Comments for Official News Blog of The Christian Chronicle http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog Official news blog of the international newspaper for Churches of Christ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:59:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Comment on 102,000 fewer people in the pews since ’03: Churches of Christ in decline by Tammy Scott http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/102000-fewer-people-in-the-pews-since-03-churches-of-christ-in-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-166768 Tammy Scott Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:59:27 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=464249#comment-166768 The church where I attend is also trending this way. We've tried our best to stem the tide of those leaving by community outreach programs, personal interaction outside of church, etc., but nothing seems to be working. We're still preaching and teaching the pure truth of the gospel, but it seems that those leaving are doing so because they want to be entertained--not try to transform their minds to be more Christ-like. It also seems to be a popularity contest with our surrounding denomination churches, i.e., "I'm going here because so-and-so goes there." The church where I attend is also trending this way. We’ve tried our best to stem the tide of those leaving by community outreach programs, personal interaction outside of church, etc., but nothing seems to be working. We’re still preaching and teaching the pure truth of the gospel, but it seems that those leaving are doing so because they want to be entertained–not try to transform their minds to be more Christ-like. It also seems to be a popularity contest with our surrounding denomination churches, i.e., “I’m going here because so-and-so goes there.”

]]> Comment on Video: Arkansas minister helps neighbors who ‘fall through the cracks’ by brian http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/arkansas-minister-helps-neighbors-who-fall-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-166634 brian Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:05:31 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=511388#comment-166634 Jimmy Mitchell Rocks!!!!!!!!! love him we will always have Brazil, jimmy Jimmy Mitchell Rocks!!!!!!!!!
love him
we will always have Brazil, jimmy

]]> Comment on Reader feedback: What is the future of non-denominational Christianity in the U.S.? by pat http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/reader-feedback-what-is-the-future-of-non-denominational-christianity-in-the-u-s/comment-page-1/#comment-166619 pat Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:42:28 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=492087#comment-166619 The world is changing to a racially diverse america in order for us to make a difference we need to renite black and white together and once we do this others will see we are united and they will feel they are welcome. I still see too much of the separate and each to his own place. I know this is not what christ had intentions of. but thank God we are changing and don't need to be separate. we can see the world has gone mad with this. the more we preach the gospel and baptize them according to Christ we have a change. Satan is not going to let up his whole function is to destroy and tear down. we get renited and satan can't touch this. The world is changing to a racially diverse america in order for us to make a difference we need to renite black and white together and once we do this others will see we are united and they will feel they are welcome. I still see too much of the separate and each to his own place. I know this is not what christ had intentions of. but thank God we are changing and don’t need to be separate. we can see the world has gone mad with this. the more we preach the gospel and baptize them according to Christ we have a change. Satan is not going to let up his whole function is to destroy and tear down. we get renited and satan can’t touch this.

]]> Comment on ACU marks 50th anniversary of enrollment of first black student by Gene Carrell http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/acu-marks-50th-anniversary-of-enrollment-of-first-black-student/comment-page-1/#comment-166614 Gene Carrell Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:39:23 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=491170#comment-166614 When I enrolled in Abilene Christian College in the late 1940's, following my service in the United States Army, I was somewhat taken aback by the fact that blacks were not allowed to enroll. I had black "buddies" in high school with whom I had played ping pong, softball, and other activities, and in later high school reunions we would reminisce about those days. In the military I experienced discrimination both in the housing arrangements and in the cities near where I was stationed. At A.C.C. I couldn't help but notice that other races were allowed to enroll. One of my friends told me one day that while he had served in the military, he could not get his books "free," as I did on the G.I. bill, because, as he put it, he had "fought on the wrong side." He had been in the Japanese army. In my naivite, I spoke one day in a speech class on what I called "Negro Discrimination." "Negro" was not a "bad word" back then. For my efforts I received my only "D" in college. We can be thankful that those days are now in the past. When I enrolled in Abilene Christian College in the late 1940′s, following my service in the United States Army, I was somewhat taken aback by the fact that blacks were not allowed to enroll. I had black “buddies” in high school with whom I had played ping pong, softball, and other activities, and in later high school reunions we would reminisce about those days. In the military I experienced discrimination both in the housing arrangements and in the cities near where I was stationed. At A.C.C. I couldn’t help but notice that other races were allowed to enroll. One of my friends told me one day that while he had served in the military, he could not get his books “free,” as I did on the G.I. bill, because, as he put it, he had “fought on the wrong side.” He had been in the Japanese army. In my naivite, I spoke one day in a speech class on what I called “Negro Discrimination.” “Negro” was not a “bad word” back then. For my efforts I received my only “D” in college. We can be thankful that those days are now in the past.

