The American Evangelical Christian Church is headquartered in Indianapolis. Their International Conference was held in Southport, about twenty minutes from me. So, I spent the last two days attending out of interest. The Conference was packed and the services were dynamic and spirit-filled with powerful preaching by men with RA theological degrees. Of interest to me, since there have been a number of posts regarding denominations and sexual issues, was their enacting and near-demanding of all licensed/ordained persons to sign a strong ministerial ethics statement. The statement concerns accountability, administration, confidentiality, counseling, visitations, weddings and funerals, and responsibility with great focus on sexual ethics in most of these areas. I was particular interested in their "Misconduct Complaints Policy (rough draft)": There will evidently be no appeals process. It was made pretty clear that the consequences will be revocation of credentials and if serving a congregation, immediate dismissal. I have attended various denominational conferences over the years and I have never heard such strong language towards the clergy by denominational officials as I did today. I sat there thinking they are going to count you as guilty until proven innocent if an accusation is made. The AECC, at one time, was considered by some to be an ordination mill. It appears that during the past several years, they are becoming more and more a legitimate denomination with several churches, a few of which have very large congregations. The candidates for ordination must always be interviewed. Candidates today underwent a very strenuous and thorough interview followed by a worship/laying-on-of-hands service. In the coming months the AECC will develop and issue statements on many of the moral issues of the day. I enjoyed my time and am glad to see them make some dramatic changes in the way they conduct themselves. One issue they need to address is their Bible college which is accredited by ACI. I discussed this with some of the Board members and they were interested in further information on the spurious history of ACI.
Re: Re: Atta' boy! Actually, had it been during one of my Indiana stints, I just might have. In fact, you didn't know it, but I was actually planning on attending one of your worship services if I'm ever near enough to you on a Sunday. I'm serious. I copied and pasted the name and address of your church into my post-it-note software a long time ago. Since then I've just never been close-by enough with enough time on my hands. If I ever do, though; and if I ever thought Janko could get someone to fill the pulpit for him, I'd swing North first and drag him along. We wanna' see the look on your face when we show-up and introduce ourselves as the congregation is filing out and you're shakin' hands with everyone at the door. Seriously, though... I really would like to meet you (along with many others around her). We don't agree on all kindsa' stuff, you and I, but there's substance to you, and genuineness. I like those qualities in my white NAACP member friends. (Ha! Just screwin' around!) Back to the thread subject: You've mentioned AECC before, as I recall. I recognized the web site when I looked at it just now, so I must have had it called to my attention by someone... I presume it was you. Seems a little fundie to me, but if they're out there-a-savin' souls, I'm tolerant. And who can fault any organization that takes a strong ethical stand! Of course I'm always troubled when I hear things like "no appeal process" or that one is guilty until proven innocent. But I like the sentiment, generally. More denominations should be so concerned. If this brings more credibility to AECC, cool. Of course, if it's just an ordination mill in legit denominational clothing, that's a problem. I guess I just don't know enough about it. But if you can get yet another educational entity to stop claiming ACI accreditation, more power to you!
Re: Re: Re: Atta' boy! Hey, you'd both be welcome and Unk could guest preach! Come on down anytime. If you're ever in Indy during the week but cannot stay for a Sunday service, give me a call and we can have lunch, on Uncle Janko, of course! You're right, we don't agree on many issues but you too, do have genuiness and stand by your convictions. I like that. That's why I could have voted for Bradley or McCain. They honestly believed in what they were saying and didn't cater to any special interest groups.
blest be the bind that ties No, Jimmy, I couldn't guest preach (we're not in doctrinal agreement, so not in altar and pulpit fellowship), but I appreciate the nice thought. Is there edible food now in Indianoplace? Anyway, I have always had a very low opinion of the organization in question, but if you can get 'em in some measure to straighten up and fly right (or left, or anywhere actually ON the radar), more power to you.
Re: blest be the bind that ties We may actually be closer than you think but I understand. You can still visit some day I hope. Yes, Indy has wonderful places to eat. There are resturants that cater to nearly every taste. I could take you to Cuzzins. It a real dive in the middle of nowhere that reminds one of a Twilight Zone episode. You know, the one where you wonder if you're getting out alive. Ha! From my visits to the Conference and from my conversations with AECC officials, it looks as if their efforts to change are genuine. We will see.
