Do I Need to Agree with Every Aspect of a Church’s Doctrine in Order to Be Wholeheartedly Committed to It?

By Doreen Button, Stephanie Anderson

September 28, 2024

Question from a reader:

My husband and I have been members of the Evangelical Covenant Church for many years, and we loved it. After moving to be close to family, we now find ourselves attending an Orthodox Presbyterian Church. We really like the music, the preaching, and the fellowship. It wasn’t until we attended a Sunday school class taught by the pastor that we knew we were out of our realm. We are just so confused and anxious about saying the wrong thing. We feel that it is very important to participate fully in a church and to become members, but do we need to buy into all five points of Calvinism? (I am reading hand in Hand. And I read R.C. Sproul’s book about Reformed Theology.)

Answer from Stephanie Anderson and Doreen Button, EPM staff:

We’re glad to hear you’re reading hand to Hand, and hope it is helpful as you study these topics. Since you’re reading the book, you’ve likely read some of Randy’s story, and know that he came to faith in an Evangelical Covenant Church. (See his answer to: What Is Your Position on Reformed Theology and the Five Points of Calvinism?)

We commend your and your husband’s desire to fully participate in the life of the church you are attending. While we can’t provide definitive answers to your questions, we can provide some follow-up questions for you both to reflect and pray through:

Are the doctrinal differences such that you wouldn’t be able to participate in the life of the church with a clear conscience?
Are you willing to hold your doctrinal positions related to the five points of Calvinism with an open hand, and let God show you if there’s an area where He wants to change your understanding?
Does the church itself feel that you need to affirm all five points of Calvinism in order to become members? (It would be good to have an honest conversation with church leadership about that.)
Does the church have a spirit of grace and truth towards those who disagree with them about the five points?

After thinking through these questions together and with church leadership, you may find that the five doctrinal points are not critical to enjoying and growing in your fellowship at this church. However, if you are uncomfortable with the answers you come to, this Q&A from John Piper might be helpful, on When Should I Leave My Church? He talks about four marks of a healthy church.

May the Lord give you wisdom as you seek Him (James 1:5). God bless you both.

Photo: Unsplash

Doreen is part of the Eternal Perspective Ministries staff, and helps Randy with editing and answering reader questions. She is a certified biblical counselor.

Stephanie Anderson is the communications and graphics specialist at Eternal Perspective Ministries.

Topics

Church

Finding a Church That Suits Our Every Need and Desire Is Not the Ultimate Purpose of Church

article - Benjamin Watson Randy's blog

I am convinced that it is permissible to both seek churches that adhere to the inerrancy of Scripture and provide opportunities for growth, while also satisfying some of our cultural and stylistic proclivities. BUT I have realized that even the search for the perfect church can become an idol.

What Is Your Position on Reformed Theology and the Five Points of Calvinism?

article - Randy Alcorn

When people ask, and they often do, I always describe myself as Reformed in theology.

Some Thoughts on Eternal Security and the Arminian and Calvinist Positions

article - Randy Alcorn

The biblical evidence is substantial for both the Arminian and Calvinist positions. John Wesley and Charles Finney were great men of God who took the Arminian position. John Calvin and Charles Spurgeon were great men of God who took the Calvinist position. It is not stupid or immoral or faithless to take either position.