It is difficult to be objective about the past half-century of church history because of the emotional attachment one has to his times. After all, these are not “Luther’s times,” or “Campbell’s times,” these are our times. It is true that history happens now and, although is it often imperceptible to us, the reality is there nonetheless. We are living history.  And one day, people will write about attitudes and issues of the 21st century among churches of Christ. Unless I miss my guess, many of them will be a repeat of past problems because…history repeats itself.

My greatest concern these days is for the current and future generation(s) who have little knowledge of the real issues that caused a divide among brethren during the last five decades.  Our children and grandchildren hear terms like “conservative” and “liberal,” “sound” and “progressive,” but have no idea what they mean. Labels, after all, can become mere words in the mind of the hearer and subject to the scruples and prejudices of the person using them.

Our young people, however, need to know about the real issues that have divided brethren and why not all churches claiming to be “of Christ” are in fact “of Christ.” In certain sections of the country, for example, where there is an abundance of churches of Christ, it is very easy for history to be lost and distinctions to become blurred. As a result, our children know there are differences, but they’re not sure what they are—except that they eat in the building and we don’t.

Elders Overseeing Too Much

Post World War II was a period of great growth among churches of Christ. Churches were moving from “the other side of the tracks” to greater visibility and respectability. There was a growing evangelistic fervor that fueled some churches to take on projects and programs larger than their ability to fund—national radio and TV programs along with foreign evangelistic campaigns. Larger churches appealed to smaller congregations to send them money so that they could “sponsor” the endeavor. The receiving eldership would “oversee” the project.

Some questioned this arrangement. Is it right for elders from one church to control funds for other churches (1 Pet.5:2; 1 Thess.1:8)? And, if one church’s leadership can delegate its funds to the control of another, could they not also delegate other aspects of their work? Where would that stop?

Some argued (and rightfully so) that if God didn’t require an individual to do more than his/her ability (1 Cor.16:1-2), the same principle would be true for churches. For example, if I shouldn’t ask other Christians for donations so that I can give more on the first day, then why should churches do the same—beg for money from other churches so they can spend more than their ability? Since when does God hold an individual or a church responsible for a work greater than their ability to perform?

The bottom line was clear: there was no Bible authority for a “sponsoring church” eldership in evangelism. Elders who presume to do more than their local work violate stated truths regarding the limitation of their oversight. It was wrong then and it still is.

Churches Funding Private Business

By 1960 most “Christian” colleges began to see churches as sources of revenue. Pressure was placed upon congregations to send monthly contributions to colleges like David Lipscomb, Abilene Christian, Freed-Hardeman, Harding, etc.—because, after all, those schools were providing youth with a Bible-based education. Once again, some objected. B. C. Goodpasture (editor of the Gospel Advocate and later the name-sake of a K-12 school in Madison, Tennessee) labeled those who were opposed to churches funding schools as “self-righteous snobs and radicals.” The popular G. C. Brewer said that any preacher who is anti-college-in-the-church-budget must be from the “kingdom of crankdom.” It is amazing that regardless of debate—political or religious—when one side or the other is without valid argumentation, rest assured the name-calling will commence. It deflects the issue and prejudices the hearer—and that is always its intent.

If Christians want to go into business together and run a school or a grocery store, what difference does it make? It doesn’t. What does make a difference is when brethren begin private business enterprises and then place such on the back of churches. It is not the work of the church to underwrite private business. It was wrong then and it still is.

At the same time that colleges were attaching themselves to churches, others were doing the same with humanitarian enterprises. The issue was never—do homes for orphans or the aged have a right to exist and/or do they perform legitimate functions. The issue was—do churches have a right to fund private businesses regardless of the good they do? There is an obvious difference between the church purchasing goods/services to fulfill God-given duties (paying an electric bill for the church building and/or paying a hospital bill for a needy saint) and underwriting private enterprises (making monthly contributions to the electric company and/or hospital).

In 2001 my wife and I opened a coffee shop—a dream come true (for her). Coffee, Cake, and Candles was a private business venture owned and managed by Christians. It provided a legitimate service, employed Christians, and serviced the community. Doors of opportunities for Bible studies as well as invites to customers and business connections were plenty. Question:  Was it right for us to appeal to churches to help finance our endeavor? You know the answer.  Yet the principle is no different when it comes to Christians running educational or benevolent businesses and asking churches to finance them. It was wrong then and it still is.

The Social Gospel is More Fun

The last half-century has also seen churches “of Christ” get involved in every kind of entertainment promotion you can think of. What began as “fellowship” halls to facilitate indoor potlucks during the winter months has evolved into family-life centers and gymnasiums complete with the latest workout equipment to exercise the whole man. In that regard, churches of Christ have kept pace with their Baptist neighbors in the promotion of the social gospel—with full-blown YMCA-type facilities.

The issue was not about “eating in the church building.” I am amazed at those who pack a lunch for a Saturday “workday,” but refuse to eat it inside the building. Of course, they eat it outside on the parking lot—which is hardly consistent. What people did years ago in horse-and-buggy days with dinner-on-the-ground (or inside during winter months) violated nothing. Sure, they had houses to eat in (1 Cor.11:22), but they were a long way from those houses. The purpose of gathering was to worship while their eating and socializing was incidental and natural to their coming together. What is interesting (and as inconsistent as the point made above) is the attempt of those today that seek to justify gymnasiums, youth parties, and every kind of entertainment to the “dinner-on-the-ground” days of yesteryear. It is hardly comparable. The social gospel—it was wrong when churches began to turn in that direction and it still is.

Last time I checked Scripture, God’s church is on a spiritual quest. Our mission is higher and nobler than recreation and entertainment (Rom.14:17). There is a place for that and God has well suited another institution (the home) for its provision. Believe it or not, churches can function biblically in today’s world and grow without the add-ons of man. True, the Lord’s people will never appeal to the mega-church crowd in search of one-stop, baby-sitting, teen entertaining, adult feel-good religion of positive thinking. But to those in search of spiritual truth and application, to those who long for a place where kids can learn the stories and morals of the Bible, and to those who seek to worship according to Scripture and with great passion and emotion—there is such a place. It’s called the New Testament church of Jesus Christ.

Do Your Kids Understand?

What will the next fifty years bring? I venture to say that many churches will continue to advance culture above Scripture with (1) more women in leadership, (2) instrumental music, and (3) worship on Saturday nights. It’s coming slowly—but surely. In the meantime, it is essential that we help our children understand that the questions and concerns are real. Please do not allow them to blur the distinction between the church belonging to Christ and “the church of Christ denomination.” There is too much at stake.

And there arose a generation after them who did not know the Lord. (Judges 2:10)