Concern about praying with another person
I understand the idea that humans are unable to see the hearts of others and so we base our decision to fellowship with others based on their religious affiliation. In other words, we would only pray with a person who belonged to a church that believed and taught according to the truths in the Bible as the WELS does. My question is: is it OK to pray with someone who belongs to a WELS church, but seems to have rejected some of the teachings of the Bible? In this case the teachings in question are the Biblical teachings of the sanctity of life and fellowship. I hope this question is not too vague. Thank you for your time and consideration!
You are correct in noting that membership in a visible church sends the signal that people have committed themselves to the doctrine and practice of that church. If a person’s individual profession of faith departs from the church’s doctrine and practice, one has to ask if that is because the person is weak in faith or supportive of error. If there is weakness of faith, we will try to admonish the person so that he or she can reject the error and embrace the truth (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Titus 3:10). If there is persistence in teaching or adhering to beliefs that are false, we will not practice church fellowship with them (Romans 16:17-18). Termination of fellowship is an action of the congregation.
When it comes to answering your question, there are a number of pieces of information that I am lacking. The person “seems to have rejected some of the teachings of the Bible.” If you are wondering what course of action to take, there needs to be more certainty and clarity than apparent or “seeming” rejection of biblical teachings. You can bring clarity to the situation by conversing with the individual.
If your conversations reveal that the person is indeed rejecting biblical teachings, you want to find out if that is because the person is weak in faith—but still receptive to being taught the truths of Scripture—or if the person persists in teaching or adhering to false doctrine. The person’s attitude will help determine a course of action.
Finally, I am not aware if concern for this person’s doctrinal positions is limited to you or if the congregation, through its pastor, is addressing the situation. I take it that the person is a member in good standing in one of our congregations. Praying with him would not be wrong, unless of course you cannot do that in good conscience.
I would encourage praying for the individual and speaking to him or her to clarify the concerns you have.