LectureshipIssue.com

God's Organization for Preaching the Gospel

by JT Smith

From the beginning of the church until today there has been an effort on the part of men to try to improve God's plan for organization, worship and work.

One of the best known man-made organizations to spread the gospel among churches of Christ was started in 1849. Following are some excerpts from Search for the Ancient Order a book edited by Earl West. On Tuesday, October 23, 1849, at Christian Chapel, corner of Walnut and Eight Streets in Cincinnati, Ohio, 156 delegates met to establish the American Christian Missionary Society. Alexander Campbell, had through his writings, pushed for such a meeting from 1841 to 1848. Of the meeting W. K. Pendleton, who, because of Alexander Campbell's illness, took his place as chairman of the meeting said: 'We met, not for the purpose of enacting ecclesiastic laws, not to interfere with the true and scriptural independence of the churches, but to consult about the best ways for giving efficiency to our power, and to devise such methods of cooperation, in the great work of converting and sanctifying the world, as our combined counsels, under the guidance of Providence, might suggest and approve. There are some duties of the church which a single congregation cannot, by her unaided strength, discharge. . . . A primary object being to devise some scheme for a more effectual proclamation of the gospel in destitute places, both at home and abroad, the Convention took under consideration the organization of a Missionary Society." (from Search for the Ancient Order, page 173).

Opposition to The Missionary Society

Much opposition came from many places. The elders of one congregation in Connelsville, PA wrote: "We agree that the church of Jesus Christ is; in constitution and design, essentially missionary, we conceive to be an axiomatic truth. Not a missionary society, but emphatically and preeminently the missionary society - the only one authorized by Jesus Christ and sanctioned by the apostles." They further said: "We know it is thought by some, that these Societies are not separate and apart from the church, but part and parcel of her. But by a little reflection, it will be seen, that although they may be entirely composed of members of the church, (which is not often the case,) yet they are separate and distinct from her; as much so as any Free Mason or Temperance Society composed of church members. . . . Hence it follows that they are distinct organizations, separate and apart from the church'." (IBID)

Division over the United Christian Missionary Society

Around the turn of the twentieth century a division among churches of Christ developed over instrumental music and the United Christian Missionary Society. The above quotes by Earl West set forth both sides both pro and con. Brethren disagreed over what was being done and were determined to stand by their decisions. The majority of churches agreed with those who wanted the instrument of music and the Society.

Recent Organizations

A number of organizations have been started in my lifetime to teach the word of God. Liberal Arts Colleges have been established with only members of Churches of Christ allowed as members of the Board of Directors and as faculty members. In connection with the secular subjects, courses in Bible and related subjects are also offered with some being mandatory. I have often tried to defend them on the basis that they are adjuncts to the home and are in business as an institution of higher learning with spiritual help for the young people who attend.

I have also defended the "chapel services" each day on the basis that any Christian with a business has a right to stop during the day and have Bible Study and prayer with his employees if he wishes to do so. Right or wrong, these have been the defenses I have used.

I have never, however, had what I though was a good defense of the College Bible Lectureships, although I hasten to say I did attend and support them. In retrospect, it seems to me that these were/are simply gospel meetings set up by the college for the purpose of (1) giving an opportunity for truth to be taught (although another organization besides the church was having these meetings) and (2) as a means of promotion in getting brethren to the campus for a week and making a "pitch" sometime during the evening lectures for money from individuals (and in some cases churches) to support the school and its work. Have I missed something? Oft times when you talk to brethren about something that is being taught at one of "our" college's brethren will say, "Well it is not the church." "Why it is just a human institution." All this is true. Admittedly it is not the church but a human institution. It is interesting that it is "their business" not ours UNTIL it comes to needing funds to operate and then "brethren" become all important (Why not set up a scholarship fund, put us in your will, etc.).

This month, we have added a new organization that is sponsoring a "lectureship" (gospel meeting if you please). The Guardian of Truth Foundation with headquarters in Bowling Green, KY is conducting a Lectureship. This Foundation with its chairman, board of directors, secretary and treasurer (a full-blown organization - not the church) was set up for the purpose of providing a service for brethren and anyone else who decided to use its services. It was to be able to provide books (now with two bookstores) and class study material for sale to anyone who desired to purchase them and a bi-monthly subscription publication (Truth Magazine) to which I have no objection. Now, they are going a step further. They are providing and promoting a lectureship. It is Guardian of Truth's Lectureship. Also, some churches have also been promoting it in their church bulletins. And we are told that it must be the right thing to do - "if Florida College (a human institution) can have a lectureship, why can't we?" But, what if Florida College is WRONG in having its lectureship - - - - -?

We wonder if what the brethren said during the days of the American Christian Missionary Society was true then and is it still true today.

"We agree that the church of Jesus Christ is; in constitution and design, essentially missionary, we conceive to be an axiomatic truth. Not a missionary society, but emphatically and preeminently the missionary society - the only one authorized by Jesus Christ and sanctioned by the apostles." (Italics mine for emphasis, jts)