How to Handle Divisive People in the Church

In this episode, Rev. Chris Gordon is joined by Rev. Dan Borvan to tackle the sober subject of division within the church. Drawing from the Pastoral Epistles and Romans 16, they discuss how the Apostle Paul called out specific individuals who sowed discord, emphasizing that while the New Testament names names, it does so sparingly and with clear theological purpose. The conversation highlights the danger of "smooth talk and flattery" used by those who serve their own appetites rather than the Lord Christ, often capturing the hearts of the naive.

Chapters:
02:17 - Biblical Precedent: Paul Naming Names
03:10 - The Sin of Discord and the Seven Deadly Sins
04:02 - Social Media and the Culture of Controversy
05:03 - Bypassing Church Courts for Online Adjudication
06:00 - Case Study: Identifying Divisive Platforms
07:22 - Romans 16: Avoiding Those Who Cause Obstacles
08:11 - Capturing the Naive with Smooth Talk
10:45 - The Importance of Local Church Submission
14:20 - Distinguishing Heroism from Schism
18:30 - Conclusion: Prioritizing the Peace of the Church

Guest Information:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.
Dan on X - @danborvan
Dan's Church - christreformed.org

Mentions:

- Romans 16:17-18: Biblical warning against divisive persons.
- Pastoral Epistles: New Testament books containing warnings about church order.
- Hymenaeus and Phyletus: Mentioned by Paul as those who strayed.
- Alexander the Coppersmith: Cited as one who did much harm.
- Diotrephes: One who "placed himself first" in the church.
- Demas: Described as having forsaken Paul for the world.
- Dr. Kim Riddlebarger: Mentioned regarding the live AGR event.
- Joel Webbion: Mentioned as an example of a divisive figure.
- Church Courts: The proper Presbyterian/Reformed channel for adjudication.
- Faustus Socinus: Subject of Dan Borvan’s Master's thesis.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

x: danborvan