The development of organic ties among churches—even while they continue to say they are “independent” —is historic fact. It may be observed in the history of various denominations (Church of God, Baptist, etc.) and it is equally apparent in “our” own history. “Our” history is documented (“Search For Ancient Order” by Earl West; “Disciples in Kentucky” by A. W. Fortune; and other like books) and is available for study. It is not lack of information, or the ability to perceive what is taking place in our generation that blinds preachers and teachers. It is the unwillingness to see. Pride and jobs are at stake “Sponsoring churches,” “Executive Boards,” and other media by which a plurality of churches function as one in benevolence and evangelism have caused brethren to think of “Churches of Christ” as a functional organic body which must, somehow, be “coordinated” and harnessed for work. This is the essential element in the organic concept of every denomination that has ever been formed. A Vancouver, Wash., church offers “SERVICE FOR THE WHOLE BROTHERHOOD,” Their literature says, “Whenever some member moves to another community... send the moving members name, new address, and date of moving to a SINGLE CO-ORDINATING CONGREGATION, which congregation

will serve the whole nation. This congregation will then immediately send this same information to a relay congregation... etc.” “Relay stations have been established in many of the states, therefore the program is effective immediately.” (Do you suppose the so-called “Anti” churches should prepare for a great flow of these addresses? Hmmmmm!) The San Jose church, Jacksonville, Fla., “has taken the oversight of the Evangelism/73 project to inform and motivate our brethren.” The “advisory committee” consists of men from Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, California and Oklahoma; a nice little “local church” arrangement. Their NEWSLETTER (No. 1) says this is “the response of churches of Christ to the opportunities that will be available as a result of ‘Key ‘73’,” an inter-denominational activity. “IN THE MILL” of future plans are “Area meetings of church leaders in many cities to discuss cooperative plans for evangelism in 1973.” (NEWSLETTER No. 5) Now I suppose someone will ask why I oppose “evangelism” or “keeping up with brethren who move”—and will ignore everything I have said about the trend toward national or universal “churchhood” organization. Someday they may “wonder how this happened.” [Previous Article] [Next Article]

	Created on 18-Nov-00	Page last updated