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November, Volume 1, Issue 8

 NIC VOICE is a growing network of concerned laity whose purpose is to provide balanced information and dialog within the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC). 

NOTE: NIC VOICE is not an official publication of the Northern Illinois Conference or the United Methodist Church.  See our Disclaimer below.

Thought to Ponder

"It is dangerous to depart from Scripture. . . . Most of the controversies which have disturbed the church have arisen from people wanting to be wise above what is written, not contented with what God has plainly revealed there."

 -- John Wesley

News and Press Mentions

NIC VOICE Press Release November 3, 2003 – Pecatonica (September 28, 2003) and Cornerstone UMC (October 25, 2003) Watershed Moment Presentations Continue
Read Press Release

Since their last Newsletter, the grass roots laity movement continued their mission to educate concerned laity regarding the doctrinal issues raised in the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague. This month, NIC VOICE presented at Pecatonica United Methodist Church, Fifth & Washington Streets, Pecatonica, IL, on Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 PM and at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Russell & Muirhead Roads, Plato Center, IL (near Elgin) on Saturday, October 25, at 6:30 PM.

NIC VOICE presenters Darrell Rader (Cornerstone) and Brenda Klockenga (Pecatonica) conducted the presentation, "Watershed Moment". This slide show compares Bishop Sprague’s beliefs on 1) the virgin birth, 2) Jesus’ having been born the Son of God, 3) Christ’s having died for our sins and 4) the resurrection of the body to the teachings found in the Bible and in the Methodist Book of Discipline.

This effort continues this effort in harmony with the recommendations by the Supervisory Response Team's dismissal of charges.  They are urging the laity to become involved in the process of "serious theological reflection on issues of Biblical Authority, Christology and the Mission of the Church".

"The reactions from these concerned audiences of 59 people representing at least ten different churches reflect the interest they have in understanding the UMC position on core doctrines. In Pecatonica, there were many questions and the discussion continued for an hour after the presentation. They renewed their commitment to greater participation in the connectional life of the UMC and to continue deeper discussions about our essential doctrinal beliefs," said Ms. Klockenga.

Rev. Tom Kingery, pastor, Pecatonica United Methodist Church, expressed his reaction, "[The Watershed Moment] presentation was excellent, and, very pointed.  We need to hear some straight talk concerning the unorthodox ideas of the Bishop.  Sometimes it's hard to respect the office when you can't respect the person that's in it.  If he becomes the status quo for leadership in the Northern Illinois Conference, I will no longer be able to follow.  I feel that we are headed for a split in the denomination.  That may be the only way we can truly resolve these awkward theological issues."

Jim Blue, Chair Evangelism Commission, Des Plaines FUMC, Member Northern Illinois Conference Council on Finance and Administration, Chairperson Elgin District Board of Stewards and Chair of Northern Illinois Conference Evangelical Association (NICEA) was in attendance at both meetings. Regarding the Pecatonica meeting, Mr. Blue noted, "I had a sense last evening that some people wanted to spend more time discussing, even though we spent an hour after the presentation ended.  They wanted to consider how to help the UMC be faithful to Christ as expressed in the unchangeable Articles of Faith, based on the truth in God's Word.  NIC VOICE urges people to learn how to express their Faith."

Michael McKellar, who hosted the Cornerstone UMC open meeting, reflected that "The majority of the folks who came to the presentation were those who have been wounded in some way by the Bishop’s book or a like theology manifesting itself in their home churches. Those people, I believe, were looking for "affirmation", to coin a word, that they were indeed wounded and that others have been too."

Those who wish to view the presentation can download it from www.nicvoice.org. NIC VOICE encourages local Bible study groups, adult education classes and churches to use the Microsoft PowerPoint™ presentation to stimulate discussion of "the future of our church," Klockenga said.

Those in the Northern Illinois Conference who would like a member of NIC VOICE’s lay network to make a presentation at their church may contact NIC VOICE via the web site with their requests.

Press Release Word Document

 NIC VOICE Presentation – Forum for Evangelical Theology at Garrett Seminary

Contending for the Faith

NIC VOICE was invited to speak at the Forum for Evangelical Theology at Garrett Seminary on October 7th at 12:30 PM.

The topic of the presentation was “Contending for the Faith."  The purpose of the Forum for Evangelical Theology (FET) is to engage in conversation about the Christian faith from an evangelical perspective.

