Archive for the 'Church of Christ' Category

Youth Ministers and Gospeled Change

Published
by
Mike
on October 11, 2007
in Church, Church of Christ, justice and scripture
. 67 Comments

A couple recent pictures of Reese Kathryn Cope:

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I’ve written before about my appreciation for youth ministers. That appreciation continues to grow as I hear stories of youth leaders who are instilling a deep sense of justice and compassion in their teens. Someday we may look back and realize that there was a dramatic shift in our churches — a shift that focuses more on God’s work to restore the world (in all ways). And we may realize how much of that took place from the teaching and modeling of youth workers.

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Insightful words about the gospels from N. T. Wright:

“No historian, no reporter, nobody ever tells things ‘just like they happened.’ All stories about all events involve the story-teller in selection, collection, arrangement and hence ‘interpretation.’ That doesn’t mean the whole thing is a pack of lies. It just means there is no such thing as a point of view which is nobody’s point of view. Nobody is ever a fly on the wall. All storytelling is story-telling with a purpose. The Gospels are no exception. To read the Gospels, then, we must continually be alert both for the question ‘what is this telling us about Jesus?’ and for the question ‘what is the evangelist trying to say, through this tory about Jesus, to his own contemporaries?’”

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My name has finally been removed from the www.foracappella.org site. It took quite a while for someone to figure out that I didn’t endorse the statement there. Hmmmm. Hadn’t read my blog, I guess. Keep hoping they’ll take down the scandalous articles that indicate instrumental music is a matter of salvation and fellowship. I’ve read some comments indicating that no one should bother to say anything about it. But those comments are wrong. That teaching is heretical. It reduces the gospel and throws up barriers that shouldn’t exist. Neither singing a cappella nor with instruments is heretical. Teaching that one or the other is necessary for salvation and fellowship is heretical.

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I’m expecting a short World Series, aren’t you? It’s hard to imagine either the Rockies or the D’backs matching up well with the Indians or Red Sox.

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I’ve been concerned about the need for the recruiters of Christian colleges to give the same perspective to potential students that the leaders on campus are providing once the students get there.

E.g., if a Christian college has banned people from speaking on its campus, that’s fine. The administration certainly has a right to do that. But wouldn’t it be ironic if the admissions people wound up recruiting from the congregations where those ministers work? Are they making it clear that they would like the students to attend even though the ministers they’ve grown up with are aren’t welcome?

Or let’s suppose that the administration generally believes that something like instrumental music will condemn you. Wouldn’t it be dishonest if the recruiters went to students from instrumental churches and encouraged them to attend, leaving the impression with the students and their parents that they are brothers and sisters in Christ who are in full fellowship?

The point is that there needs to be a consistent message between the policy and practices of the administration and the impressions given by the admissions counselors.

A Time to Speak — Christian Chronicle Ad

Published
by
Mike
on October 1, 2007
in Church of Christ
. 386 Comments

First, here are my thoughts on instrumental music vs. a cappella music.

But this isn’t about the issue of a cappella music, per se. It’s about the two-page ad in the most recent Christian Chronicle entitled “A Time to Speak.” If you haven’t seen it, you can read a similar version here.

There are some differences. For example, the ad online says, “We, as a group of younger ministers, present this article to the public to affirm that we stand firmly united for a cappella singing.” Then there is a long list of names of people from ages 17 to 77.

In the Chronicle ad, it says, “We, as a group of ministers who are age 55 and younger, present this statement to the public to affirm that we stand firmly united for acappella singing.” The list of names of “preachers already affirming this statement” in the Chronicle has expunged the names online of those who are female and those who are over 55. I counted over 300 names, though I only recognize four or five. (I don’t mean that to downplay the individuals — I just mean that I don’t know them.)

When I first read it, I had serious questions about the Chronicle’s advertising policy. The Chronicle has in recent years been such an effective tool for unity and missions. Why would they accept an ad like this? Does it promote unity or disunity? Does it force ministers to sign or resign from some churches? Would they receive a similar ad from those who also think it’s “time to speak” — but who disagree — complete with their own set of names?

I had a wonderful conversation with Lynn McMillon today, however. He assured me that the Chronicle has a brand new advertising policy. Something like this won’t appear there again. Congratulations to the Chronicle staff and board for reconsidering.

