Practicing Biblical Separation Wisely

One of the defining characteristics of biblical fundamentalism is the doctrine and practice of biblical separation. It is not something the fundamentalists conjured up.

I believe there are two types of separation and a third practice that looks like it but is not it exactly.

Separation from false teachers.  We get this one.  When we join in ministry with a false teacher, we become partakers of their evil deeds (2 John 11)

Separation from disobedient brothers.  1 Corinthians 5 is clear.  When a person who claims the gospel does damage to the gospel by their public behavior, we must separate from them.

Limited fellowship.  Dave Shumate wrote about this already (here). There are times when we disagree doctrinally or philosophically with one another so that joint ministry becomes, at least on some levels, unwise or impracticable, but the differences are not gospel-level issues. Much of our toughest decision-making is on this level, and the process can be extremely painful.

In this post, I would like to focus more on the process of separation and specifically how we relate to one another when many of us, at the same time, are facing the same decision about a church, institution or individual.  There are some concepts that we need to keep in mind.

Not everyone makes the decision to separate or change fellowship status at the same time.

We are Baptists. We believe in individual soul liberty and responsibility. That means that when a church, individual, or Christian institution is going through change (not the good kind), people are going to have to assess their relationships based upon their own consciences. Situations are usually fluid—fluctuating almost daily. Some people are more patient. Some are in a place of greater influence and feel a responsibility to be influential for as long as possible. We need to grant one another the time to come to appropriate biblical conclusions.

Being the quickest to separate does not necessarily make you the most discerning.

There is a difference between being discerning and being impatient or reactionary. The commands of scripture require us to be loving and longsuffering with one another, giving the benefit of the doubt, and not jumping to hasty conclusions (1 Corinthians 13). When it is clear it is time to take a stand, we must, but we do not gleefully rush to that moment.

Separation should not happen quickly (in most instances).

We should grant one another the opportunity to correct mistakes. I know I have made a few “separation type” mistakes in my ministry. I am glad I had mentors and peers who were patient with me and let me admit and correct. The separation process, in most situations, demands communication that will take time. The Matthew 18 protocol cannot be accomplished quickly. One of the reasons we have FBFI fellowship meetings is so we have the opportunity to communicate with, even confront one another in person.

Separation should not be about taking sides.

Separation should happen on the basis of biblical principle and not institutional loyalties or who our buddies are. This must never be about being on one “team” or the other.

Separation and limited fellowship choices based upon philosophy should be gracious and congenial.

We might disagree with a brother or sister, but they are still family in Christ and we are going to live with them forever in heaven. We must love those with whom we disagree, even on divisive theological issues—yes, even Calvinism.

When a person or institution we love is in the process of change, it puts a lot of pressure on all of us. We not only must deal with biblical principles but changing contexts that are not easy to discern without all the facts.  On top of that are the emotions in play—the sense of betrayal, fear, and even loss of valuable friendships.  When we face these types of difficult situations, let’s take the time to get it right, and grant one another the grace to do the same.