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 New
conservative congregations are springing up all over the
country, for which we are most grateful. Most of these seem to
be the result of migrations — faithful brethren move into a
community and plant the cause of undenominational (and we trust,
of non-sectarian) Christianity by designating a place for
assembling, and working diligently to find kindred spirits and
convert others to Christ.
Other
new churches come about as liberal minded brethren become more
liberal, and the folly of digression becomes more apparent to
those who previously refused to see where the “social gospel”
and “churchhood” projects were leading them. They ask for
Bible authority for their practices, are branded as “Anti’s”,
and find that exponents of “love” can be bitter opponents
indeed.
And
perhaps most encouraging of all — in that it shows growth of
the churches standing for Bible authority in work and worship
— are those cases where a sound church has increased in size
to the point that saints who have “buses” from distant parts
of the city, may now “swarm” and establish churches in their
section of town without crippling the original work. We rejoice
to report an increase in such “swarms”, and yet experience
prompts us to offer an observation and advice.
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When
planning such a new work we usually recognize the need for a
core or nucleus of experienced men — some stable leaders,
about whom the new church can grow in good health. This means
taking “cream” away from the original church; and we rejoice
that such men have been developed, and that they have the
courage to accept the responsibilities of the new field.
But
“cream” is more difficult to replace, and takes much more
time to develop, and a new “crop” of novice saints. The
original church may soon grow back to its original number —
and enthusiastic members may feel it is time to “do it again”
— have another “swarm” — when in reality there is not
the “cream” to spare. Little has been accomplished —
perhaps even harm done — if our desire for congregations in
all communities represented, leads us to cripple seriously the
original work.
To
some degree the same effect is found in places that urge all men
who can “make a talk” to leave home on preaching
appointments. We need lots of preachers — but we also need
sound men at home, developing as bishops of the local flock. WE
CAN SKIM CREAM UNTIL NOTHING IS LEFT BUT BLUE-JOHN !!
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