The ad directs people to the www.foracappella.org website. Here is a section from one of the articles the site includes to set us straight:

Some suggest that whether or not one uses instrumental music in worship really doesn’t matter. Since we all are imperfect and stand in the need of the grace of God, whether we use instruments is a moot question. They believe they can continue using the instrument without losing favor with God. Any issue that involves sin is a “salvation issue.” When people persist in sin and do not repent, they put their souls in peril (Heb. 10:26; 2 Pet. 3:9; Luke 13:3,5). The question here, then, is the use of instrumental music in worship sinful. Based upon the Scriptural evidence we have examined, we believe it is sinful to go beyond the authority of the New Testament and use musical instruments to worship. Some might use it for a time and then repent; surely God’s grace will forgive them in response to their repentance. What will happen to those who will not repent?

This is what’s most disturbing. I keep trying to convince young ministers that there aren’t many who think this is a salvation issue — but maybe I’m wrong! Perhaps some of those listed on the planning and advisory committee can assure us that this article is improperly placed on the website.

My dear friends, if the use of instrumental music will send a Christ-follower to hell, then we’re all going to hell. Over something. We’re all wrong about something!!

Those words above show that the deepest need is for us to understand what the gospel is.

Nearly as disturbing are these words from another recommended article:

Should those who oppose the use of instruments, then, extend their fellowship to those who do? Fellowship implies approval. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses the question of fellowship with the man who has his father’s wife. He says that even the pagans do not approve of such behavior. For the Corinthians to continue to fellowship him would be to send a message of approval for something even pagans condemn. Paul then commands them to withdraw from him. Paul also writes in 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 that “if anyone does not obey our instruction in this epistle, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.” To associate with those who have strayed, Paul says, is to send the message of approval of what they do. In the same way, John tells Christians that if someone “comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him” (2 John 10). Again the point is clear, to extend fellowship implies approval. This does not mean, of course, that we can have no contact with such people, but does mean that we do not extend to those who are engaging in a practice which is not in harmony with scripture the same fellowship we would to those who are in such harmony.

The world is disoriented, hurting, and lost. God is seeking to restore and repair what’s been broken. And someone is paying for a two-page ad in the Chronicle for this?

One of the most gifted young ministers I know in Churches of Christ sent me a brief email a few days ago. It said, “Yup. I’m out.” I hope he won’t leave. But if he does, I understand. And I know he’ll still be a powerful servant in the kingdom.

The Cruciform Church

Published
by
Mike
on September 25, 2007
in Books, Church of Christ and movies
. 32 Comments

Have you seen the movie “Jesus Camp?” Scary! It’s worth watching. Would be good for us to talk about as we seek to think through our identity as people of God.

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Here’s my foreword to the new edition of Leonard Allen’s The Cruciform Church:


The Cruciform Church is one of the most formative books of my Christian life. It’s a pleasure to write a foreword for this new edition. In some ways I feel like I’ve written many forewords over the past sixteen years (since it was first published) as I’ve encouraged many young ministers and university students to read it.

When I first read the book, it felt like Leonard Allen had just flipped through the photo albums of my spiritual family, guiding me, enlightening me, and encouraging me. He provided just what I needed: deep appreciation for the strengths of this heritage but honest description and evaluation of ways in which the “movement” got off course.

So helpful was it that I’ve been known to tell people that in my humble opinion it’s the most important book written about Christian faith and discipleship from within Churches of Christ in my lifetime.

Thanks to Leonard’s book, the word “cruciform” entered the central vocabulary in Churches of Christ. He helped us see that the death of Jesus is so much more than just the sacrifice for our sins (though, thank God, it certainly is that!). The cross of Jesus is the claiming of a new creation; it is the reconciling of all things to God; and it is the Jesus-style of living, the laying down of one’s life for the world.

In his original preface, Leonard said that some encouraged him to omit the word “cruciform” because it was too unfamiliar. But he kept it, he wrote, “in hope that this image might become the dominant image by which Churches of Christ speak of identifying the New Testament Church.”

Though sixteen years have passed, The Cruciform Church is, if anything, even more relevant today. We live in a consumeristic society – an environment that has spilled over into Western churches. We are constantly tempted to be providers of goods and services to draw the already-convinced rather than outposts for the mission of Christ.

The word I hear a lot now to describe the need to lean against this consumerism is “missional.” We are called to participate in the rule of Christ as his hands, his feet, and his voices in this world. We are to remember that we’ve been blessed to be a blessing to others. This powerful book really anticipated that perspective, calling on the church to be cross-shaped in its identity and mission.

We also need to hear again Leonard’s call to live as aliens in this world, remembering that our citizenship is in heaven. Too many Christ-followers are filled with anger, feeling snubbed by the world for not receiving privileged treatments. But we follow one who for the joy before him endured the cross (Heb. 12:1-3).

