[Mad Dawg]

From my conversation with a nearby Baptist pastor (an excellent, intelligent, and pious guy) I have garnered the impression that a Convention has certain standards, but that leaving a convention because those standards are no longer those of your congregation is not like leaving the Episcopal Church for one of the new Anglican outfits would be. It wouldn’t be a “schism.”

But Brother Rogers will be able to speak with more authority.

[kosta50]

I have garnered the impression that a Convention has certain standards, but that leaving a convention because those standards are no longer those of your congregation is not like leaving the Episcopal Church for one of the new Anglican outfits would be. It wouldn’t be a “schism.”

My understanding is that "schism" is a rather meaningless term in the Protestant world. It does not mean you can no longer "commune" or worship in the schismatic "churches."

I imagine "schism" for Baptists simply means you make your own Baptist "church," usually one corner down the street from the old one, probably called "First baptist Church of Orange Grove," and call it the "First Baptist Church of Sleepy Hollow."

I also think, among Baptists, schism can be for any number of reasons, not necessarily theological. Doesn't the Bible hint that all you need is "two or three" to have a "church?" :)

But Brother Rogers will be able to speak with more authority

I am sure.