]]> Comment on Reader feedback: What is the future of non-denominational Christianity in the U.S.? by Charles http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/reader-feedback-what-is-the-future-of-non-denominational-christianity-in-the-u-s/comment-page-1/#comment-166613 Charles Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:38:21 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=492087#comment-166613 Here are a couple of thoughts: 1. In or around 1906, churches of Christ (non-denominational) adherents numbered around 150,000. They had lost most of their buildings and all but a couple of educational institutions including Hiram, Drake, Butler, Lexington Theological Seminary, etc. 6 out of 7 buildings were gone. What remained was a fraction of what they had been as a fellowship just 30 years before. What did they do? They went out and church planted. They church planted in bars, in homes, in schools, and anywhere they could get a group together. By the 1970's most reports had those in churches of Christ numbering at least 5x that amount and many reports up to 10x that amount. Question: Why have we stopped church planting? Why are we now wired to fit everyone we can in one building and build a Castle/Kingdom instead of spreading God's Kingdom. The age of the Castle passed suddenly in the late Middle Ages when weapons could reduce the castle to dust. Suddenly inviting everyone to come to the castle no longer worked. New tactics had to be developed. Why are we so reluctant to send 50 people in a congregation of 250 out to church plant? Are we after our own kingdom with a little k or God's Kingdom with a big K? 2. The Early Restoration Movement preachers and earliest of Christians focused on simplicity. They did not need anything other than Christ, and that was the message they preached. One of their favorite texts was in fact John 17 - a message of unity in Christ...BUT...it was tempered with a clear message of true unity - one that required following what Scripture teaches. 3. We, I believe, fail to recognize the Restoration Plea is in of itself a plea for non-denominational Christianity. The movement toward this in America could have and still might result in millions more coming to 'churches of Christ' if we will once again adopt simplicity, church planting, and Christ. I am troubled, personally, that we are even referring to others as 'non-denominational' as if we have crossed the Rubicon and are no longer that ourselves -- or no longer consider ourselves a part of that group. 4. I wish every Christian were intimately acquainted with the writings of Campbell, Creath, Jr., Walter Scott, Barton Stone, etc. We would discover two items: (1) They viewed themselves as part of a continuing reformation of God's people that should not stop with them but continue. (2) They church planted everywhere and preached a message of unity in Scripture. (3) They, to a man, did not embrace any form of sectarianism but called everyone out to worship God together in a non-denominational fashion. Essentially? I believe if we get back to the roots of Christianity in the first three centuries - those who knew Jesus and the original reformers who crafted what we term the Restoration Plea in America, Scotland, etc., we church planted, and we connected with those seeking Jesus in a plea for unity in Scripture - churches of Christ could grow by millions within a generation. It is not about the name on a building or how we worship per se that the world is interested in but rather, who are we? Do we seek to reach out in love? Are we sacrificing what we think is in our best interest (larger congregations with programs) for the interest of the Kingdom (church planting, fewer multiple staff ministries, fewer brick and mortar structures, etc.)? God is able - if we are willing. This movement in America should be enabling us to reach millions without altering any distinctive or message of the Scripture. The only question is - are we willing... Are we willing to get out in the fields again, or will we sit on the sidelines, build castles, and wonder how/why the world is passing us by...when we in fact have the greatest message known to man - Jesus Christ and Him Crucified... Here are a couple of thoughts:

1. In or around 1906, churches of Christ (non-denominational) adherents numbered around 150,000. They had lost most of their buildings and all but a couple of educational institutions including Hiram, Drake, Butler, Lexington Theological Seminary, etc. 6 out of 7 buildings were gone. What remained was a fraction of what they had been as a fellowship just 30 years before. What did they do? They went out and church planted. They church planted in bars, in homes, in schools, and anywhere they could get a group together. By the 1970′s most reports had those in churches of Christ numbering at least 5x that amount and many reports up to 10x that amount.

