READER'S EXCHANGE

 

Over the years, dear brother, you have helped me understand the teachings of our Lord more clearly that I may follow him more nearly. Praise Him who is in you! —Gearge McQueary, Ukiah, Ca.

It just can’t be true as you report. There has to be a catch to it somewhere —a Church of Christ where every member is a minister! And in Texas! Has someone discovered that it is possible for a woman to be both in Christ and in the Body, the church, at the same time. Or maybe they don’t consider women members! —Elizabeth Mansur, Bend, Or.

Your editorial on “How Much Does the Paycheck Influence” goes only half way. Why should a mature church have a hired preacher at all? If I could will it, I would rule that all of our paid clergy must leave the pulpit and devote their energies to proclaiming the gospel to the unsaved, whether one on one, one to ten, or up, and then only would there be a paycheck from dedicated Christians. I have observed that if the pulpit professional is absent for a Sunday, nothing is more predictable than his place will be taken by a visiting professional at a cost of $300. This happened at North Blvd. church when our $60,000 professional was away, another clergyman appeared, while sitting in the audience were a dozen Ph.D.’s and other learned people capable of doing a much better job at no cost to the members. —Norman Parks, Murfreesboro. Tn.

In reference to yourpoint that a member can choose a church but a church can’t choose its members, I’ll have to tell you this story:

At a church in Pine Bluff in the mid-1960’s a black family applied for membership. The church board met to consider it. Of all those present only my friend and the preacher argued to admit the black family. The preacher quoted Jesus’ Golden Rule, but the chairman of the board, now frothing and redfaced, retorted, “I don’t give a damn what Jesus said, what does the Bible say?” That’s got to be a classic of some sort. —Neal Buffaloe, First Christian Church, Conway Ar.

Maybe a college education is not necessary, but before a person speaks in public he should at least read a book on public speaking. He needs to learn to speak up, look at the audience and keep his hands away from his mouth. My hearing is leaving me, and that is the case with one-fourth of the average church. Sometime an entire chapter will be read without the reader looking at the audience even once. Another thing: We are stowing money in the bank and helping no one. What I want for us is love, consideration, understanding, unity. I am tired of bigotry. I am 85. —Gladys Crumpacker, Pollock, Mo.