Some members of the church here have recently received a flier from a new church in the area calling itself "Harmony Creek Church." The flier goes on to state they are "A Bold and Progressive Community."
A number of things about this new church easily catch one's attention. For instance, the flier advertises their different kinds of "gatherings" that take place simultaneously each Sunday morning at 10:30. There will be an opportunity for those who do not want to sing songs or offer prayers to join in an open discussion in the "Community Room." The "Fellowship Hall" will be opened to those who want to be served "morning beverages," enjoy great music, but will not have to listen to a sermon. Finally, the "Sanctuary" will be opened to those who prefer the more traditional worship experience with hymns, prayers, and a challenging yet inspiring sermon.
Perhaps the statement in the flier that catches one's eye more than any other is the fact that an "Extravagant Welcome" is given "where differences are accepted not just tolerated, including persons of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, traditions, races, abilities, political persuasions, and all other ways in which we are unique."
Upon visiting their website (harmonycreekchurch.org) one learns this church is actually a part of the United Church of Christ. Understanding some things about the UCC (United Church of Christ) will help explain some of the things found on this flier many of us have received.
The UCC is a relatively new denomination, although it is made up of churches which can be dated back to the founding of our country. The union was complete and a constitution was adopted in Philadelphia, PA, in July, 1961. Their official website (www.ucc.org) states they have more than 5,100 churches and 1.1 million members across the U.S.
The first line of text on the UCC website (www.ucc.org) reads, "God is still speaking." They do not mean that God is still speaking to us today through His word. They mean that God's word and will is ever evolving. If we want to discover God's will for our life today, we must seek to interpret the Scriptures in light of cultural values and current world views. One of their slogans reads, "Our faith is over 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not."
Another website (www.ucoc.org) contains the following statement regarding God's word and will: "If you think God's not finished with you yet, guess what? God's not even finished with God yet. God isn't finished with you, or finished with the church or our world, or even letting us know more about God's own compassion, justice, hope, and truth. If you are open, if you listen carefully, you'll discover what God is saying to this generation at this time in history. There's more good news to be heard!"
The truth, for those who wish to accept it, is that God knows exactly who He is. He is not ever-evolving, nor is His will (Mal. 3:6; Ps. 119:89; Jude 3).
Understanding the UCC's view towards God and His word will help us understand how they can hold some of their progressive (extreme and unscriptural) beliefs. For instance, as the flier points out, they do more than merely tolerate homosexuals, they "accept" homosexuals as members and appoint them to positions of leadership. They also advocate same-sex marriage. They ordain women into positions of leadership throughout their denomination. Regarding the subject of baptism: "The United Church of Christ recognizes the validity of all baptisms" (www.ucoc.org). They are pro-choice (favor abortion), but oppose the death penalty. Divorce and Remarriage is not a problem in the UCC. "Divorced and remarried persons are welcome to participate fully in the life of the church" (www.ucoc.org).
The mission statement for the UCC is as follows:
1. To proclaim in word and action the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. To work for reconciliation and the unity of the broken Body of Christ.
3. To seek justice and liberation for all.
These are all noble goals for any group who seeks to be identified with Jesus Christ. However, there are some serious problems harmonizing this mission statement with the beliefs of the UCC.
First, it is impossible to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and action if one is does not accept and abide in the teachings of Christ. Jesus did not teach that God and His word were ever-evolving. He taught that marriage was between a man and a woman, and that only those who put away their spouse for fornication were free to remarry (Matt. 19:3-9). Jesus did not accept people in their sins. He taught people to "repent or perish" (Luke 13:3) and to "sin no more" (John 8:11). The UCC is NOT proclaiming or living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Second, I respect the fact that the UCC wants to reconcile and unify the broken Body of Christ. However, it must first be pointed out that not everyone who claims to be a Christian is truly a part of the body of Christ (in His church). Second, reconciliation and unity of believers cannot be achieved by overlooking, accepting, or celebrating doctrinal differences. Christians are to endeavor to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3-6). This unity of the Spirit is based upon a common "faith" or doctrine. The UCC accepts all kinds of different "faiths." The unity of the Spirit is based upon a common "baptism." The UCC accepts any kind of baptism. The UCC is seeking unity by ignoring God's plan for unity.
Third, from the mission statement, one learns that the UCC sees itself as a vehicle for social justice. This is also stated in the flier that was mailed to local residents. "Where people rally for good in the world in a quest for justice for all, peace, a restored environment, and hope... Asked to work together to do justice, wage peace, and be a part of making the world a better place." While individual Christians are to exert a positive influence upon the world, the church has been given a spiritual mission - to uphold and spread the gospel (2 Tim. 3:15). Social injustices will end when men are truly converted to Christ, not when they are coerced by religious campaigns or political pressure.
It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes we are asked if we are the "United Church of Christ." We need to be ready to give a quick and confident "NO" to such a question, but also be ready to point out some of the differences between this extremely liberal denomination and the Lord's true church.