Question: Why have we stopped church planting? Why are we now wired to fit everyone we can in one building and build a Castle/Kingdom instead of spreading God’s Kingdom. The age of the Castle passed suddenly in the late Middle Ages when weapons could reduce the castle to dust. Suddenly inviting everyone to come to the castle no longer worked. New tactics had to be developed. Why are we so reluctant to send 50 people in a congregation of 250 out to church plant? Are we after our own kingdom with a little k or God’s Kingdom with a big K?

2. The Early Restoration Movement preachers and earliest of Christians focused on simplicity. They did not need anything other than Christ, and that was the message they preached. One of their favorite texts was in fact John 17 – a message of unity in Christ…BUT…it was tempered with a clear message of true unity – one that required following what Scripture teaches.

3. We, I believe, fail to recognize the Restoration Plea is in of itself a plea for non-denominational Christianity. The movement toward this in America could have and still might result in millions more coming to ‘churches of Christ’ if we will once again adopt simplicity, church planting, and Christ. I am troubled, personally, that we are even referring to others as ‘non-denominational’ as if we have crossed the Rubicon and are no longer that ourselves — or no longer consider ourselves a part of that group.

4. I wish every Christian were intimately acquainted with the writings of Campbell, Creath, Jr., Walter Scott, Barton Stone, etc. We would discover two items: (1) They viewed themselves as part of a continuing reformation of God’s people that should not stop with them but continue. (2) They church planted everywhere and preached a message of unity in Scripture. (3) They, to a man, did not embrace any form of sectarianism but called everyone out to worship God together in a non-denominational fashion.

Essentially?

I believe if we get back to the roots of Christianity in the first three centuries – those who knew Jesus and the original reformers who crafted what we term the Restoration Plea in America, Scotland, etc., we church planted, and we connected with those seeking Jesus in a plea for unity in Scripture – churches of Christ could grow by millions within a generation.

It is not about the name on a building or how we worship per se that the world is interested in but rather, who are we? Do we seek to reach out in love? Are we sacrificing what we think is in our best interest (larger congregations with programs) for the interest of the Kingdom (church planting, fewer multiple staff ministries, fewer brick and mortar structures, etc.)?

God is able – if we are willing. This movement in America should be enabling us to reach millions without altering any distinctive or message of the Scripture.

The only question is – are we willing…

Are we willing to get out in the fields again, or will we sit on the sidelines, build castles, and wonder how/why the world is passing us by…when we in fact have the greatest message known to man – Jesus Christ and Him Crucified…

]]> Comment on Reader feedback: What is the future of non-denominational Christianity in the U.S.? by Orion Mitchell http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/reader-feedback-what-is-the-future-of-non-denominational-christianity-in-the-u-s/comment-page-1/#comment-166611 Orion Mitchell Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:32:46 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=492087#comment-166611 We need to define what non-denominational Christianity is more clearly. In view of lessening "brand-loyalty," we must make clear what is on offer as "non-denominatonal" is quite often inter-denominational in reality. Even among our own brethren we see encroachment of non-biblical religion garnered by preachers and teachers taking their que from what they discover from religious book sellers and from surfing the internet rather than depending upon a close exegesis of Scripture. This brings up the need to be settled in what is accepted as the final authority in our religious life. It is still the case that we require a "thus says the Lord" as justification for what we say and do. We need to define what non-denominational Christianity is more clearly. In view of lessening “brand-loyalty,” we must make clear what is on offer as “non-denominatonal” is quite often inter-denominational in reality. Even among our own brethren we see encroachment of non-biblical religion garnered by preachers and teachers taking their que from what they discover from religious book sellers and from surfing the internet rather than depending upon a close exegesis of Scripture. This brings up the need to be settled in what is accepted as the final authority in our religious life. It is still the case that we require a “thus says the Lord” as justification for what we say and do.

