Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Hello, friends - It’s the tail end of the month again, but it was a short month, so we get a little grace! This letter will be larger than most, so let’s get right to it.
It occurred to us that many of you are getting this newsletter who’ve never had a proper introduction to Biblical Families besides what you’ve seen online, as we don’t send out a greeting email to new folks (that’s now on the ‘to-do list’, with a lot of other things). In the last year, our mailing list has more than doubled, from under 300, to over 600, and many of you we haven’t gotten to have any direct contact with yet, but we want to tell you a little more about Biblical Families, beyond what you can read on our About Us page.
Firstly, as an organization, we do not ‘advocate’ plural marriage. Does that surprise you? For us ‘advocating’ means trying to talk others into practicing, or claiming that plural marriage is somehow ‘better’ than anything else. What’s best is finding what God has for you. And given the particular difficulties of practicing plural marriage in current Western society, and how strongly we feel that everyone is not cut out for dealing with the issues it raises, we are more apt to try to talk someone out of practicing plural marriage, then into it – we’ve seen enough heartache, we don’t wish to contribute to it. Never-the-less, for the right persons, we acknowledge not just the Biblical freedom to walk this road, but the blessings that are possible, from the laying down of self that is required to walk it successfully. This understanding, and the desire to help others avoid heartache, is why Biblical Families exists, but not our priority. To paraphrase our public forum tagline: we are here to offer Biblical support, counseling, encouragement, fellowship, and information to those who accept, are considering, are living in, or just studying Biblical plural marriage. What we ‘advocate’ is knowing Christ, and him crucified, in our own lives, and in yours – this will always be our priority.
A couple of informational notes, then a note on Doctrine, below:
March 26th-28th, 2010: Mid-west retreat, Springfield, MO, area Just a few weeks, until our largest ever Mid-west retreat (hopefully we can keep saying that every year). We are very excited that we will have 30+ adults in attendance, and probably as many children. Our location is near to the Springfield airport, if you are considering flying. For many of our members this is an easy day’s drive. We are looking forward to some special things at this retreat, including some more organized children's time. We will not be doing meals together for this retreat, but expect to return to meals in a campground setting for Tenn/NC in July. There is still room for you, if you are interested in attending, write us now for details: retreats@biblicalfamilies.org. You can confirm with us last minute, we are pretty easy going that way. If you are uncertain about attending, we’re happy to talk with you by phone, be sure to read more info on our retreats here.
Biblical Families Radio will hopefully be returning with occasional shows before too long, it’s just been a very busy winter for all involved. We’ll try to always announce them in a newsletter. If you haven’t heard all the shows, remember they are always available to listen to here.
Reading Resources We know many of you are still considering the evidence for Christian plural marriage. There is good Biblical information out there. We’ve recently expanded our Links page, and it includes several great books that the authors have made freely available. If you still need to discuss these issues with family, friends, or a pastor – we highly recommend being prepared with the Biblical case. One newly found interesting book is William Luck’s Divorce and Re-marriage: Recovering the Biblical View – see it in the middle of our Links page.
Biblical Families and Bible Doctrine
A question that comes up often in talking with new friends and family members of our rapidly-growing fellowship is one concerning doctrine: what does Biblical Families believe?
First, let us state that it has never been our goal to start a new church or denomination, but rather to provide a place of fellowship for Christian believers across a diverse spectrum of backgrounds that also happen to accept the Biblical concept of plural marriage and plural families, much like other large non-denominational ministries work.
Secondly, Biblical Families does adhere to a core set of beliefs that can be outlined as holding to the truths outlined in The Apostle’s Creed. To that we would add that we hold the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, and our ultimate rule of faith and practice. Within that framework alone faith expressions from Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Messianic, and more can find much common ground for fellowship. All of these are represented, to some extent, on our own board.
