[Peter Debelak]

A further practical (and personal) thought on the “local ground.”

First, it would seem to me that if one-city-one-eldership was a prescription in the Scripture, then an individual not under that eldership is in violation of the Scripture.

Okay, so my personal situation.

I live in Pittsburgh, where there are many churches (green, red, square, tall, short, electric and stodgy). In each, they have taken a stand here or there (presently or in some past day) on a non essential item. There is also a “local church” here.

I don’t meet regularly with any of them. I have been to meetings of the “church in Pittsburgh” (as it is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) and I have been to gatherings of other congregations. I am not formally “under” any eldership. That said, I know the “elders” and other saints in the “church in Pittsburgh” and have fellowship with some. I can attest that I have a heart of submission when I fellowship with them. But this is built on a history and, well, a life relationship. I also have fellowship with certain brothers who meet with a Presbyterian church in town. A regular “reform” church with all sorts of radical social/spiritual missions. They’re not “it” for me, but there’s one brother with whom I’ve developed a relationship for whom I have much respect and, if convicted, would readily submit.

Still further, there are a few brothers in town who have no affiliation with a group whatsoever, with whom I have a long relationship. I tell you that there are few others in this Steel city whose words pierce my conscience more or fuel my petition of our Lord more.

Who are the “elders” in Pittsburgh? Who has the right “stand”? Who should I be “under”? What does the “local ground” doctrine as a prescription from the Scripture teach that I should do? Where should I meet?

If the doctrine is prescribed in the Scripture, then an answer like “Obey the Lord in your Spirit” is not an answer. That would be redundant if the Scripture is clear on the matter.

My “problem” is, the only answer I have peace with is “Obey the Lord in your Spirit.” Which means I may very well be violating the “local ground” if it is a prescription in the Word.

Any thoughts or suggestions from those who insist that the “local ground” is a prescriptive reality in the Word?

In Love,

Peter