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NOTE: The following article is taken from “Seek the Old Paths” (Vol. 10, No. 4, April, 1999). Although it was written five years ago, the article reflects similar segmented “fellowship” events that continue to occur in the “brotherhood”—and yet these events are not [exactly] known throughout the brotherhood of the churches of Christ. The “common bond” appears to be within and among a “designated” certain group or groups that have their own motivations and agenda. They’re the kinds of gatherings, it would seem, in which men of the Restoration Movement would have no part, even men of the 20th century—Hardeman, Baxter, Woods, Warren, et al—and even some of those who are still living with us today, Sanders, Woodson, Jackson, et al.

Do you recognize the names of the CHANGE AGENTS that we have been identifying on this site for quite some time now? I certainly do! (Let’s not forget Max Lucado!) The “agenda-driven events” listed below occurred only within a portion of that year—1999 … just a few examples! [Please note that the brief article is reprinted below unedited with the exception that items are bulleted for easier reading.]

Donnie Cruz
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DOES THIS UNITY MEET GOD'S APPROVAL?

Freddie Clayton


There is an obvious common bond and shared motivation that propels a certain segment of those receiving Bulletin Briefs. It can properly be called unity, but is it the type prayed for by our Lord (John 17) and expounded upon by Paul (Ephesians 4)? There was a united effort recorded for us in Genesis 11. Unity existed in apparent unanimous agreement to build a city and tower "lest we be scattered abroad" (v.4). They were "one" with "one language" (v.6) following the same agenda and plan. Babel's unity lacked God's approval and serves notice that agreement, fellowship, and communion can exist in opposition to God's plan.

Is there such a pattern of commonality, shared agendas, and unity that exists even today? Survey the following facts easily accumulated from web pages accessible to anyone who desires to see something akin to Babel's blueprint revisited.

• Restoration Forum XVI was hosted by The Family of God at Woodmont Hills in Nashville, Tennessee (where Rubel Shelly preaches) November 1-3, 1998. The theme was "Coming Together In Christ."
  
  
• November 5-8 featured a Worship Renewal Conference with "a unique learning opportunity in worship theology and experience," presented by The Zoe Group (www.zoegroup.org), including a registration fee, and featuring "presenters" such as Jeff Walling, Randy Harris and Jeff Nelson (www.woodmont.org/whll2441.html).
  
  
• Woodmont Hills hosted an Acappella concert the last of January with at least part of the admission price going to "Mercy Ministries," (www.mercyministries.org). Nancy Alcorn, President of this foundation, calls Joyce Meyer, syndicated woman preacher, her "spiritual leader and mentor." Meyer is a large contributor.
  
  
• Woodmont Hill's Youth and Family Ministry had a "SUPERBOWL PARTY" January 31 from 4:00 to 9:00 at Lipscomb University Student Center (www.woodmont.org/whcal.html).
  
  
• Jeff Walling is to be the featured speaker at Lipscomb at what is being called "The Summit" on March 5 & 6.
  
  
• John Mark Hicks, Harding Graduate School professor and co-introducer of a Community Church in Cordova, Tennessee (Yokefellow, Vol. 25. No. 10) was guest "facilitator" of a men's retreat for Woodmont Hills January 29 & 30 (www.woodmont.org/whcal.html).
  
  
• Hicks is also to be featured along with Rick Atchley, Randy Harris, and Gary Hollaway in a Biblical Preaching Seminar at Lipscomb University May 10 through 12 (www.dlu.edu).
  
  
• Three elders of the Woodmont Hills Family of God, Robert Hooper, Roy Hamley, and Bill Tallon, are faculty members at Lipscomb University.
  
  
• Randy Harris is a Lipscomb professor and "pulpit minister" at Donelson church of Christ.
  
  
• Madison church of Christ recently named Keith Lancaster as Minister of Worship and he will lead the singing on the Amazing Grace Bible Class program (www.madisoncofc.org). Lancaster founded The Acappella Company and is producer and promoter of this "ministry" (www.acappella.org). He and Marvin Phillips have teamed up to start scheduling joint seminars "that offer Marvin's outstanding teaching and Keith's praise and worship skills." Three different "acts" work out of The Acappella Company and one will be at Lipscomb University this Spring.
  

The unity, joint purpose and shared objective, obvious from these examples that are just, shall I say, the tip of Babel's foundation, is not limited to any specific area.

• Randy Harris, John Mark Hicks, and Jeff Walling will be speakers at the Crossview Prayer Retreat of Crossview Ministries in 1999.
  
  
• They will join Joe Beam, Albert Lemmons, Keith Roberts, Terry Rush, and Barry Stephens May 31 through June 3 at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in this endeavor formerly known as "World Radio" and out of Whites Ferry Road in West Monroe, Louisiana. Denominational preachers are also offered as speakers on their various broadcasts (www.crossview.org).
  