On a personal note, I write from a very different place now than I would have in 1990. At that time Leonard Allen was a respected professor and author—a scholar in every since—whom I didn’t know well. Since then he’s become my teacher, my spiritual guide, a member of the church where I preach, and, most importantly, my friend. I knew long ago the wisdom that came from his head; I now know that it comes from his heart.

“This Message is From Churches of Christ”

Published
by
Mike
on September 19, 2007
in Church of Christ
. 170 Comments

All right. You’ve got the money — you’re free to put whatever you want on radio or television or in the newspaper. But I so often wish that groups wouldn’t say that this is from “Churches of Christ.”

There’s a television program that comes on here that’s associated with Churches of Christ. This past week the speaker kindly explained why women have to keep their mouths shut in church.

And that’s a message from Churches of Christ? Or just faithful Churches of Christ? Maybe a list needs to run of those who are faithful enough to support the message.

I couldn’t disagree more with his message. And yet people in Abilene hear that it’s from Churches of Christ.

This post isn’t about the issue of women and gifts, per se. Time will take care of this, anyway. Churches will realize they were wrong — just as on the issue of race.

It’s about presenting yourself as representing a whole denomination. (I know, I know, we’re not a denomination!) It would be like me presenting this on the internet as a message from Churches of Christ. It’s not! it’s my ramblings. It’s what I observe . . . what I believe.

Gospel Meetings

Published
by
Mike
on September 4, 2007
in Church of Christ and memories
. 67 Comments

I grew up with gospel meetings. Not revivals; gospel meetings. Denominations had revivals.

Some who are older than me remember two-week meetings, but I only go back to one-weekers. One in the fall; another in the spring. Every year.

You’d think those are bad memories. And yes, those probably weren’t my favorite two weeks of the year.

And yet — I remember the excitement at our church of knowing that someone was coming with urgent messages. Most years, Guy Napoleon Woods came. Other favorites were Hugo McCord, Bobby Key, and Walter Buchanan (my favorite because he was always so much fun at Green Valley Bible Camp near Bentonville).

I remember Guy N. Woods as a man in whom there was no doubt. His book “Questions and Answers” was like our “Pearl of Great Price” — not exactly the Bible, but still a pretty holy book.

But with the others, the memories are much better: the church getting ready in prayer, the discipline of going to the assembly every night (while other kids were playing ball!), and the attempt to write down every scripture mentioned.

I’m not wanting to go back to gospel meetings. Not at all.

But . . . remembering them makes me ask these questions: In what ways are we providing biblical teaching for the church? In what ways are we reaching out to people who are lost (in every sense of the word) — so that we seek to go out rather than attract?

ACU — and My Bosses . . . Baseball Bet

Published
by
Mike
on August 30, 2007
in Baseball and Church of Christ
. 59 Comments

You know the phrase “you’re not the boss of me”? That doesn’t apply to me at ACU.

Here are my bosses:

Rodney Ashlock (associate chairman of undergrad Bible)
Glenn Pemberton (chairman of undergrad Bible)
Ken Cukrowski (associate dean of College of Biblical Studies)
Jack Reese (dean of College of Biblical Studies)
Dwayne Van Rheenan (Provost)
Royce Money (President)

I’m sure I’ve missed some others.

Having said that, I love teaching there. I love the direction of the university. I love the way there is an openness to a larger Christian world while still valuing the heritage of Churches of Christ. I love the variety of the student body. I love the sense that we are both participating in and calling people to the mission of Jesus.

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In front of a bunch of my buddies, I lost a bet to my friend Chris Flanders. The loser had to make a public confession.

SO . . . let me say this. Flanders was right; I was wrong. Our question was, Who had the most hits in the major leagues in the 1990s. I felt sure I knew. I was wrong. Do you know? Leave your guess here. Don’t google first. Don’t say something like “I know this because I just saw it the other day.” And don’t come back commenting on it. Let’s just see who knows.

What major league player had the most hits in the ’90s?

Trinity River, Baseball, 2 Corinthians, Pappasito’s, Guacamole, Benedict

Published
by
Mike
on July 14, 2007
in Baseball, Church of Christ and guacamole
. 35 Comments

Ft. Worth is a great place to camp out for a few days during a tournament. The last two mornings I’ve had incredible bike rides along the Trinity River. If it was just a little closer to Abilene, I think I’d drive over once a week to make that ride — just for the beauty.

