Over the past 20 years or so, churches across a kaleidoscope of denominations and individual congregations have engaged in heated debates on multiple issues that have often led to, at worse, division and schism but also a general decline in attendance and membership.
It might be assumed that this is a new phenomenon. History shows that this is not new; in fact, over the last 2000 years, many issues have brought about charges of heresy and resulted in schism.
A remarkable example from a Baptist Church in Northampton, England, models how controversial issues can be handled well, even if not fully resolved.
The church that met at College Lane for many years was formed in 1697 and, until 1714, met in a house in Bridge Street, to the south of the town centre near the river.1
Being a Baptist church, the principle of who could be baptised and the method of baptism (from sprinkling to full immersion) was fundamental. Disagreement on this issue could lead to the formation of new churches due to members having different opinions on this issue.
In 1700, the minister of the church, John Moore, was aware that within the church’s membership were those, like him, who believed in adult baptism by full immersion, whilst others in his church practised infant baptism or accepted adults into membership solely on a ‘public profession of faith’. This situation was not uncommon and was known as ‘mixed communion’.
Moore had made it a condition of his ordination that this issue was resolved amicably. Within two weeks of his appointment, he proposed that the church covenant2 be amended to clarify the issue.
The members had no objection to this change, and at a Church meeting on November 18th, 1700, this was done, the record reading:
Whereas this Church professeth Mixt Communion (as to matter of Judgement about Water Baptism). It was agreed upon & passed as an Act (Nem: Contrad:) That a few Lines should be inserted in the Church Book, & annexed to the Covenant, wherein our Members unanimously do solemnly Testify & Engage not to Impose or Reflect on one another, as touching that matter, &c.
This paragraph was added to the Church Covenant:
And whereas we differ in our Judgments about Water-Baptism, We do now Solemnly declare, That we that are for Infant Baptism do not hereby, nor will not impose on the others or any of our Brethren or Sisters that are among us who, are for Baptism upon Profession of Faith. And on the other hand, We that are for Believers Baptism do not, nor will not impose upon the Consciences of any of our Brethren or Sisters that are amongst us, that are for Infant Baptism. Nor will we (either Party, or any of us) impose upon any that hereafter may joyn in Communion with us; But do all promise (freely & cordially, without casting Reflections, &c., on the Persons or Practice of any) to leave everyone to his or her Liberty of Judgment & Practice herein; Each of us walking Conscientiously up to our Light; Engaging & Endeavouring in the Strength of Christ that our difference in Judgement shall not cause Breach of Union or Affection.
In practice, the implication was that members should continue to remain in fellowship and ‘walk together’ even though they might be of different opinions.
John Moore remained pastor of the church for 25 years. During the first 20 years, 264 people joined the church. This was a successful strategy. but perhaps less so in the last 5 years of his ministry. Moore died on 14 January 1726. The church’s history, published for its bicentenary in 1897, states, “John Moore must be remembered for the twenty years of increase.”3
- Formerly College Lane, now known as College Street. The Baptist church closed in 2002, and the New Testament Church of God now uses the building.
- The document that all members were expected to support and sign on admission to church membership.
- Taylor, John. History of College Street Church, Northampton. 1897.
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