The unity shown in this article is familiar from Dan to Beersheba. Their evangelistic efforts may make it to your city. Conventions are regularly held at Pepperdine, Tulsa, Abilene, and just about anywhere people prize getting along above Truth. We return to the original question: Is this the unity for which Jesus prayed and about which Paul expounded?

____________________________________
Freddie Clayton
374 Hill Circle
Dunlap, TN 37327

Don't forget that Max Lucado was to WASH BAPTISM AWAY at Jubilee 1997.

Someone said:

"When both God and Mammon are worshipped they soon discover that THERE IS NO GOD.

Do you honestly believe that someone having a superbowl party for teens is a bad thing? I just don't understand how abunch of teenagers getting together and watching a game and then having a devotion is harmful. How is that not judging what some one does? Oh I am sorry, you're not judging you are just posting on this website for everybody to read about. I really get that confused about this website. This is what I love about this website: example..
I am going to say that I thought the superbowl party was a great idea. I enjoy the fact of hearing about christians getting together to watch a sporting event then having a devotion. What a wonderful idea! Christians getting together to hang out and talk about God. Instead of going to the sports bar and partaking of the game, they get together to watch something they enjoy.
Now that I said this- I am going to have to read 324 (sarcasm) messages on how an awful idea that was. Tell me about how christians getting together to watch a worldly thing is awful. Tell me about how getting together for worldly entertainment. ( cant wait to read those)
Then answer this: what is the difference between all the concerned members getting together and watching the game together and some teens getting together to watch the game? I am sure it is ok because you all didn't post it on a church bulletin.
I would love to hear something positive be posted on this website that happened at the Madison Church of Christ or just any church.

rh,

I believe you’re missing the central theme in the initial post. Of the several items highlighted, you mentioned ONLY the “superbowl party for teens”—it appears that you are a young person. And I’m glad that you decided to look into this thread about “unity.” The “superbowl” stuff has become very popular in some churches in recent years for the purpose of accommodating those who otherwise would be unable to attend “church services” because of scheduling conflicts. By the way, wasn’t the Janet Jackson “incident” of 2004 during intermission a pleasant entertainment surprise for everyone? What do you think?

I honestly believe that you need to look at the big picture—see what certain “men of influence” in the “brotherhood” are doing to the church—they’re damaging it, subverting it, “transforming” it into something else it isn’t, etc., etc. Please look at the other bulleted items. Do you recognize these apostates? If not, please read more … so you’ll better understand what’s really sadly happening to the church.

Donnie Cruz

Mr. Cruz,

In my opinion, ("opinions are like rearends- everybody has one some are just bigger than others") I read the other bullets on the post and quite frankly do not understand.
The bullets just simply list where speakers are speaking.
Are people that look at this website looking forward to these events?
Do you enjoy listening to these speakers?
I believe from what I read on this website that they are not. Why do you post these things?
I have no problem with disageeing with what people say. However, I have a problem that with what I read is always negative. This website in ways is a compare/contrast website with arguments. Mr. Cruz, I just would like to hear some positive things being said. For example, ( I liked what he said about this ... ) I never read about something good being said at Madison. I find it hard to believe that there is nothing positive being said.

rh,

I am really glad that you have asked these questions. Honest opinions and questions such as yours help us gauge how folks—especially in the brotherhood of churches of Christ—understand in the 21st century the nature and the extent of REAL problems confronting the church that Christ purchased with His own blood. Paul gave this admonition to elders of the early church as stated in Acts 20:28—“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

If there were no critical problems facing the church today, it would be ludicrous and totally unnecessary for this website to exist today. There would be no need to educate the brotherhood and warn thousands and thousands of congregations of the potential dangers that they could possibly encounter, if they hadn’t already. That’s one reason that I mentioned the church, “purchased with his own blood,” and the grave responsibility that elders of a congregation have to the extent that they are to be vigilant, watching for signs when problems are about to happen. You might say, “What problems?”

