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 During
the past two years I have conducted gospel meetings with 53 “conservative”
churches. “Single service appointments” bring the number of
contacts to 58 — New Jersey to California, Oregon, Iowa to
Florida, and even lovely Texas. I think I have some conception
of the “issues” which face such churches.
I
do not refer to “institutionalism”; although I believe the
truth concerning congregational independence and support of
human institutions should be kept before brethren. A better
grasp of the principles involved is needed by old and new
converts alike. But the many new churches scattered throughout
our land have other problems. I can but briefly sketch some “issues”
here, but these and others deserve our detailed and careful
attention.
There
are many small churches, subjected to bitter attacks from
liberal brethren, where slow growth breeds discouragement.
This “issue” (discouragement) must be faced realistically,
with positive steps taken to overcome it. Internal personal
conflicts are high on my list of current “issues”. In
times of unrest and division, malcontents often go with the
smaller group, to have a “small pond” for their croaking.
Lack
of leadership is a challenging “issue” of our day. It is
encouraging to remember
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that the courage which brought
these saints to “take a stand” for truth, will be useful in
developing bishop material, but sober judgement and experience
is a scarce and precious commodity in any day.
Many
small churches (and some BIG ones) seem to lack ambition,
or push. It is almost as if they were afraid to
grow, or tackle anything of size. This may be a sad trauma,
received in their struggle with digression in the “big”
church; but it is an “issue” we must meet and overcome if we
are to please Jesus Christ, who sent His messengers into “all
nations”.
“Crack
pot” ideas are sure to come from self-appointed “free-thinkers”
among “us”. Some seem to love the role of “issue maker”.
We must be neither bound to traditional ideas, nor loosed from
God’s Holy Word. And worldliness, (in attitude and
practice) is always with us.
Many
of “our” problems stem from zealous but inexperienced
members who are as ready to “bind where God has not bound”
as their counterparts in more liberal churches are to “loose
where God has not loosed.” We sorely need an honest look at
ourselves, and determination to MEET OUR ISSUES.
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