Letters: To Dr. Vaughn on “Foundations Baptist Fellowship”
Michael LaPierrre
Thank you for sharing with us during the FBFI Southern Region Fellowship at the Wilds a few weeks back relating to the name change rationale. While I will always consider myself a fundamental Baptist (and happily so), I fully comprehend and appreciate why a change is needed. Thank you for your leadership in this regard.
In the world that we live, where perception often becomes reality for many, those not firmly grounded in the Word of God could potentially misunderstand and be confused about our ultimate vision for the Lord. While there are scores of the younger generation who continue to support a biblical worldview and understand what true fundamentalism is all about, that simply isn’t the case across the board.
In many instances the enemy has been successful in re-framing the Christian belief system among our youth with narratives (story-telling) that deconstructs the fundamental doctrines of our faith. Satan wants us to believe in new iterations of our faith. If he can keep the target moving (biblical truth) with the winds of cultural change, the new iterations will start to look just like the standards of this present world. He is working overtime to keep our eyes away from sound teaching and the old fashion gospel message.
Presently, the world (and many youthful Christians) sees fundamentalism as a strict, extreme, and legalistic “process” of living out our faith. They view it as a “process” with a long list of do’s and don’ts. The process of living separate and distinct lives through Christian holiness has become repulsive to the world. In many instances that repulsive orientation towards fundamentalism casts a long shadow over many of our youth in fundamental circles. Unfortunately, too many of our youth are trying to fit in and cozy up to the standards of the world, with one foot in the world and one foot in Christianity. As a result, that long shadow has had the effect of driving away many of our younger generation. In their eyes (perception) that rigid “process” is much too confining and does not let them express themselves in a way that aligns with their current view of the world and the culture. That need for alignment to our culture among our youth is very troubling. It is an unfortunate scenario, but one that exists just the same.
We must stand ready to lovingly lead our youth away from the cultural manifestations that seek to distort and manipulate the holy and true nature of the Word of God. The culture must never be able to influence, redefine, or exact a form of truth and Godly living not found in the Bible.
I believe that the word “foundations” will have the impact that you desire over the long-term. The older folks will pass away, and I pray that the next generation of leaders in Bible believing fundamental churches will continue to be focused on the foundational biblical precepts, statutes, commandments, laws, and the corresponding principles.
By changing the word fundamental to foundations, I do not believe we have changed our ultimate focus one bit. The focus for all Christians is, and must always be, giving glory to God. Over time, I believe that the word “foundations” will come to mean our desire to impact the heart. We want to impact the heart so that Christians can live holy, separate, and distinct Christian lives. We do this as our hearts draw closer to Him (progressive sanctification) and we are consumed with a Christian leadership worldview. I pray that moving forward, a majority of the youth in our circles will gain a fuller understanding and appreciation for what true fundamentalism is all about.
In conclusion, I am not so much worried about words and man-made titles. I am most concerned that my family and I will be consistent in reading the Word of God so that we will be changed for His Glory.
Thanks again for your commitment and leadership!
Blessings,
Mike
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Michael LaPierre
Founder / President
Christian Leadership Worldview, Int’l