Matters of Doctrine
Matters of Preference
After traveling in itinerant evangelistic ministry for over 15 years, I have noticed that ministry philosophy matters to church leadership more than they may indicate. I have no plans to give an exhaustive overview of my ministry philosophy, however I would like to explain the tenants that I believe to be the most divisive. I hope this enables a ministry leader to understand where I am positionally on certain issues before you choose to lend an invite. It is my heart’s desire to not create a movement or persuade you to a position, but to simply inform you as a leader thereby I am not a distraction to your ministry.
BIBLE VERSIONS
In my teaching and preaching I use the King James Version and the Reina-Valera 1960 in Spanish. I use other versions often in my study and preparation for sermons. I have wonderful ministry friends that do not use the KJV, and I preach at their churches as well. I will not exalt the KJV over other versions. I will not acknowledge the notion that the translators were supernaturally ‘special’ in their work of the KJV. I am aware of the textual debates that rage on, however for this short clip of philosophy just know I come from this context if you have me to speak.
DENOMINATIONAL TIES
I am Baptistic in my church polity. I preach at places that God gives me liberty of conscience to minister. Places that do not hinder me giving forth the full counsel of Scripture. Places that do not misrepresent who the Lord is. Therefore, if there is an opportunity in different associations and denominations, the decision is weighed and ultimately decided by listening to the Holy Spirit, guidance of my pastor, and applicational wisdom to make the right decision. Where I preach is not controlled by a man or an association of churches, but by the Lord.
MUSIC
It disappoints me that music has been such a dividing line in so many circles that worship Jehovah God. I can worship the Lord with a piano and organ setup and I can worship with a full band. Every individual church will give an account to God for how they lead their worship services, and I (as a guest) have no input on how you conduct your worship to the Lord. I do not divide fellowship if brothers sing music written by certain artists I may not prefer. I have my preference of what music I choose to worship the Lord with at my own local assembly, but when I travel, the church leadership is accountable to the Lord for their decisions of worship music.
DRESS
The slacks on women debate within certain Conservative circles has been a point of contention since the time I started in ministry. Please know that the dress code issue is a conscience issue before a Christian and their Lord. Our family practices deference to a brother. I will be conscious of the practices of a brother or sister, but please know deference does not entail absolute conformity. My wife and daughters wear pants regularly. We practice deference in areas that do not feel that way, but do not pretend that the dress code portrayed is our norm. Please do not have an expectation that our social media presence will display a ‘skirts only’ presence.
PREACHING
I strive to preach messages that are Scripture based and have an application that is Scripture laced. I do not speak on conscience issues. I can assure you, I will not preach on Bible versions, dress codes, music, and denominational ties at your church. I believe issues like this are discussed and studied over the long game and are off limits for a guest preacher. My goal is to gain the reasoning behind the gathering, and preach to assist in that goal set by the God ordained leader of that assembly.
Please understand my heart. I am not trying to be divisive by making this public. I hope for some who do not share this kind of philosophy to look for another person who can be of more help. I desire that when I arrive there is shared bond and heart for the Gospel therefore these side philosophy tenants will not be a distraction that the enemy will use during a meeting together.