[John Atkinson]

Originally Posted by Apocrypha

You have to know Bishop Smith. I do, and I also know his son. I know the AWCF quite well too.

The AWCF is a networking group... not a denomination. More of a chamber of commerce.

Bishop Smith isn't a rules based guy, he is a principles based guy. You will notice he didn't mention standards anywhere in there.. it would be impossible since he ministers in 100+ different denominations under the AWCF umbrella... they ALL have different things.

If you don't put in the assumption that he is talking about standards and look at the principles of what he is saying.. I agree... the social gospel by itself doesn't save... and the watering down of the church as a doctrine defending entity has opened it up to many problems like acceptance of open sin in churches where everyone just doesn't ask and still allow folks who are in violation of clear scriptural teachings to be participants.

I dont see the problem with this if you use proper context and see who is saying it. The man isn't a "standards" guy.. he is a principles guy... i know because I have had dinner with him, visited his church, and am friends with his son who took his church.

Good post. I concur. I believe this article was Bishop Smith's "Chairmans Letter" to the AWCF quite some time ago. on the bolded... and they all get along just fine despite their differences. That is a wonderful thing...