You can discover more about the Forum at www.wesleyanforum.org/fet/.   The following were presented at the Forum:

• Presentation References for NIC VOICE "Contending for the Faith" presentation
• View (browser version) or Download (3.65MB) NIC VOICE "Contending for the Faith" PowerPoint® presentation (full graphics version)
• View (browser version) or Download (1.60MB) NIC VOICE "Contending for the Faith" PowerPoint® presentation (low graphics version)

Presentation Summary:

AIM: To ask you to consider how you will be and perhaps are Contending for the Faith within the UMC and to be prepared for the challenges you will face in your ministry

Principle 1: God withdraws his blessings when his people are continuously rebellious and idolatrous

But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes. Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow. They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols. When God heard them, he was very angry; he rejected Israel completely. (Psalm 78: 56-59)

• Views from the pews and beyond
• Measurement & Analysis: State of the UMC

Principle 2: There is always remnant who are called and faithful.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance... will arise from another place, but you ... will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

• Example NIC VOICE
• Watershed Moment Presentation Overview

Principle 3: God’s Word is True and can be trusted.

All your words are true. (Psalm 119:160)

Every word of God proves true. (Proverbs 30:5)

• Authority of Scripture
• Biblical Mandate

 NIC VOICE Response to bishops responding to NIC VOICE letter to all active bishops

The grass roots laity movement NIC (Northern Illinois Conference)  VOICE concerned about the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague and ongoing doctrinal concerns within the United Methodist Church has reached out to all active bishops requesting a response regarding the implementation of recommendations made by the response team in the dismissal.

The letters were mailed to each bishop on September 5, 2003 and included 51 authorized signatures by both laity and clergy within the Northern Illinois Conference and other conferences throughout the United States.  Click here to read the full text of the letter:  NIC VOICE Letter of Concern to all Active Bishops.

Click here to read two bishops responses:  Response to NIC VOICE September 5, 2003 Letter to All Active Bishops

Click here to read NIC VOICE response to Bishop Keaton and Bishop Weaver:  NIC VOICE Response to NIC VOICE September 5, 2003 Letter to All Active Bishops

From the response to Bishop Keaton:

…In your letter, you indicated we should direct our inquiry regarding Response Team recommendation #1 to Bishop Sprague.  He did receive our letter, and as of this date has not responded (he has been on renewal leave until October 1).

We agree with your suggestion that Question # 2 be directed to the Council of Bishops President, who also was sent our letter by mail and email and as of this date has not responded…

From the response to Bishop Weaver:

…In your letter, you indicated that the North Central Jurisdiction has the responsibility to monitor, and select a third party to facilitate dialogue between the parties concerning the theological and doctrinal issues presented in this case.  We are not aware of any steps by the Jurisdiction to ensure that this Response Team recommendation is implemented.

We are encouraged that you have indicated the Council of Bishops is already exploring and planning many things connected to the second recommendation of the Response Team.  We anticipate such future positive actions and responses as a result of actions by both individual Bishops and the Council as a whole….

NIC VOICE Watershed Moment October 2003 Updated Presentation is AVAILABLE on-line! Highlights

Slide 39:  Aren’t these issues just different interpretations of the Bible?

(Summarized from:  http://www.greatcom.org/resources/toughquestions/tq4/tq4d.htm

Why should I believe your interpretation of the Bible?)

·         Even those who do not believe the Bible to be true seldom have
difficulty discerning the main message, be it true or be it false.

·         It is clear for those who will read it with an open mind, seeking to understand its meaning.

·         The problem comes when people attempt to make the “Word” fit their preconceived ideas.

·         Often disagreement is not so much with interpretation, rather with application of the Scriptures.

Differences result from cultural, ethnic and social factors, but this argument is no excuse for refusing to agree that the central TRUTH of the Bible revolves around the question of just who is Jesus Christ and concerns the Gospel story.

Updates to NIC VOICE Web Site

 NIC VOICE Meeting Poster Sample with graphics 

 Retired Bishop Blasts Renewal Groups

Retired Bishop Dale White made a blistering attack on renewal groups within United Methodism, alleging that they have a “polarizing style” and “intimidating tactics” that are “calculated to spread fear” and “impugn the motives of others.”   He warned against their “dirty tricks politics” and “right-wing ideology.”  White made his remarks a First United Methodist Church in Schenectady, New York on October 26 as part of its Carl Lecture Series.  Read More

 Do renewal groups threaten the health of United Methodism?  by Riley B. Case

According to a new book, United Methodism @ Risk: A Wake-Up Call, produced by a group called The Information Project for United Methodists, and introduced with great fan-fare to the press and to the Council of Bishops, Methodism is in danger of being “taken over”  …The book is an attack on evangelical renewal groups—but it is more. It is an attack on the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church and upon many of the most loyal of the church’s members. The alarm is sounded not against people in power who oversaw the monumental decline of membership within the last 25 years, but upon the people who believe that the people who are in power (bishops, seminaries, and boards and agencies) are not serving them well. Read More

Heresy and the Connection, Dr. Riley B. Case, Assistant Executive Director, The Confessing Movement (July/August 2003 Newsletter - scroll down to read this article)

See also Whatever Happened to Heresy, Dr. Riley B. Case,  published in Good News magazine (March/April 1995).

