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 The
American Christian Missionary Society was formed in 1849, and became
a dividing wedge between brethren, and the pattern for an organic
“skeleton” upon which the digressive element in the church built
a full-fledged denominational body.
“Missionary
Society” became almost a “curse word” among non-instrumental
“Church of Christ” preachers; but the later generations have
condemned the label, and outstanding abuses associated with it, with
but a poor grasp of the principle error involved. The A.C.M.S., and
what followed it, are but the fruit of a “churchhood” concept,
that seeks ways and means for a plurality of churches to work as
one.
In
this quote we let A.W. Fortune, in his book “The Disciples in
Kentucky,” 1932; tell us how the “society” idea developed in
Kentucky. Remember, Fortune approved the society.
“The
general organization of the Disciples in Kentucky developed
naturally as there was need. At first there was a simple cooperation
in which all churches were invited to have fellowship to support
Smith and Rogers as evangelists. Then the churches north of the
Kentucky River formed an association to support these men in their
evangelistic work. Then the churches south of the Kentucky River
formed an association to promote the cause of evangelism in that
territory, The churches of the four counties: Fayette, Woodford,
Jessainine, and Scott, then agreed to cooperate in keeping four
evangelists of the churches of other districts. Finally the churches
of counties parts of counties were organized for evangelistic work,
either in
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that territory or in more needy sections.
While
the tendency was for the territorial unit for the cooperative of
churches to become smaller, there was a growing feeling that there
should be some organization in the state binding together all the
churches. According to the Ecclesiastic Reformer the
“first Kentucky State meeting” was held at
Harrodsburg in May, 1840. Forty-seven counties and one hundred and
thirty-three churches reported to this meeting. There were
thirty-four evangelists in attendance.
* * * * *
“While
there was much preaching during these ten days which resulted in
forty additions to the Harrods Church, the purpose of the meet was
to plan for united action in the work of the state. A committee of
five persons was appointed to select two evangelists for the state
“with discretionary power to send them out.” The committee
reported their selection of John Rodgers and J. J. Moss. Steps were
taken to secure the cooperation of the churches for the support of
these men.
According
to the report of the meeting it was brought to a “tranquil,
pleasing and successful issue. The churches that reported to meeting
showed a strength of about 10,000 members, which was believed to be
about one-third of the member of the state. Although this was not
called a state missionary society, it virtually was that.” (Pp.
205-207)
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