Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville Fellowship

Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God’s people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.

Is the pursuit of wealth ever a worthy pursuit for a Christian? Should we sell everything we have and give it to the poor? Is wealth especially dangerous for the Christian? Is poverty dangerous? Is money the root of all evil? And how can a Christian recognize when money has become an idol? Listen as the elders of Maynardville Fellowship consider these questions and others related to money.

How should we understand forgiveness? Am I obligated to forgive everyone? What if they are not repentant? Does forgiveness always entail the elimination of any and all consequences? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to forgiveness.

There are a lot of opinions floating around about child discipline and training. Is spanking okay? Is spanking more always the answer? Are other methods of discipline acceptable or even advisable at times? And what is the goal of all of our discipline? How should children behave in the home, in the church, and after worship? Listen as these questions and others are biblically considered.

Our culture would have us believe that good order in the church is something that is relative to each congregation with minimal consequences. However, Paul writes to Timothy of the devastating consequences of having a church that is out of creational order. Listen as Pastors Michael Carr and Josh Woody discuss this controversial text and doctrine. 

What does the Bible say about birth control? Absolutely nothing! But that doesn’t mean that it will not inform every question we might ask related to the subject. Is birth control sinful? If so, must Christians try to have as many children as possible as quickly as possible? If it is not sinful, does it follow that all types are permissible? Do motives matter? Listen as the elders discuss these questions and others related to yet another controversial issue.

You’ve probably noticed a resurgence of a ‘weird’ old term; courtship. What’s the big deal? Who cares what you call it, right? Well… wrong actually. Listen as the elders at Maynardville Fellowship discuss another controversial, yet extremely important topic.

Just in case we didn’t confuse you enough with our discussion of head coverings we decided to hit it again! Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider the historical understanding of head coverings, how and why it ceased to be the cultural norm, difficulties with the text, and if it matters in the ‘culture wars.’

What do we do with difficult text like I Corinthians 11:2-16 that have no other texts that add clarity? Is Paul’s command to women that they wear head coverings cultural or timeless? How are men the glory of God, but the woman the glory of the man? Why does Paul say long hair is a shame to a man and a glory to a woman? And what is with this weird reason Paul gives for the command to cover; ‘Because of the angels!?!?!’ Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to this difficult text.

Why do we have clothing? What does clothing symbolize theologically, and what practical purposes do they serve? What makes some types of clothing inappropriate? What should a Christian consider when choosing what to wear? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to clothing.