OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

Churches of Christ are nearly always identified by the town they are in or by their location, such as Argyle Church of Christ or Sixth and Izzard Church of Christ, or perhaps Southside or Sunset, but almost never by a person or idea as with other churches, such as Scofield Memorial or Calvary Baptist. An exception is the Beacon Church of Christ near Mabank, Texas. A recent news item reveals that “The name Beacon was chosen because it was the avowed intent of this group to be a light in their community.” Starting with 14 in 1975 they now number 150, and they are widely respected in their area for their benevolent work. Their minister, Dalton Porter, was named citizen of the year of Mabank, due largely to his leadership in humanitarian causes. This church, which now has a new building, has also taken the lead in doing what Churches of Christ almost never do in having an ordination service for the installation of its elders. I was honored to serve the congregation in assisting in this beautiful service.

Thus far 168 tons of food have been sent by Churches of Christ to some 20 of their churches in Poland, with another 50 truckloads due to be sent this spring. While the food is delivered to Churches of Christ in Poland, distribution is made to needy people generally. With the White’s Ferry Road church in Monroe, La. taking the lead, the intention is to send 20 tons of food each month. If you wish to be part of this, the address is Box 2000, West Monroe, La. 71291.

Gospel Services, Inc. recently attempted to get a count on how many are being baptized by Churches of Christ. While only one in eight churches responded, 1,328 churches reported 30,621 baptisms during 1981. It is estimated that the average church is baptizing 5% of the number of its membership each year. It is not clear how this relates to the general decrease in growth among Churches of Christ in recent years. The most impressive report comes from Jimmie Lovell, who tells of 28,081 baptisms through his missionary efforts in the World Bible School during 1981.

Churches of Christ will have a booth at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville where 11 million visitors are expected. The theme of the exhibit will be “Energy for Life: God’s Love. . . . Person to Person,” which will have prime space in the Technology and Life-Styles Pavilion. The Fair opens May 1 and continues through October.

Our folk owe a great debt to Dr. James C. Dobson and his. film series Focus on the Family, for they have taught us a practical lesson as to the meaning of fellowship. Dr. Dobson has taught in scores of Churches of Christ by way of his film series, and he has been advertised in the pages of our journals. This shows that we can share with other Christians (Dr. Dobson is not a member of the Church of Christ) and have them teach in our churches without endorsing everything about them. Surely if the doctor can teach us by video in our assemblies, he could be invited to appear personally. This is one of our first big steps away from our deep-seated exclusivism, and we can all rejoice. Thank God that no one has trotted out the old bromide that we are having fellowship with a “false teacher.” God is liberating us, step by step!

A student at one of our schools of preaching writes that he is doing a thesis to the effect that Churches of Christ “are no longer willing to condemn others nor refuse to extend fellowship to others simply because they differ with us on this one subject,” referring to instrumental music. I agreed with him that this was the trend, though we had not yet actually arrived at the place where we accept our sisters and brothers in the Christian Church, for the music question is still made a test of fellowship. Many of our leaders believe that the instrument should not be made a test, but they will not speak out clearly. They are waiting for a more convenient season, which will come, with the rank and file demanding it.