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 The
"Restructuring" of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) has been a major news item among denominations in recent
years. Our former brethren have dropped their plea for
congregational independence and autonomy — which they had not practiced
in many years — and have openly advocated and planned for an
organic oneness in their denomination.
What
started them on this course ?? The answer is collective action
of churches — "churchhood" projects
that pool the resources from many congregations under a board or
"sponsoring" eldership, so that many churches work
as one. Our brethren today dislike — even refuse
to consider this answer — but church history cries it aloud.
We
continue our quotes from THE DISCIPLES IN KENTUCKY, by A. W.
Fortune.(See past two issues of P. T.)
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"The
fact that general societies had been organized was another
reason why a more definite organization of the churches in the
state was demanded. That is indicated by the nature of the call.
It suggested that in addition to encouraging greater effort in
behalf of Sunday Schools in the churches, and the securing of
reports from the churches, the meeting should consider the
propriety of giving aid to the recently established Bible and
Missionary Societies at Cincinnati."
"The
items of business considered at the district meeting at the
Upper Hanging Fork Church, in Lincoln County, Sept. 27, 1850,
are typical of the others and indicate the breadth of interest
in one of these meetings:"
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(1) Evangelizing in the district. (2)
State evangelizing in connection with the state meeting. (3)
Foreign missions. (4) Bible translation. (5) Orphan asylum. (6)
Education. (7) Duties and powers of elders. (8)
Amusements." (From minutes published in Ecclesiastic
Reformer) (P.211, 223DK)
"The
leaders were convinced that organization was absolutely
imperative, not only for evangelistic purposes, but also for the
protection of the churches. J. T. Johnson suggested a plan for
regulating the evangelists so that the churches would not be
imposed upon.". . . "When there was no general
organization of the churches it was easy for an evangelist of
unsavory reputation (including "Anti-s" who opposed
missionary society, rft) in one community to impose upon a
church in another community. The county or district meetings
which were attended by the preachers made it much more difficult
for unworthy preachers to continue. They were known and their
character was exposed." (P.204)
"Aylette
Raines, in the CHRISTIAN TEACHER, vigorously opposed the state
meetings and the organization which was developing, and he
undoubtedly expressed the attitude of many others. He objected
on the ground that "they are opposed to apostolic
example." ... ''He believed there were tendencies which,
unless checked, would lead to state organizations and to a
"United States organization of the congregations"
which would be a dangerous consolidation of power." (P.
209, ibid.)
MY
BRETHREN, WILL WE NEVER LEARN?
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