Applications of the Principles of Church Fellowship

Abstract

In this 1994 essay, John F. Brug explores the practical application of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) doctrine of church fellowship. Building on the “unit concept” of fellowship—requiring full doctrinal agreement for any joint religious activity—Brug outlines how this principle applies to worship, education, charitable work, and inter-church relations. He addresses complex cases involving funerals, civic ceremonies, school enrollment, musical participation, and interdenominational cooperation. Brug emphasizes the need to distinguish between scriptural principles and human applications, urging evangelical discernment rather than legalistic rigidity. He advocates for clear public testimony against false doctrine while showing pastoral sensitivity in ambiguous or emergency situations. The essay concludes with a call for love-driven clarity, humility, and consistency in applying fellowship principles, always aiming to protect souls and uphold God’s truth. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)