May I ask if you do realize the source of many of these problems? If not, don’t be embarrassed. You are in the majority. Most members of many congregations are unaware of these problems until it’s too late. Let me get to the point. Yes, the bulleted items in the initial post, items that you thought were simply a list of speakers, simply point out some of the names of prominent “change agents” operating WITHIN the brotherhood with the main agendum of TRANSFORMING Christ’s church away from its New Testament pattern. So, when you hear names such as Max Lucado, Rubel Shelly, Jeff Walling, John Mark Hicks, Joe Beam, and others—believe me—BEWARE! Beware of what they teach about the New Testament church versus denominationalism. Beware of what they teach about grace and the [ab]use of it. Beware of their perverted teachings regarding baptism—which, according to the New Testament, is a very critical step or condition that is required of the unconverted in order for his sins to be remitted and become a child of God—and guess what? The agents teach differently and have diminished its (the baptism’s) necessity. Beware of what they teach about God’s holy Spirit. Beware of what they teach about worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

There is a host of other issues! So, to answer your question—NO, I would not enjoy listening to these speakers. I hope you’re now able to see the theme of the initial post, i.e., watch out for these speaking engagements (the article was written in 1999—and there are probably more of the same these days). More indoctrinating takes place during these gatherings. Does God approve of meetings in which false doctrines are taught … meetings aimed IMPROVING GOD’S WILL for the church, resulting in the congregation being subverted and split? I don’t think so.

What you read here about Madison is what I derive from the Madison Marcher almost verbatim. Quite often, it so happens that the Marcher reports occurrences and events being controversial in nature. If one is to assume that I am condemning the Madison body, then, let me say that one is very wrong in making that assumption. Whatever happens at Madison that is negative is not the fault of the members—it is not the fault of this website, either. So, who is to blame for all that? That’s something that each reader needs to think through and consider. I explained above the fact that the church is facing real problems which are coming from within. I listed some of the doctrinal errors that the change agents are teaching. I mentioned the major responsibilities of church leaders. So, again, who is to blame?

For those interested in knowing the positive things about the Madison congregation, here’s the link: http://www.madisoncofc.org/.

Thanks for your questions, rh.

Donnie

I wish to remind myself and all of us that we are not THE judge. I also wish to remind the the ones of us who are bashing Walling, Lucado, etc... that GOD IS IN CONTROL. Quit bashing them over the net and go to them in love (as we are commanded to do) and settle your issues. I know two of them very well, and know that they would be open to your concerns if approached the right way.

BLC,

I completely agree with you that we are not “THE judge” … that “GOD IS IN CONTROL.” One big problem is that the two of whom you know very well have been responsible for initiating a number of issues, but you are expecting us to settle their issues with them? I am convinced that these men [whom you know] who desire to “CONTROL” the church have heard in the last two decades from many, many of their fellow preachers in the brotherhood—and there are thousands of them. Know what? The only viable solution to the problem is for your men to leave the church and take their problems and troubles with them somewhere else. Also, I think you have “bashing” confused with “marking” them who cause division in the church. Please pray that these men stop putting the church of our Lord to shame or being ashamed of the church.

Donnie

FELLOWSHIP WITH OUR EVANGELICAL NEIGHBORS


We are not the only folks being troubled by the change movement. Terry Peer is a minister with the Independent Christian Churches. In an article entitled, “A Plea for the Plea” he says,

“When the connection of togetherness is embraced with the ‘evangelical community,’ who does the bending on the essentials of doctrine anyway? I contend that it is always those of the Christian Church/Church of Christ. When does a ‘Billy Graham’ lay down his ‘believe only’ invitation or a ‘Promise Keeper’ promoter abandon his ‘pray and receive Jesus’ message for the benefit of unity with those who are Christians only? I’ve never seen it happen. The terms of fellowship are ALWAYS based on the Christian cowering into silence and laying aside the Bible message of gospel salvation in order to be accepted by the evangelicals. The evangelicals are not laying aside their ‘believe only’ message to be accepted by Christians. Doesn’t that say something to us? Is there not an obvious issue there to examine?

“We are called to be ‘separate.’ We are called to this ‘separation’ on the basis of the Word of God. The New Testament draws the lines of fellowship. So we plead with all who claim to love God...let’s agree to agree ON HIS WORD...and so be pleasing to HIM!” (The Restoration Herald, Sept. 2004, p. 7).

The observations of Mr. Peer are applicable to those of our brethren who are eager to embrace in fellowship men and causes of their denominational neighbors. They enter these relationships, understanding that to continue in them they must not try to share their convictions about those Biblical principles that are not accepted by the others. Such things as baptism’s link to salvation, praising God only with the human voice, men only leading the church in worship are items not allowed on the table for discussion.

Paul rebuked Peter for compromising his faith in the presence of erring brethren, by refusing table fellowship to the Gentile Christians of Antioch (Gal. 2:11-14). What would he say to preachers of our day who compromise their faith in important doctrinal matters, including the way of salvation?

We should accept any opportunity to go among denominational folks if it provides us the privilege of teaching them the Word of God in an untrammeled way. This our brethren have done over the years. But we should not lend our endorsement or encouragement to any organization or activity that is contrary to the Will of the Master. Nor should we enter in with others if they would muzzle us and forbid us to speak the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26) as it is in Christ Jesus. Certainly if such opportunity is afforded us, we should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16), use good judgment and speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). But speak the truth we must else we bid Godspeed to error and partake of their evil works (II John 10-11).