]]> Comment on Faulkner law school honors civil rights attorney, church elder Fred Gray by Lisa Brewer http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/faulkner-law-school-honors-civil-rights-attorney-church-elder-fred-gray/comment-page-1/#comment-166605 Lisa Brewer Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:23:16 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=510639#comment-166605 Our son, Zack, is a 1L at Faulkner and had the privilege of attending this event. He said it was "awesome" to see "living history" in front of him. Greg and I are so thankful for the opportunities this Christian law school makes possible for its students. Thank you, Christian Chronicle, for covering this event. Our son, Zack, is a 1L at Faulkner and had the privilege of attending this event. He said it was “awesome” to see “living history” in front of him. Greg and I are so thankful for the opportunities this Christian law school makes possible for its students. Thank you, Christian Chronicle, for covering this event.

]]> Comment on Reader feedback: What is the future of non-denominational Christianity in the U.S.? by Jerry S http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/reader-feedback-what-is-the-future-of-non-denominational-christianity-in-the-u-s/comment-page-1/#comment-166602 Jerry S Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:19:11 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=492087#comment-166602 Part of "our" problem is that we have lost sight of Him who is "Truth" and have elevated our formula for church membership, worship, etc. into our statements of Truth. In this we differ from those with the "creeds" we reject only in that their creeds are written down while ours are unwritten. If you say, "We only believe what is in the Bible" I reply that in many ways we have substituted what the Bible actually says with our interpretations - and we hold our interpretations more firmly than we hold the Bible. I am impressed that in the comments, several (the majority) seem to recognize this and are urging us to take seriously the plea that launched our movement. This gives me hope. However, as I move among many congregations, I see a different spirit among preachers, elders, and members alike. Too often that spirit can be described as one of self-satisfied assurance that we have found it, and if they really believe the Bible they will accept it. If they reject us, we believe that is evidence they have rejected God. I was reminded of a friend of mine who was talking with an elder who lamented that his children had "left the church" for a community church environment. My friend asked the elder why they had left, and what they preferred in the community churches they now attended. The elder told him of several things his kids liked. Then my friend asked, "Is there any Biblical reason we could not put those things in the envelope of the Church of Christ?" After thinking a little, the elder admitted that there really is no reason we could not do many of the things that cause people to leave us. The question then must follow: If there is no Biblical reason we hold to "our" way of doing things, why do we hold to "our" ways so firmly? Why aren't we willing to turn loose of customs and traditions of our own creation and share the vibrancy of the early Christians as they took the world by storm? It is this reluctance to forsake our traditions and customs (or to even admit that these <strong>are</strong> traditions and customs, <i>not</i> the Word of God) that marks us as similar in kind to those denominations that have formally written and adopted creeds. It is this disconnect between our plea and our practice that is driving our decline. Part of “our” problem is that we have lost sight of Him who is “Truth” and have elevated our formula for church membership, worship, etc. into our statements of Truth. In this we differ from those with the “creeds” we reject only in that their creeds are written down while ours are unwritten. If you say, “We only believe what is in the Bible” I reply that in many ways we have substituted what the Bible actually says with our interpretations – and we hold our interpretations more firmly than we hold the Bible.

I am impressed that in the comments, several (the majority) seem to recognize this and are urging us to take seriously the plea that launched our movement. This gives me hope. However, as I move among many congregations, I see a different spirit among preachers, elders, and members alike. Too often that spirit can be described as one of self-satisfied assurance that we have found it, and if they really believe the Bible they will accept it. If they reject us, we believe that is evidence they have rejected God.

I was reminded of a friend of mine who was talking with an elder who lamented that his children had “left the church” for a community church environment. My friend asked the elder why they had left, and what they preferred in the community churches they now attended. The elder told him of several things his kids liked. Then my friend asked, “Is there any Biblical reason we could not put those things in the envelope of the Church of Christ?” After thinking a little, the elder admitted that there really is no reason we could not do many of the things that cause people to leave us.

The question then must follow: If there is no Biblical reason we hold to “our” way of doing things, why do we hold to “our” ways so firmly? Why aren’t we willing to turn loose of customs and traditions of our own creation and share the vibrancy of the early Christians as they took the world by storm?

