Current Issues Concerning Church Fellowship

Abstract

Forrest L. Bivens’ essay addresses contemporary challenges in teaching and practicing biblical church fellowship within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Presented at the Arizona-California District Pastoral Conference in 1996, the paper explores doctrinal clarity, exegetical foundations, and practical applications of fellowship principles. Bivens examines internal concerns such as traditionalism, doctrinal humility, and the balance between truth and love, as well as external challenges including ecumenism, societal confusion over religious expression, and the misinterpretation of public confession. He emphasizes the need to distinguish between weak brothers and persistent errorists, to avoid selective fellowship, and to apply biblical principles with evangelical care. The essay calls for ongoing study, self-examination, and gospel-centered motivation in maintaining doctrinal unity and expressing Christian love. Bivens concludes with recommended resources for further study and a reaffirmation of the gospel as the foundation for faithful fellowship practice. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).