Can There Ever Be Exceptions to Our Regular Fellowship Practices That Do Not Violate Scripture's Fellowship Principles?

Abstract

In this essay, Professor John F. Brug explores whether exceptions to regular church fellowship practices can be made without violating scriptural principles. He affirms the “unit concept” of fellowship—requiring full doctrinal agreement for any expression of fellowship—but acknowledges that exceptional cases may arise, particularly involving the spiritually weak or those in emergency situations. Brug provides scriptural, historical, and theological support for such exceptions, emphasizing that they must not undermine the principles themselves. He cites examples from Christ’s ministry, Old Testament precedents, early church practices, and confessional Lutheran history, including C.F.W. Walther and John Gerhard. Brug stresses the need for evangelical application of fellowship principles, balancing truth with compassion. He concludes that while exceptions to practice may be warranted, they must be handled with care, humility, and a firm commitment to scriptural doctrine. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).