Florida Board Takes Stance against ‘Neo-Pentacostalism’

by Barbara Denham                                                                                                              Vol. IX, No. 3, March 1996

The Florida Baptist state board of missions has taken steps to deny credentials to three congregations that have been removed or have withdrawn voluntarily from the Alachua Baptist Association on issues of Baptist doctrine and practice.

The action related to the three churches was prompted by the Alachua Association’s unanimous recommendation that fellowship be withdrawn from the Citrus Christian Ministries of Homassassa Springs for teaching doctrinal beliefs in opposition to the Baptist Faith and Message. Two other churches subsequently withdrew from the association – Riverside Christian Fellowship in Hernando and Main Street Church in Inverness.

During the state Board of Missions’ Jan. 26 meeting at Lake Yale Assembly, John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, said the three churches were teaching “neo-pentecostalism.” Sullivan cited papers the churches had submitted to the association outlining their doctrinal beliefs. These teachings include recognition of speaking in tongues as a measure of filling of the Holy spirit, restoration of the office of the apostles, and the “laughing” revival concept.

“I urge that we stand along with this association,” Sullivan told board members prior to the vote. “You cannot just believe anything or everything and be Baptist.”

A report from the board’s program committee recommended the convention no longer receive Cooperative program or any other mission gifts from the three churches, deny messenger credentials for the churches at the Florida Baptist State convention and meet with the pastor of Main Street Church at his request.

But in the full board meeting, Clytee Harness of Elfers recommended board representatives meet with all three churches before recommending the board refuse to receive Cooperative program funds. Not receiving CP gifts would deny the affected church staff from participation in the SBC annuity program. “If we discover in the May (board) meeting, (the complaint) is valid, we will return their funds,” Harness said. His motion was approved. [BP]