stephen R Harrison

From time to time, our church and its leadership needs a concise doctrinal position paper to bring clarity, guidance, and unity. One of my roles is to write these papers and I have written them on topics such as generosity (tithes and offering), who can baptize?, and the relationship and responsibilities of Elders and Deacons. Writing a paper to the church is nothing new, and we even have an example in Scripture in Acts 15. Here’s a short position paper on writing short position papers using Acts 15 as our guide.

When issues arise that threaten the integrity of Scripture, gospel mission, and spiritual effectiveness of the local church, elders must be prepared to quickly confront them with truth and grace. The elders may decide a position letter/paper should be commissioned to clarify and/or establish doctrinal views, missional integrity, and spiritual practices of the local church.  The position paper should be written from elder unanimity, based on the Scriptures, and result in unity, encouragement, strength, and growth in the local church.  The Jerusalem Council found in Acts 15 helps the local church elders navigate this by providing both example and instruction.  The outline below traces the steps the local elders in Jerusalem made to correct the problem.  This resulted in unifying, strengthening, encouraging, and furthering the gospel to the Gentiles.  Position papers at The Summit Church should be processed and produced through the lens and heart of Acts 15 in hopes the same results would occur.

• False teaching and confusion concerning the gospel and salvation of Gentiles in the church of Antioch occurred and needed correction (vv. 1, 5).
• Paul and Barnabas quickly engaged in initial debate to stop and correct the false teaching (v. 2a).
• They saw need to bring it to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem as this issue would reach further than the local church in Antioch. The church entrusted the apostles and elders to address and resolve this issue. (v. 2b). 
• The apostles, elders, and church members in Jerusalem saw firsthand the false gospel that was being preached in the church in Antioch by the believing Pharisees (vv. 3-4).
• God opened the door to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27) and great testimony of Gentile conversion was shared (15:3-4, 12).  The false gospel threatened the validity and furtherance of salvations among the Gentiles.  The apostles and elders had to act.
• The apostles and elders met to discuss the issue (vv. 6-7a).
• The apostles and elders addressed the issue with authority and truth (vv. 7b-21).
  • Peter spoke first (vv. 7-11)
    • The initial and pure message of the gospel was reiterated as foundational to salvation of the Gentiles (v. 7b)
    • God knew the Gentile’s hearts and gave them the same Holy Spirit He gave the Jews (v. 8).
    • Gentiles, like Jews, were saved by faith (v. 9)
    • The wrong teaching was confronted (v. 10)
    • The wrong teaching was refuted (v. 11)
    • The people listened in amazement to their testimony (v. 12)
  • James confirmed Peter’s message (vv. 13-14).  [Established by two witnesses?]
    • James illustrated the importance of scriptural authority (vv. 15-18)
    • James concluded the teaching was a hinderance to the Gentile’s conversions (v. 19).
• The apostles and elders decided to commission a position letter to the church.  
  • The letter established a doctrinal position on salvation.
  • It also gave spiritual growth directions on how to live as Christ followers (v. 20). 
  • The letter contained both doctrinal (know) and practical (do) instructions.
  • The letter would correct doctrine and practice in many churches in many cities
• A letter was written and sent with faithful men to bring correction through teaching in Antioch (vv. 22-26, 32).
• They felt need to confirm the word of mouth of apostles and elders with a letter (v. 27).
• They wrote what “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (v. 28).
  • This statement infers much prayer, evaluation of Scripture, and discussion occurred to reach their unanimous verdict.
  • This phrase should probably be a guiding statement for all questions concerning doctrine.
• The intent of the letter was not to burden the church (v. 28).
• Their letter was concise, heartfelt, instructional, clarifying, and unifying (v. 29).
• The letter was delivered to the gathered church (v. 30).
• The letter was received well, as the church was encouraged (v. 31).
• The church was also strengthened and grew in numbers (Acts 15:32; 16:5).