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I understand your points on this, and Christians should never compromise either the Truth, or their own conscientious understanding of it. But I do think we need to re-think the idea that engaging in mutual edification with a brother who doesn't believe the same as we do is worthy of being condemned as "compromise." I don't like the clergy-laity "system" any more than anyone else. I think it tends to weaken the masses rather than involve them in the ministry. But I can sing and pray with a brother involved in such a system without in any way compromising either the truth or my conscience. He is responsible for his conscience, I for mine. In fact, there is a golden opportunity right now among groups using such a system. They are having problems keeping their preachers, who are moving on to higher salaries and larger congregations. Why not associate with them, and when opportunities arise to show them a better way, take it? It seems this would be much more effective and uniting than trying to establish a shaky scriptural position that we can have no association with these brothers. Going back to the early restoration movement days, Campbell and the rest were not seeking to cut off ties with others, but develop ties with them in order to have an influence. Anyway, those are just my humble thoughts. I could write a book, but I'll refrain. ;-)
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