OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

Ouida and I enjoyed visits to other churches of our heritage in our area in recent weeks. The Southlake Church of Christ, near the DFW airport, is a growing, dynamic congregation that is a good example of what the Church of Christ must do to be saved, Biblically rooted without being sectarian. We enjoy visiting there, not only because they are free and open, but also because we have a number of friends of long standing who are members there. We joined my sister in celebrating a Homecoming at her congregation, the Stevens Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, which is my old home. The congregation, now almost 50 years old, is fighting for survival due to demographic shifts, but those that remain are quality people with a will not only for survival but for renewal. I appreciate the manner in which the Disciples celebrate the Lord’s supper, which always includes the words of institution of our Lord. This is almost never done in either the Christian Churches (Independent) or Churches of Christ. But I notice in recent years Communion is often presided over by the minister rather than by the elders, a break from their tradition that might be questioned. It is reassuring to me that you can attend any church within the Stone-Campbell tradition, from far left to far right, and the Lord’s supper will be served every Lord’s day, open Communion, mind you. That is one important reason why I love the Movement and would never leave it, never!

This journal has now and again called attention to the fact that originally when our people were a united unity movement we called ourselves by three names, inter-changeably—Disciples of Christ, Christian Churches, and Churches of Christ—and we were known by our neighbors by all three names. Needless to say that it is different today when we seem to know more about division than about unity. But a reader has sent us information about an old church in or near Sumner, Illinois that ties us to our past. The church has two front doors. Over one door it reads “Christian Church” and over the other “Church of Christ.” If a lot of folk I know in Texas should be visiting, I know what door they’d go through, if they went through either!

The Gateway Restorationist Unity Forum announces a program on “The Unity We Seek” to be held at St. Louis Christian College (1360 Grandview, Florissant, Mo. 63033) on October 12. The Forum is made up of persons from all three churches of the Movement, and its purpose is to provide opportunities for fellowship and dialogue for all three churches. There will be speakers from all three churches at the Oct. 12 gathering. For further information contact Larry Doggett at the college address. It is heartening that meetings of this sort are now frequent. I remember when they were non-existent and deemed impossible.

Worldwide there are one million students who attend college outside their native country. About 350,000 of these from 185 countries are in some college in the U.S.A. They stay from two to five years. Most of them are confined to a campus and never visit in an American home, even though they are curious about American life and culture. Some churches consider these people a “mission field” and reach out to them. They want them to go home with Christ in their lives and God’s word in their hearts. One church here in Denton has 70 foreign students in its assembly from our universities. Churches of Christ are making a substantial effort to reach these students all across the country. If you live in a college town or near one, you might be surprised how many foreign students are enrolled. You can be a blessing by opening your home to lonely foreigners who are eager to be a part of American family life. If you want to know how to go about it write to Prof. Al Henderson, Sunset School of Preaching, 3723 34th St., Lubbock, Tx. 79410. I recently heard Al report on his work and was very impressed with its potential for good.

Sometimes readers ask me about worth-while projects that they might help support. One that I highly recommend is the International Bible Correspondence School, Box 98-L, Sta. L, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6E 4Y5. Richard Kruse has directed this school for 23 years with substantial success. His lessons, sent to people in Third World countries who want to study both English and the Bible, follow standards set by the British educational system and are monitored by his own staff. Missionaries in the field cooperate with his efforts, making contacts and sometimes baptizing his students. Richard has hung in all these years, and has been burdened by health problems within his family. His needs are acute just now since one of his supporting churches is soon to drop its support. You can write to him for more details. He runs a tight ship and keeps his supporters informed. It is one of the more effective programs among the Churches of Christ.