So we have the dismissal of the complaint against Bishop Joseph Sprague that Sprague’s published positions are contrary to the standards of doctrine established by the United Methodist Church. One gets the sense from the Supervisory Response Team that it is the complaint itself that should be on trial and not the stated positions of Bishop Sprague.

Note that it is not that Bishop Sprague was tried for heresy and acquitted. This is a more serious problem: the official church will not even consider heresy. If the evidence against Bishop Sprague is not sufficient enough to lead to a trial (apart from the question of whether Sprague is guilty), then it must be concluded that in the present climate in the church heresy is an impossibility. Then the accusations against United Methodism are true: one can believe anything and be United Methodist. Standards are not standards. Truth is not truth. There is no center. Paragraph 130 of the Discipline which speaks of connectionalism and makes reference our common tradition of faith including our Doctrinal Standards and our General Rules, carries no meaning. There is no common tradition. Likewise, there is no unity.

And so those of us who wanted to believe there was a new mood in the church, a new consideration of doctrinal integrity, are disappointed. And the church is impoverished.

The Supervisory Response Team spoke of a need for "dialogue." Let us suggest that one of the first items that might be on the agenda is whether the church can speak meaningfully in our present idea of the concept of heresy. And in preparation for that let us consider heresy as an idea.  Read More (scroll down to read this article)

 How Do You Develop an Apologetics Ministry Within a Church?, Probe Ministries Answers to email

Christians must be schooled or trained to some degree in apologetics and there must be regular opportunity to encounter non-Christians in a non-threatening manner.  A simple reading group can be arranged for Christians t read helpful apologetics-oriented books like Lee Strobel's "Case for Christ" and "Case for Faith".  You could schedule a Probe Mind Games Conference and offer the Basic Defense Track... For the most part, Christians today not only do not really know what they believe, they certainly don't know why. To encounter non-Christians, you could host a regular film night or reading group. These groups would watch or read secular movies and books which raise worldview or ethical issues. With a mixed group, Christians can begin to hear what non-Christians really believe and think and begin to interact with them just by stating opinions. This can be enjoyable and non-intimidating. A moderator needs to be skilled in not letting some people dominate the discussion or get preachy. Read More

 Apologetics and Evangelistic Resources

Are there credible reasons to believe the truth claims of Christianity? Is Jesus really the way, the truth and the life? These questions are the concern of apologetics, an area of study that focuses on defending the Christian faith.  If you're a witnessing Christian concerned about the spiritual state of those around you, the resources below can help you answer the tough questions and present the gospel in a persuasive, compelling, and relevant way.

  Probe Ministries

Probe's mission is to present the Gospel to communities, nationally and internationally, by providing life-long opportunities to integrate faith and learning through balanced, biblically based scholarship, training people to love God by renewing their minds and equipping the Church to engage the world for Christ.

  Probe Ministries

·         Apologetics & Theology, Probe Ministries

·         Other Worldview and Apologetics Sites, Probe Ministries

·         PowerPoint Presentations, Probe Ministries

 Apologetics Research Resources on Religious Cults, Sects, Movements, Doctrines, Etc.

Apologetics Index (apologeticsindex.org, countercult.com, cultfaq.org) provides research resources on religious cults, sects, new religious movements, alternative religions, apologetics-, anticult-, and countercult organizations, doctrines, religious practices and world views. These resources reflect a variety of theological and/or sociological perspectives. The site provides information that helps equip Christians to logically present and defend the Christian faith, and that aids non-Christians in their comparison of various religious claims. Issues addressed range from spiritual and cultic abuse to contemporary theological and/or sociological concerns. AI also includes ex-cult support resources, up-to-date religion news (ReligionNewsBlog.com), articles on Christian life and ministry, and a variety of other features.

Stand to Reason 

(Links to other sites:  Apologetics Web Links)

Stand to Reason trains Christians to think more clearly about their faith and to make an even-handed, incisive, yet gracious defense for classical Christianity and classical Christian values in the public square.  Regardless of the precise wording, our mission has six important elements:

1. What is our principle activity? Training
2. Who do we train? Christians
3. What do we train them to do? Think clearly and make a defense
4. What is the manner in which they do this? Intellectually fair, gracious and incisive
5. What will the scope of their defense? The doctrines and ethics of classical Christianity
6. Where is this defense made? The public square

FIRST THINGS The Journal of Relgion and Public Life

FIRST THINGS is published by The Institute on Religion and Public Life, an interreligious, nonpartisan research and education institute whose purpose is to advance a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society.

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