In our Postmodern age with its pluralism and ecumenism, it takes courage and conviction to “Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate...” (II Cor. 6:17).

____________________________________
John Waddey, Editor
Christianity: Then and Now
E-Mail: johnwaddey@aol.com

SOME INTERESTING INSIGHTS FOR THOSE PURSUING UNITY WITH CHRISTIAN CHURCHES


One prominent feature of the change agenda is the desire to reestablish fellowship with the Christian Churches. Many participants in the Unity Forums are also heard promoting the change agenda among our people. Twenty years ago it was only with the Independent Christian Churches that these folks wanted fellowship. More recently representatives of the Disciples of Christ have been involved in this quest for unity.

A copy of the June, 2004, edition of Home Mission Advocate came into my hands. It is published by the Division of Homeland Missions of the Disciples of Christ. My copy was addressed to "The Reverend Victoria..." who is a pastor serving that body of people. The contents of this paper reveal much about contemporary Disciples of Christ who 125 years ago were our brethren in Christ. Embracing a change movement of their day, they began a journey that has transformed them from a church of Christ into a declining, liberal Protestant denomination. Consider the following:

• The feature article is by Ms. Kara Kleinschmidt, a "ministerial intern," due to be ordained by the Bellevue Christian Church of Nashville. She has been "called" to the Central Christian Church in Lexington, KY as one of their "ministers."
  
  
• On page two, Arnold Nelson, Jr., President of Disciples Home Missions, pays homage to Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone as "founders of the Disciples." He speaks glowingly of D. S. Burnett who founded "a forerunner of Disciples Homes Missions," the American Christian Bible Society and the American Christian Missionary Society.
  
  
• Page 3 celebrates the retirement of "the Rev. Dr. Eldon Irving," "Senior Pastor" of First Christian Church in Ducanville, TX. He received his BD degree from Yale Divinity School and his doctorate from Brite Divinity School. A member of the Rev. Irving's church writes, "Eldon is an eloquent speaker and a good teacher. We always have liked his sermons."
  
  
• Also on page 3 is an announcement that the women of the Disciples of Christ and those of the United Church of Christ will have a joint "Women's Event" in 2006. The Disciples are a "uniting" body of people. As good ecumenists, they fellowship any religious body that will fellowship them. The United Church of Christ is the most liberal of America's Protestant denominations.
  
  
• Page 5 reports on a "Weekend Visioning Retreat for Congregational Leaders.” R. Wayne Calhoun writes about "our great denomination, the Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ)." Their retreat "address(ed) revitalization and transformation issues, they also provide a spiritual renewal component..." One session discussed their "Core Values." Another was a "Celebration of (their) History." One could easily mistake this for a lectureship of our change agents.
  
  
• Page 8 is an enlightening study of "Disciple Elders: Then and Now." Peter Morgan states that in the beginning the Disciples "had a vision of a church united simply on the basis of faithful obedience to whatever is clearly taught by precept or practice in the New Testament." Of course, they no longer hold this vision. He tells us that "Alexander Campbell believed ... that the traditional churches of Christendom were too much under the control of the professional ministry..." Yet that is precisely what Disciples now have. "In looking back over Disciples' history, a definite trend can be seen: The power of the elders has diminished while that of the board and profession minister has increased." "Disciples are a practical people and whatever ‘works’ in making a church more effective is likely to commend itself to them." In the world this is called pragmatism. “What will be the future of Disciples elderships? In the past the office of elder has undergone many changes. It will continue to do so as the church grows and adapts to a changing world." Churches that reject the authority of Scripture are always changing with the world.
  
  
• On page 10, Timothy James writes about the forthcoming "National Convocation of the Christian Church" whose theme is "A New Day, a New Way." Page 11 announces a coming "Clergy and Lay Leaders' Institute" in conjunction with their Convocation.
  
  
• Page 12 announces the Summer Worship of "The Association of Disciples Musicians." Sessions will be offered for Choral activities, Organ, Handbells and Children's Choirs. Also there will be a "National Observance of Children's Sabbath" and "Wonder Story Teller Training."
  
  

These news items help us see just how far a body of people, once committed to the restoration of New Testament Christianity, can drift in a century. They demonstrate the direction that change movements tend to go. They show us where our promoters of change are heading. It should make each reader ask him or herself, is this where I want the churches of Christ to go? The best time to stop a dangerous trend is in its early stages.

____________________________________
John Waddey, Editor
Christianity: Then and Now
E-Mail: johnwaddey@aol.com