OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

I have agreed to serve as a co-chairman for the capital funds campaign of the European Evangelistic Society, as a kind of liaison between the Society and Churches of Christ. Unfortunately, few leaders among us feel free to involve themselves in a mission of this kind since it means a working relationship with both Disciples of Christ and Christian Churches, but I am persuaded that there are Church of Christ people who would like to be involved in cooperative efforts such as the EES. Since the 1930's the EES, which is located in Tubingen, Germany, has served as a study and research center for scholars from all persuasions of our Movement, and it seeks to demonstrate how the New Testament and Christian origins can effect a continuing reformation in Germany and all of Europe. Located as it is in the heart of the great Reformation tradition and in the shadow of one of Europe's great universities (Tubingen), the EES is a mission for "the ancient gospel" to the scholars of the world. It has the potential of being our first workable strategy for world-wide evangelism among the sophisticated cultures of the world. Recent resident scholars to the EES from the Churches of Christ include James Thompson and Richard Oster. I solicit your interest in this program. We want to build up a list of "interested people" from Churches of Christ. It would involve you in some interesting reading and contacts. You might even one day visit the facility in Germany. Send me your name if we may put you on the EES's mailing list.

The latest word on the lawsuit at the 6th and Izard Church of Christ in Little Rock is that the church in a called meeting voted to dissolve its corporate status, presumably because this is what brought on the lawsuit in the first place and they want to keep it from happening again. This will have no effect upon the ruling that the court has already made, that the elders must open its financial records to any and all members of the congregation, nor will it affect the elder's appeal of that ruling to the state's supreme court. Because of the appeal the elders have not yet had to open up their books, in spite of the lower court's ruling. As a point of law, it makes no difference whether a church is incorporated or not, for it is still obligated, if it is congregational in government, to reveal its financial records to its members. A hierarchal system, such as the Roman Catholic, is different. A member loses all control of his money the moment he puts it in the collection plate. Is the Church of Christ congregational or hierarchal? Oddly enough, the elders in Little Rock contend that that Church of Christ is hierarchal, which must be a "first" in the history of a people that has always been proud of its congregational, autonomous polity.

The Troy Church of Christ in Troy, Michigan has issued a Statement of Faith and Practices, which is a wise thing for a congregation to do, not only for the information of new members but also in case of litigation. In view of the above news item from Little Rock, the following from the Troy document on "Decision Making" will prove to be interesting:

"The entire membership is vitally involved in the decision making process. The leadership actively enlists the talents of all members in re-assessing ongoing programs and seeking new directions. Major decisions are first addressed by the leaders, then submitted to the congregation. This type of decision includes, but is not limited to, the congregational budget, the selection of elders and deacons, and the selection of ministries that the congregation is to support. Decisions relating to the ongoing details of congregational life and work are normally handled at the regular monthly joint meeting of the leaders. Minutes of these meetings are published to the membership."

It is noteworthy that the Troy church also says, "While maintaining our own uniqueness as a church of Christ we will, where possible, cooperate with other churches and agencies in furthering God's kingdom on earth in areas such as evangelism, correcting and opposing social ills, and addressing the grievous problems of poverty, substance abuse and crime. We will continue to follow our heritage as a noninstrumental church of Christ, while cooperating with other congregations of our movement to realize the unity for which Jesus prayed."