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Opinions -
Editorials
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Tuesday, 13 February 2007 |
 Since 2003, I have seen several people leave ICOC churches. Some do not
attend any fellowship. Others go to non-Restoration congregations.
However, some have chosen to go to churches which teach the same
theology and salvation doctrine, usually Stone-Campbell heritage
groups. I have also witnessed, to a lesser degree, a trickle of
individuals going from churches of Christ and Christian Churches to
ICOC assemblies. A few Restoration books and articles have indicated a
similar migration between churches of Christ and Christian Churches.
What is the aggregate impact?
If you have personally transition from one Restoration fellowship to another;- What has been your experience?
- What factors influenced your decision to attend your current congregation?
- Do you feel like a part of your current church family?
- Are there church “cultural” differences which take acclimation?
If you are in a congregation experiencing Restoration Movement migration (immigration or emigration);- Has it influenced your fellowship? In what ways?
- Do those who come into your assembly bring useful ideas?
- Are they able to become leaders, deacons, elders, ministers, etc... within the congregation?
Overall, do you think migration is good or bad?- Does it provide a cross pollination of ideas and create bridges between fellowships?
- Does it provide an opportunity for those with bitterness to work their yeast through the dough?
Please note, I have intentionally not included questions which would lead one to put down or bash their former fellowship. This would not be in accordance with Ephesians 4:29 which says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This is not an opportunity to spew trash or carry out personal vendettas against your own brothers and sisters. I want to hear from you on this subject, feel free to comment. |
Great questions
Written by Alan on 2007-02-13 11:18:08
Good topic. I'm eager to hear what people have to say on this.
We had at least one person place membership from an independent Christian church a couple of years ago. Quite a few move in the opposite direction about three years ago, and another couple last year. What's more common here is people moving among the various ICOC derivative congregations in the area. There are three in our county. Each has its own culture (things like music, vocal audience participation in the sermon, preacher personality, etc... not any significant doctrinal differences). People are choosing which they want for their own reasons. | Written by salguod on 2007-02-15 04:41:31
Like most, if not all, ICOC churches, we lost several families over the last 3 years. Five of those families are now going to CoC churches, one is an elder in his new church and one is the preaching minister (He was a COC minister before joining us.)
Over the years, we have had many come in from the CoC. In the earlier years, those families were forced into our mold, or they were attracted to us by what we were. Even then, though, there was an expectation to conform.
Recently, however, on at least one occasion a person with a CoC background has joined us (she may have bee with another ICOC church for a short time in between) with a more liberal understanding of things. She has not come to make waves and neither have we tried to silence her. It feels awkward at times, at least for me, so listen to her strong views on some things, but ultimately healthy for the church if handled with maturity by all concerned.
I think we have something to learn from her and she from us. If we were to chase her away, neither would have that opportunity. | Written by flobert on 2008-05-10 22:31:04
I started out a PK in a Christian Church and became a member of the ICOC when I joined the military. I've been through all the changes the ICOC has been experiencing, and have often asked God if I should go back to the CC. So far, I think I am supposed to stay where I am. I wonder if that is because there aren't too many people in the ICOC who are actively concerned about unity.
I am certain that pursuing unity is a vital work in the body of Christ -- for the sake of the body and for the sake of the lost (unity is evangelism).
I often feel, though, that as I work out my own convictions, that I am a little out of place in the ICOC. Maybe I tend to get too "liberal" in my views for some, I don't know. I have to admit that I have nearly approached an ecumenical perspective in the way I relate to believers of other denominations, though I try to maintain a Restoration position doctrinally. I'm just trying to figure it out. So I find this site very helpful toward that end. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 February 2007 )
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