Third, Biblical Families has never shied away from confronting those beliefs which stand in contradiction to our core values. One example is our fundamental disagreement with certain doctrines espoused by those in Mormon communities. Whereas our two communities can learn somewhat from each other in the practical aspects of plural marriage, that is where the similarity ends. Our views on Scripture, the deity of Jesus Christ, the Afterlife, and even the purpose of plural marriage are diametrically opposed to one another. There are other issues that occasionally present themselves to our larger community here at Biblical Families, and we prayerfully approach those issues while passionately holding to our core values.
Finally, as our fellowship continues to grow, it is our hope that home groups around the country (and indeed, around the world) will mature into local congregations. Each of these local congregations will have their own identity based upon the involvement of those local believers. It is not the intention or desire of Biblical Families to try to regulate or govern any local body – though we will offer support, fellowship, and materials to any interested. Our philosophy concerning local groups is for them to be self-governing, self-supporting, and self-replicating home churches. As long as those local groups hold to the same core values as Biblical Families, then there will continue to be a solid framework for joyful fellowship with other believers.
Indeed, one of the unique features of Biblical Families has been the diversity of Church backgrounds that are finding commonality in pursuit of fellowship with other like-minded believers. One of the comments we regularly receive after retreats is from those who say that they learned so much from other believers who came from a different denomination or fellowship. We have certainly been blessed ourselves by hearing from those who God has on a slightly different journey. Could it be that God is using the concept of plural marriage in order to bridge the gap between those of differing backgrounds? In fact, some have pointed out that our learning to fellowship with one another in spite of differences is a great example of plural marriage itself: we are the Bride (plural) of Christ, the Groom, and together we are learning submission to Him and love for one another.
We’d add that it is extremely important for you to know what you believe and why you believe it; and it is vital for men, as the head of their households, to lead on doctrine in their own homes, and make sure their own families understand God’s Word, and its implications for their lives, and give a vision of where God is leading them. Don’t abdicate your God-given role to lead in this way to any church, ministry or individual.
Please continue to always pray for Biblical Families. As our fellowship grows, we are constantly faced with new challenges, but with the Lord’s guidance and power, we will continue to strive to serve Him in truth and love.
God bless you and your family. Let us know how we can be of service to you. Drop us a note anytime: Biblical Families Staff
Hello, friends - It’s the tail end of the month again, but it was a short month, so we get a little grace! This letter will be larger than most, so let’s get right to it.
It occurred to us that many of you are getting this newsletter who’ve never had a proper introduction to Biblical Families besides what you’ve seen online, as we don’t send out a greeting email to new folks (that’s now on the ‘to-do list’, with a lot of other things). In the last year, our mailing list has more than doubled, from under 300, to over 600, and many of you we haven’t gotten to have any direct contact with yet, but we want to tell you a little more about Biblical Families, beyond what you can read on our About Us page.
Firstly, as an organization, we do not ‘advocate’ plural marriage. Does that surprise you? For us ‘advocating’ means trying to talk others into practicing, or claiming that plural marriage is somehow ‘better’ than anything else. What’s best is finding what God has for you. And given the particular difficulties of practicing plural marriage in current Western society, and how strongly we feel that everyone is not cut out for dealing with the issues it raises, we are more apt to try to talk someone out of practicing plural marriage, then into it – we’ve seen enough heartache, we don’t wish to contribute to it. Never-the-less, for the right persons, we acknowledge not just the Biblical freedom to walk this road, but the blessings that are possible, from the laying down of self that is required to walk it successfully. This understanding, and the desire to help others avoid heartache, is why Biblical Families exists, but not our priority. To paraphrase our public forum tagline: we are here to offer Biblical support, counseling, encouragement, fellowship, and information to those who accept, are considering, are living in, or just studying Biblical plural marriage. What we ‘advocate’ is knowing Christ, and him crucified, in our own lives, and in yours – this will always be our priority.
A couple of informational notes, then a note on Doctrine, below:
March 26th-28th, 2010: Mid-west retreat, Springfield, MO, area Just a few weeks, until our largest ever Mid-west retreat (hopefully we can keep saying that every year). We are very excited that we will have 30+ adults in attendance, and probably as many children. Our location is near to the Springfield airport, if you are considering flying. For many of our members this is an easy day’s drive. We are looking forward to some special things at this retreat, including some more organized children's time. We will not be doing meals together for this retreat, but expect to return to meals in a campground setting for Tenn/NC in July. There is still room for you, if you are interested in attending, write us now for details: retreats@biblicalfamilies.org. You can confirm with us last minute, we are pretty easy going that way. If you are uncertain about attending, we’re happy to talk with you by phone, be sure to read more info on our retreats here.