We won game two against the winner of the Waco district last night, 6-1. Tonight we play the host team from Ft. Worth in the finals of the winners’ bracket. Either late tonight or early tomorrow morning, I’ll hustle back to Abilene to preach. My guess is that the preaching will be a bit blurry-eyed tomorrow. (Note: I’ll just be underscoring the text about how this treasure comes in jars of clay!)

Today: lunch at Pappasito’s. Yes, fajitas, guacamole, and salsa are in my immediate future.

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Is the Pope stealing his speech material from Churches of Christ? (See this article entitled “Pope: Other Denominations Not True Churches.”) Makes a Protestant really miss John Paul 2.

Pledging Allegiance in the Assembly?

Published
by
Mike
on May 30, 2007
in Church of Christ and politics
. 160 Comments

A friend of mine told me how perplexed she was that in a Christian assembly where she was visiting last Sunday morning they said the Pledge of Allegiance. I kid you not.

The Christian assembly is the place where we remember that there is only one ultimate allegiance, and it is to Jesus Christ. It is where we remember that any other ultimate allegiance is idolatry.

The early church didn’t pledge allegiance to Rome. They confessed Jesus as Lord — which was a political statement over against the confession that Caesar is Lord.

Aren’t we to be good citizens? Of course — whether we live in Mexico, Chile, Vietnam, Afghanistan, or the United States. No one nation is God’s nation. He is working in visible and (often) hidden ways in all countries.

There are settings where I say the Pledge of Allegiance. I’m thankful to be a citizen of this country; I deeply appreciate the sacrifices that have been made; and I do see my Christian obligation to be a good citizen. (I’ve written before about the need I sometimes feel to tell people that I’m not talking about the deepest allegiance of my life. Countries come and go; but the kingdom of God keeps encroaching!)

But historically, the Christian assembly has NOT been the place where people pledge their allegiance to a flag or a country. It’s not a place where they celebrate patriotism. Rather, it is a place where they remember that Jesus Christ alone is Lord. It is where they remember the words of Jesus: to come follow him, to turn the other cheek, to love enemies, to have only one Master, to serve one another, to go into all the world, etc. The assembly has been a place where we remember our status as “aliens and strangers” in this world whose true citizenship is in heaven.

You can find earlier blogs that are related here . . . and here.

Preacher Search

Published
by
Mike
on May 23, 2007
in Church of Christ
. 98 Comments

The most recent Christian Chronicle has an ad by a church that is looking for a preacher. “Evanglistic Pulpit Preacher Needed.”

Part of the ad says: “We are looking for a man who wants to be right not radical, a man of wisdom and understanding who truly believes the song ‘Just As I Am’ and permits the gospel to change people’s lives according to “THE faith once delivered to the Saints.” Change agents, misguided, or unlearned men who desire to forget the old hermeneutic pattern of, who is speaking, to whom is he speaking, and when is he speaking, or Command, Example, and Necessary Inference need not apply. We are seeking a man to continue these God inspired biblical traditions taught by men of faith like those listed above [G. C. Brewer, C. E. McGaughey, Rex Turner, Sr., John Henry Clay].”

Just this reflection: My guess is that if they find someone who really believes the song “Just As I Am,” he won’t get the job.

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Just a few more recent pictures:

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The Chronicle and Wineskins

Published
by
Mike
on February 26, 2007
in Church of Christ and faith
. 68 Comments

The Christian Chronicle has been on a journey. Long gone are the days of mean-spirited editorials, like the one from 15-20 years ago that asked rebellious young ministers (translation: those who don’t walk in lock step) to leave the movement. Long past is the editorial warning that churches who involve women in more public ways are guilty of bringing cleavage into the assembly.

You think I’m kidding. I’m not. I’ve still got a copy. You can’t make stuff up that funny.

The Chronicle has become such a blessing. The coverage of missions is superb. The way the lead articles on potentially explosive issues are nuanced and balanced — always hinting at the possibility of unity even in the midst of disagreements — is wonderful.

If you don’t get a hard copy, be sure to check out their website.

And by the way, Greg Taylor (and others!) continues to improve our online presence for Wineskins. It was a blessing to Rubel and me to edit the magazine all those years; but now I’m so grateful for this online source of good writing. Check it out if you haven’t been there for a while.

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You’ve seen that there is a special coming out claiming that the tomb of Jesus has been found — with the remains of his body inside.

And to think that unbelievers can poke ridicule at Christians for walking by faith without evidence! There is no way anyone can prove this is the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.

Pardon my doubt, but I think I’ll go ahead and celebrate Easter.

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One of the many things I loved about the North Atlanta Church was the huge number of people who have come out of serious addictions to faith. What a testimony!