3 Comments

1. Thank you Bro. Ross. I have enjoyed reading the articles. I agree this is an important doctrine that affects many others especially soteriology and ecclesiology. I know you teach at Baptist College of Ministry in WI, I was wondering what the schools view is on ecclesiology and pneumatology? I was under the impression they were universal church and therefore held to the PCP or UCD positions. Just wondersing, I have some friends who were trained there and they seem to hold to the universal church interpretation of spirit baptism.

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2. Dear Bro Steve,

   Thanks for the kind words on the series. I am very thankful for the many good things at Baptist College of Ministry, and rejoice that the Lord has given me the opportunity to be an adjunct professor there. However, as an adjunct, I'm only there for two nine week blocks each year, teaching two classes a block (this year, I've taught and am teaching 2nd year Greek, the book of Ephesians, and the book of Romans in Greek). BCM's policy is that statements of doctrinal, etc. positions are pre-approved (which is wise) before being made. Thus, I have no ability to make an official statement about the school's position on ecclesiology or pneumatology. I would encourage you to call the office or speak to someone who is resident staff on that. BCM is (properly) concerned that, as they have adjunct faculty from a variety of places teach a variety of courses, that they don't get their own position misrepresented either intentionally or unintentionally. Furthermore, as someone who is not resident faculty or even a member of Falls Baptist Church, I would say that my comments on this blog rather represent my own view–and I can say that the church of which I am a member, Mukwonago Baptist Church, takes the view of Spirit baptism as a completed event that I have exposited here. I would also consider the "What is Truth" blog as something that is under the aegis of Bethel Baptist Church, as it is Pastor Brandenburg's blog.

   Something else I would say is that here at Mukwonago Baptist Church we used to point our kids towards another school that was driving distance in the area, that is supposed to be a fundamental Baptist institution, and upon going there, the kids would often end up rejecting Biblical standards taught by our church, becoming worldly, and even leave the church. It was ridiculous and an awful situation. On the other hand, the kids that have gone to BCM tend to become stronger spiritually, be on fire for God, fervent in prayer and in evangelism, desirous to fit into our church and serve there, are committed to a faith-based method of finding a life's partner instead of the world's way of dating, continue to uphold our church's standards on issues such as music and dress, etc. All of that has been very refreshing. However, as for an official statement about their doctrinal position on ecclesiology, pneumatology, or anything else, for that matter, they want to have such statements issued directly on their part–which is perfectly reasonable.

   I hope that helps. Sorry if it isn't more specific.

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3. Bro. Ross,

   I completely understand your explanation. BCM is one of a couple schools I actually still recommend. I prefer local church institute training myself, although the Lord used a parachurch bible college in my background. Thanks again.

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