Declaration
Board
of Directors
In
response to manifest concerns about a recent resolution regarding worship
activity at
Carolina
Bible Camp, the Board of Directors hereby explains and amends that resolution.
The
CBC Board is responsible for establishing rules, regulations, and an
environment that
promotes
not only physical safety and enjoyment, but to an even greater degree, an
environment
that is spiritually enriching. Campers and their families expect and depend
upon
a safe environment that fosters individual spiritual growth and social
interaction
among
families in the church across our region. Camp staff, Board members and many
others
have given liberally of their time and funds to raise and maintain this Camp
for the
glory
of God.
Cultural
and other forces once again challenge church unity with a diversity of worship
activity.
While some of these contemporary practices appear to be within the bounds of
Biblically
authorized freedom, it is also apparent that some are not. In certain areas,
the
line
between the two is clear, generally accepted, and must not be crossed. In other
areas,
this
boundary is vague or subject to interpretation. In these vague areas, the
imposition
of
one’s belief upon another may be and often is divisive and destructive. The
Board is
quite
concerned over the divisive spirit that has arisen from the recent resolution
regarding
worship practices at CBC and wishes to reclaim the unity that our Lord
earnestly
prayed for and upon which our camp, and our church depend upon.
During
the 2001 summer camp, certain individuals took unprecedented liberties with
worship
services that were in direct conflict with existing camp rules and by some
interpretation
exceeded scriptural limits. These instances were infrequent and isolated,
but
some campers, their families and some staff voiced concerns. The Board’s
obligation
to
respond to these concerns and to protect the camp environment led to a
resolution that
more clearly
defined what could not occur as part of a worship service at camp. This
resolution,
passed after lengthy discussion, has imposed upon or limited the legitimate
spiritual
freedoms of some. Yet, instead of protecting the camp environment, this
resolution
and the resulting polarized debate, has had the unintended outcome of
threatening
it.
Therefore,
in the interest of the unity of CBC summer encampment and following the
spirit
of
1.
That all on both sides of this controversy refrain from judging one another (
14:3-4;
10, 13a), recognizing that we shall all be held accountable to God for such
attitudes.
2.
That all associated with Carolina Bible Camp and
effort
to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Rom.
3.
That we accept one another, just as Christ has accepted us (
Please
join with us as we restore the glory of the unity of Carolina Bible Camp. Trust
the
Lord!
Love one another!
The
amended resolution is as follows:
Resolution
The
Board of Directors of
that:
We believe that the scripture does not authorize the
use of instrumental
music
in the worship service. This has never been a part of camp worship and will
not
be permitted during worship activity at camp.
We
believe that the scriptural instruction regarding certain physical postures
or
expressions during worship is subject to interpretation in the different church
families
that attend and support the camp. In recognition of the differences of
interpretation
by the various church families who participate in
Camp,
the Board is requesting that campers and staff refrain from clapping, waving
of
hands, or other physical gestures as a religious ritual during the worship
services,
classes
and devotionals.
We believe that Christians are obligated to be
sensitive to the spiritual
strengths
and needs of others (Rom.
principle
at
beliefs
of one group or another (Rom 4:3-4), but trying to establish a clear, policy
that
is well within accepted scriptural boundaries. We desire neither to bind the
conscience
of any sincere Christian, nor to promote attitudes on either side of this
controversy
that would engender division. Mutual acceptance in such matters is the
ideal
to be sought (Rom. 15:7).
We believe that campers and staff should understand the
principles and
guidelines
upon which we all participate in CBC, and willingly commit to abide by
these
regulations. The Board is saying to campers and staff, “Please voluntarily
refrain
from clapping or using other physical gestures in the worship services at
camp,”
and asking the campers and staff to say, “We will.” This affirmation does
not
necessarily constitute an agreement with the rules, but a willingness to abide
by
them.
We affirm that above all else, we wish to promote and
maintain a camp
environment
that brings glory to God through the teaching and learning of His
word,
the spiritual growth of campers and staff, and the unity of the church families
that
attend and support Carolina Bible Camp.
April 6, 2002