FACTS ABOUT MY BAPTISM IN COLUMBUS
(A Response to Questions Raised About My Baptism)
By
© Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, PhD
October 17, 2014
[NOTE: The response below was addressed to a respected Church official who wanted to know the facts about my baptism. I'm sharing it with the public because I continue receiving similar questions. However, out of deep respect for some leaders, I have consciously chosen not to say more than I need to. I have also not attached the documents referenced in this letter.--SKP]
Introduction
Because of a calculated attempt by some to question the legitimacy of my baptism, and because of misrepresentations by some otherwise well-meaning individuals and leaders—together with inquiries from folks who desire to know the truth—I find it necessary to set forth the facts concerning my baptism in the Columbus Church (in Ohio), instead of doing so in the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Church where I submitted to church discipline three years earlier.
Let me begin by...
[Dr. Pipim attended the 2015 General Conference Session in San Antonio, Texas. While there, he shared with his global circle of friends (on Facebook and on mailing list) his observations and analyses of significant theological actions taken at the Session. After sharing Part 4 of his report (which dealt with the No vote against women's ordination and its implications), some of his well-known adversaries renewed their campaign of slander. Below is Dr. Pipim's Facebook response which he posted on July 15, 2015. http://tinyurl.com/nmsg35x].
I WILL NOT BE SILENT
We live in a culture of cowardly silence—a controversy-avoiding society where “getting along by going along” is the way of life. In this culture of silence, we tend to be mute on critical issues or conditions, until our personal self-interests are threatened, or until it is too late.
But I refuse to be silent.
As some of you may know, not everyone is happy with my latest book COURAGE and my report and analysis of the recent 2015 GC...
[NOTE: Below is (i) a statement released by Dr. Pipim on the occasion of his baptism (ii) a brief report, highlighting his home-coming celebration on June 20 & 21 2014, and (iii) his “thank you” letter to the Ann Arbor church.]
Thank You, Columbus Church
The journey has been long and painful, But the Lord has been faithful! Today’s baptism announces publicly that, through God’s grace and mercy, this prodigal son has been received back home by his Father—never more to roam. I thank you all for your prayers and encouragement in making this day a reality
As you rejoice with me on my baptism, I use this occasion to once again tender an unreserved apology to all who have been adversely affected by my sin.
Undeserving though I am, I have experienced God's pardon and forgiveness. As a result of this, I cannot withhold from others that which I was given freely. I therefore also, this day, offer my forgiveness freely to those who, on account of my sin, have hurt me and my family—deliberately...
[This short article was prompted by responses to one of my weekly thought-nuggets titled “The Value of Rags.” I pray that it will be a source of encouragement to those who are paralyzed by their past failures.—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, PhD.]
Introduction
It’s easy to talk about our successes and accomplishments. But it takes real courage—and faith—to talk about our past failures.
I’m not saying we should dwell upon our failures. Rather, I’m suggesting that if the Lord has given us victory in a particular area of life, we owe it to others to share our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned.
People fail every day—and so do companies,institutions, and organizations. And yet, because of the loss, shame, pain,humiliation, and sometimes rejection, we seldom talk about our failures. Nay, we’re often prevented from talking about our failures.
In the aftermath of my own personal experience almost three years ago, I became painfully aware of the tremendous pressure that is often exerted—even...