It is this reluctance to forsake our traditions and customs (or to even admit that these are traditions and customs, not the Word of God) that marks us as similar in kind to those denominations that have formally written and adopted creeds. It is this disconnect between our plea and our practice that is driving our decline.

]]> Comment on 102,000 fewer people in the pews since ’03: Churches of Christ in decline by Don Yelton http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/102000-fewer-people-in-the-pews-since-03-churches-of-christ-in-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-166595 Don Yelton Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:10:21 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=464249#comment-166595 In nearly 50 years of travel and ministry within the churches of Christ I would just add to the frustrations above that my heart also breaks as I think of the sweet young people who were baptized or just became adults and left our group to become members of another group. "Brand Loyalty" is just not what it used to be. Most of my friends who left 'the church' did not leave Christ, but they had good reasons to worship in another building. I treasure the memories of those friends as well as those who are 'brand loyal'. Of course the 'church of Christ' is not perfect. How silly to think we would not have the same problems other groups have. I am sure we will be surprised in heaven to see lots of 'other groups' represented, but I will NEVER compromise what I believe the scripture says and I will teach what I believe in love and with as much patience as I can muster. Let's listen to one another and work to keep our fellowship together, but we should not think we have all the Truth. Only God has ALL the truth. Trying to be like Jesus and all that means is more than enough to lead the lost to Jesus. In nearly 50 years of travel and ministry within the churches of Christ I would just add to the frustrations above that my heart also breaks as I think of the sweet young people who were baptized or just became adults and left our group to become members of another group. “Brand Loyalty” is just not what it used to be. Most of my friends who left ‘the church’ did not leave Christ, but they had good reasons to worship in another building. I treasure the memories of those friends as well as those who are ‘brand loyal’. Of course the ‘church of Christ’ is not perfect. How silly to think we would not have the same problems other groups have. I am sure we will be surprised in heaven to see lots of ‘other groups’ represented, but I will NEVER compromise what I believe the scripture says and I will teach what I believe in love and with as much patience as I can muster. Let’s listen to one another and work to keep our fellowship together, but we should not think we have all the Truth. Only God has ALL the truth. Trying to be like Jesus and all that means is more than enough to lead the lost to Jesus.

]]> Comment on Reader feedback: What is the future of non-denominational Christianity in the U.S.? by Darla Robinson http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/02/reader-feedback-what-is-the-future-of-non-denominational-christianity-in-the-u-s/comment-page-1/#comment-166588 Darla Robinson Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:56:47 +0000 http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/?p=492087#comment-166588 I think it is important that the Churches of Christ realize they have become a denomination of a sort. Even though they follow the congregational and not the connectional model of church administration, one Church of Christ usually has a great deal in common with the next. I believe some of the typical restrictions in corporate worship are becoming increasingly problematic to defend scripturally, and will prove more and more to be at the root of our decline. Lack of gender equality and mandating accapella only are man-made laws and cannot be validated by an indepth look at scripture when you consider Paul's cultural context. When you can draw the circle larger to include those who feel called by God to use their talents in worship and to honor Him, then artists of all kinds will feel welcome. I am heavily involved in worship arts for several congregations. Sadly, when I need musicians or dancers or dramatists, I generally do not look for them in Churches of Christ. They were made to feel unwanted there decades ago. I think it is important that the Churches of Christ realize they have become a denomination of a sort. Even though they follow the congregational and not the connectional model of church administration, one Church of Christ usually has a great deal in common with the next. I believe some of the typical restrictions in corporate worship are becoming increasingly problematic to defend scripturally, and will prove more and more to be at the root of our decline. Lack of gender equality and mandating accapella only are man-made laws and cannot be validated by an indepth look at scripture when you consider Paul’s cultural context. When you can draw the circle larger to include those who feel called by God to use their talents in worship and to honor Him, then artists of all kinds will feel welcome. I am heavily involved in worship arts for several congregations. Sadly, when I need musicians or dancers or dramatists, I generally do not look for them in Churches of Christ. They were made to feel unwanted there decades ago.

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