In Response...

Family and Friends of Old North,

As some of you know, there was an experience this morning in our 11am worship gathering concerning one of our college students. I want to provide some insight and explanation to everyone in our community, from myself and the rest of our leadership team.

It is no secret that within our youth and college groups, there has been some incorrect doctrine and harmful teaching facilitated by individuals outside of the Old North family. This event was an overflow of these challenges. At the end of our worship time, while we sensed the Holy Spirit moving and ministering to the congregation; a young woman began to scream uncontrollably. This created an atmosphere that was disorderly and confusing. She spoke in words that were not understandable which no one interpreted, and when my wife and I asked this woman to please leave with us so she could privately communicate what she was sensing; she only became more loud and out of control. According to 1 Corinthians 14, the gift of tongues will be legitimized by another person interpreting; and v.40 reminds us that everything should be one in a “fitting and orderly way.”

I also want to provide a brief overview about what Old North believes regarding the person and work of God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity and fully God in the same substance as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is intimated connected to the other members of the Godhead and one cannot have a relationship with Jesus and God the Father apart from the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3, John 14:26, John 16:14-15, Rom. 8:9). We believe that all believers, upon casting their faith on the person and work of Jesus for salvation, enter into a relationship with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). The Holy Spirit is our counselor, helper, and teacher, and He never teaches anything contrary to His written word (John 14:16-17, 26).

Just a few of the false and hurtful things that were said this morning are:
-Our leadership does not know or love Jesus
-Innocent children will die
-Judgment is coming to this church

Therefore, our leadership has concluded that what we witnessed this morning does not line up with Biblical truth. This being the case, action will be taken, truth protected, and people loved. We have already reached out to those who we believe are struggling with their understanding of Biblical doctrine. We want to love and instruct these young people. However, we also need to utilize wisdom in achieving these goals of love and instruction. We will first meet with them apart from our corporate worship gatherings and provide specific individualized teaching sessions. If these individuals do not choose to participate in the process of reconciliation and assimilation, they will be asked to leave the body of Old North.

While experiences like this can cause division, confusion, and strife, we know that God is sovereign over all things. He can use even the most challenging circumstances to His glory and the good of His people. We believe that God will reign in this situation and will bring us closer together as a family that seeks to connect with Him, one another, and our communities. God bless you.

Pastor Brent for the Staff and Leadership of Old North