Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
Having been in both denominations and in the local churches, I believe that individuals in local churches do indeed mingle more with different believers in other parts of the city or across different cities (both nationally and internationally) than a typical person would in a denomination who devote themselves exclusively to one sect (because of articles like this GotQuestions one). This is because a sect is smaller than a city-local church, and so the opportunities for fellowship are more limited.
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I couldn't disagree with this statement more and have experienced the exact opposite. I have no dog in this fight - I hold no ill will towards the LC's. They treated me extremely well and I still try to keep in touch with a few that are trapped inside.
Again, this statement holds no truth in light of my personal experience. I have been all over the world (visited churches in 10+ countries), interacting with different "denominations" (I'll use Evangelical's definition of a denomination - any church that doesn't follow the ministry of Witness Lee). I have been to dozens of churches in the north, south, east, and west of the U.S in my 20+ years as a Christian. I have spent 13 months of my life with those within the "Local Churches" (Evangelical's definition of LC). Visited with LC brothers from different states and localities. I have visited the mecca of the "Local Church" (Anaheim). In all my time, I have never seen been with a more decisive and inward focused sect than the "Local Churches" - nothing even close.
It is also interesting that you post this today. In my local church (we do not follow Witness Lee), just this morning, a group of us were talking about this very topic. A devotion to Christ and Word rather than a devotion to a sect or denomination when sharing the gospel. We don't share with our neighbors to bring them to our church, we share with our neighbors to help bring them to Christ. This isn't true within the "Local Churches" even the Christian Students on Campus, CSOC, Campus Ministries are devoted to bringing those to know and love Witness Lee. This is done in a very intentional, methodical, and prescribed way.