationship not “debatesmanship.”  Over the years, I have seen many Christians change their doctrinal views through relational teaching, but never by direct confrontation.  As we build a relationship with someone, we really get to know the person, their thoughts, dreams, hopes desires and biases.  As our relationship develops, we begin to see who is able to disciple and teach others, who is spiritually mature and who is not.  We begin to develop trust and credibility with the person, and slowly the person trusts what we teach, as long as we practice it ourselves.

Do you see where this is going? Argumentation is gradually replaced by relationship and trust; minds are changed as the Spirit works in the lives of His people.  I have seen this principle over and over.

The Word of God does the work along with the Holy Spirit.  It is not you or me just being persuasive… that’s ego, I’m afraid. On the other hand, by developing trust with the person, you or I might serve as His catalyst for growth and change within our brother or sister, and then we can just leave all of the glory to God, rather than being the hero who convinces everyone to change their minds.