> If I’m not mistaken, it also serves as host to the “Auckland Community Church”, aka, the home of the Gay, Lesbian and Transgendered Community, no?
It certainly provides facilities for that group, yes — there is a sign out front that says so.
> I’ve never been convinced that they’re actually “Christianizing” anybody.
On what basis do you say that? Do you know that congregation first-hand? (I don’t yet, so I am curious).
In any event, fortunately we aren’t the ones who want convincing. Our Lord gets to decide whether they have been Christianized or not. And we are told that we will be surprised at who Christ recognizes as His Own when He returns. On that basis I think it wise to keep an open mind, and to work out our own salvation, with trembling and fear, never minding what the other bloke is doing or not doing.
> I think the bar needs to be raised a little higher than simply putting butts on pews, though.
I think that’s a judgment best left to Our Lord, isn’t it? Else do we not stand the risk identified in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, Luke 18:9-14?
The Pharisee had set the bar up pretty high for himself, whereas the Publican merely wanted forgiveness. We know which one Christ was pleased with.
> They may have succeeded but at what price?
Salvation will be the price. Either one way or the other.
It's not necessary to know the congregation. A knowledge of what, if anything, is being taught is all that is required. If the congregation is being fed a distorted version of the Christian Gospel, heresy, or is being allowed to embrace whatever theology it pleases, then nobody is being "Christianized".
This is not a judgment of people. It's a judgment of doctrine and theology.
In any event, fortunately we aren’t the ones who want convincing. Our Lord gets to decide whether they have been Christianized or not.
God judges men's hearts but we get to judge whether the Gospel is being preached in all its fullness and truth. St. Paul railed against "false teachers". So did Jesus. There is a difference between the various Christian professions and if a man asks you for guidance, will you point him in the direction of a false teacher?
And we are told that we will be surprised at who Christ recognizes as His Own when He returns. On that basis I think it wise to keep an open mind, and to work out our own salvation, with trembling and fear, never minding what the other bloke is doing or not doing.
A "whatever floats your boat attitude" is not Christian. Is the homosexual lifestyle sinful and destructive? If so, do we say so or we lead the gay community on and tell them everything is cool? Is that what happens at St. Matthew's? I'm almost certain it is. That is not "Christianizing" anyone. Confirming people in their sin simply allows you to share their guilt.
The Pharisee had set the bar up pretty high for himself, whereas the Publican merely wanted forgiveness. We know which one Christ was pleased with.
The first step on the road to forgiveness is acknowledging one's sin. Sin is not a word you will hear much of at St. Matthew's unless it's the collective "sin" of society, structures and corporations.
Trust me.