I know there are volumes that has already been written on this matter, so if some member wants to direct me to that thread, that would be great.
I intend to visit dear friend who I have not seen in years who has gotten involved with Bethel Fellowship Church and I know nothing about them other than what I read on their website
here.
Although I am from mainline evangelicalism (as is my friend) I have grown increasingly Reformed in my theology for the same reasons the rest of you have.
Not having visited the church or gotten to know the leadership, it appears that these folks are very active, sincere, and as far as I can tell, don't venture into the lunatic fringe with slaying in the Spirit, holy laughter, etc. Furthermore, they have an extensive missions outreach both locally and internationally which I admire. Still, this church has an obvious charismatic/pentecostal leaning I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they practice the sign gifts in public worship.
I have no desire to argue with my friend and I certainly don't want to persuade him to leave this group. However at some point I'm sure he'll ask what I think of his church and we'll have some discussion of doctrine and practice.
I have much more in common with these folks than I do with a liberal Protestant, so I'd like to unite on the points of agreement rather than divide over our differences. I am not seminary trained nor did I grow up in a Reformed denomination. I came to Reformed theology and worldview first by listening to White Horse Inn and reading Modern Reformation magazine and then through reading some works by Sproul, Michael Horton, and other Reformed writers. This website has also been very helpful in challeging me to examine my faith and views. But I am still not a very good apologist.
Any suggestions on how to approach the whole experience?