Biblical Families Radio will hopefully be returning with occasional shows before too long, it’s just been a very busy winter for all involved. We’ll try to always announce them in a newsletter. If you haven’t heard all the shows, remember they are always available to listen to here.
Reading Resources We know many of you are still considering the evidence for Christian plural marriage. There is good Biblical information out there. We’ve recently expanded our Links page, and it includes several great books that the authors have made freely available. If you still need to discuss these issues with family, friends, or a pastor – we highly recommend being prepared with the Biblical case. One newly found interesting book is William Luck’s Divorce and Re-marriage: Recovering the Biblical View – see it in the middle of our Links page.
Biblical Families and Bible Doctrine
A question that comes up often in talking with new friends and family members of our rapidly-growing fellowship is one concerning doctrine: what does Biblical Families believe?
First, let us state that it has never been our goal to start a new church or denomination, but rather to provide a place of fellowship for Christian believers across a diverse spectrum of backgrounds that also happen to accept the Biblical concept of plural marriage and plural families, much like other large non-denominational ministries work.
Secondly, Biblical Families does adhere to a core set of beliefs that can be outlined as holding to the truths outlined in The Apostle’s Creed. To that we would add that we hold the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, and our ultimate rule of faith and practice. Within that framework alone faith expressions from Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Messianic, and more can find much common ground for fellowship. All of these are represented, to some extent, on our own board.
Third, Biblical Families has never shied away from confronting those beliefs which stand in contradiction to our core values. One example is our fundamental disagreement with certain doctrines espoused by those in Mormon communities. Whereas our two communities can learn somewhat from each other in the practical aspects of plural marriage, that is where the similarity ends. Our views on Scripture, the deity of Jesus Christ, the Afterlife, and even the purpose of plural marriage are diametrically opposed to one another. There are other issues that occasionally present themselves to our larger community here at Biblical Families, and we prayerfully approach those issues while passionately holding to our core values.
Finally, as our fellowship continues to grow, it is our hope that home groups around the country (and indeed, around the world) will mature into local congregations. Each of these local congregations will have their own identity based upon the involvement of those local believers. It is not the intention or desire of Biblical Families to try to regulate or govern any local body – though we will offer support, fellowship, and materials to any interested. Our philosophy concerning local groups is for them to be self-governing, self-supporting, and self-replicating home churches. As long as those local groups hold to the same core values as Biblical Families, then there will continue to be a solid framework for joyful fellowship with other believers.
Indeed, one of the unique features of Biblical Families has been the diversity of Church backgrounds that are finding commonality in pursuit of fellowship with other like-minded believers. One of the comments we regularly receive after retreats is from those who say that they learned so much from other believers who came from a different denomination or fellowship. We have certainly been blessed ourselves by hearing from those who God has on a slightly different journey. Could it be that God is using the concept of plural marriage in order to bridge the gap between those of differing backgrounds? In fact, some have pointed out that our learning to fellowship with one another in spite of differences is a great example of plural marriage itself: we are the Bride (plural) of Christ, the Groom, and together we are learning submission to Him and love for one another.
We’d add that it is extremely important for you to know what you believe and why you believe it; and it is vital for men, as the head of their households, to lead on doctrine in their own homes, and make sure their own families understand God’s Word, and its implications for their lives, and give a vision of where God is leading them. Don’t abdicate your God-given role to lead in this way to any church, ministry or individual.
Please continue to always pray for Biblical Families. As our fellowship grows, we are constantly faced with new challenges, but with the Lord’s guidance and power, we will continue to strive to serve Him in truth and love.
God bless you and your family. Let us know how we can be of service to you. Drop us a note anytime: Biblical Families Staff