Very well written article and I believe most would agree with all you have stated. When you (we) state; "unity in essentials and flexibility in non-essentials"--or, quote that very well known phrase, "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity" as wonderful as that sounds, the real problem rears its ugly head when we attempt to define what the "essentials" are for "unity" within a local church body. Care to take a stab at it?

I totally concurr - I have had to step away from a fellowship because of Conscience in what is a disputed Doctrine of Seperation form False gospels issue - whether it was or was not an essential - over a year and a half I cannot say I understand why there is NOT cliarity; but then again not everybody has expereinced being deceived of men and self that they have been saved from their sins - through false doctrines regarding the Doctrines of grace and salvation...
So I was hoping for charity; but Satan had a hand in escalating our sinfulness and things have been sore since. We are men at best and sinful by nature... What I would have given for charity in the inward parts to work itself outward in works of faith.

What is essential in my experience is the Doctrines of Grace which I see a s the Foundational Doctrines of Salvation.

I may be erring as men and our herats are desperately wicked and deceiptful, but I stand on the Conviction of the Word of God Alone and my conscience bears me witness - I cannot do anything other than this.

So what do I consider about these Romans 14-15 principles?
Well, I will be the lesser, if it be possible to be so from the heart - and I will truts in the Arm of our Sovereign LORD to defend, uphold and strengthen me and my house in our seperation and solitude.
As for my previous Elder/s, I pray for charity in ALL things - to the point that I truly hope that I have erred in some fallible way - that their accounting may not be as great on my part. I hope to rebuilt trust and relationships with them - but then I also do not wish to force anyone into a position of feeling they have to tolerate me - I pray the Spirit of our LORD to wrk and to do for His good pleasure... Who knows the outcome of all this?

All I knowi s that I have learnt a few things:
My sinful heart is prone to will for itself when it thinks itself enlightened of teh LORD... This is a grave danger!
I have learnt a lot about what Scriptre teaches us when faced with these types of situations.
I have learnt that I have much sanctification ahead of me.
I have learnt to be careful of human associations or trusting in an "arm of flesh" for any thing.
I have learnt that humility is a gift from the LORD, as is repentance in truth - that the LORD will give us these good gifts if we truly seek after them - even when we FEEL unable to exercise them... (This is a big mystery).
That in humility we can be gracious enough to call opposed brethren together to seek the LORD.

Your fellow bondslave for the glory of our Beloved King and Shepherd of our souls Alone,
W

"Elders are submitting their wills to Holy Scripture"

This is the most essential thing for leaders in the Church. For even then, there will be heated debates over the deeper issues of truth, but the pure and simple Gospel of grace alone thru faith alone at the foot of the Cross alone will be each heart's greatest love. For this Gospel is Christ Himself, the risen King and God of the universe, whom we shall all shorty see coming in the clouds to judge the quick and the dead.
All glory be to His holy name!

DL Kane's question is important. It'd be great to see it addressed in a follow-up post.

A related question is, what happens when two Christians (or even two elders!) disagree what it is a principle and what is a preference?

What I have noticed in the short time of my current pastorate is the insistence by a few leading families upon preferences, particularly in the style of worship music. Although that issue can be divisive, and has been in our church in their past, It seems to me that preferences could also be viewed in light of James 4: I want something, you don't like it or want it, but I am willing to fight you for it and even stop talking to you. This principle would seem to apply to many issues that arise in a church body. Am I willing to admit that what I want is simply a preference rather than a biblical priority, and strive for the unity of the body?

Lance, Since Shepherds' Fellowship is a ministry of Grace Community Church can we assume that what you have taught is believed, taught, and practiced by the Elders at Grace? Since Grace's constitution says that all votes must be unanimous, are all things voted on considered to be matters of principle? Are there never any issues that need a vote in order to come to a decision that might be considered matters of preference? This lack of clarity has caused problems in some churches. It would be nice if this issue was addressed at the next Shepherds conference.

supper good...just what I need to learn and teach my church leaders...thanks

Very good article. It is my earnest prayer and desire that God would continue to raise men with these traits (i.e.) a commitment to God's Holy Word, humble servitude, but never comprising HIS TRUTH.