Discuss PGroot's answer to: How assets are handled when two churches merged?

I have seen any number of congregations merge ministries, but I have never seen a congregation separate (with the exception of that apostate mess Jeremiah Wright concocted).  There is a great benefit to openness and sharing of ideas, and if no one else ever did so, the Church always led the way sharing thought that makes life better for us all.

Most congregations have exchange speakers one Sunday a month.  We are certainly no exception.  It is refreshing and broadening to hear the views of other religions as well: most of all it is reassuring that we have the truth.  We could not be utterly sure of that without hearing from the opposition, fairly.

We gain members steadily that way but I cannot think of anyone who left us except that they were transferred on military duty.  We still get kind letters back from those who were transferred, always grateful for the teaching they received here.

It is encouraging that we have this freedom in the spirit.  The only one who controls us is The Lord, and He is very gentle.  Even then, He always grants us the right to choose.

It is also very encouraging that those who have been transferred elsewhere on military orders have brought the warmth and freedom of thought that we always shared, making life better wherever they have gone.

Finally, there is only one Church: the whole body of believers in Christ.  When the Lord puts us in a situation where we must part from one congregation to another, it is always to strengthen the whole Church.  The truth has a way of removing doubt.  However,devious individuals always try to mislead others to fill their pockets with easy money.  Atheists do this constantly to no avail.

The truth will always assure those who know it full victory.