Several months ago, I was doing some research on the Internet and ran across a short article, with the above title, dated March 23, 1990. Although the author was not cited, there was one scripture that was given, Revelation 3:2, which reads, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." I thought the ten items were appropriate to any church, but they were only a list. I have added the paragraphs following each point. So don’t be afraid to read this; we (meaning ~me too~) need it badly.
There is no perfect Bible class curriculum that has ever been printed. The elders here have acted based on positive information gleaned from other churches (in our area, such as Brea, Cathedral City, Lake Elsinore, etc.) in implementing The Bible Lab design. We are now in the final stages of getting that program running. Although The Bible Lab company is no longer producing materials, we are adapting the design to the new material being developed by Freda and Cathie Sprinkle under the name Bible Station Outlines.
The BSO approach will give a good foundation in the Scripture and a sense of Biblical geography and chronology for all who are involved. Many of the things that BSO covers are things which even many long-time Christians have never studied.
This is simply a way to give a systematic approach to a building a solid foundation of understanding. We know it is not perfect, but we have seen the other approach used, i.e. teaching whatever the teacher decided was appropriate, sometimes with good results, but usually with poor results.
Consistent exercise of discipline is one of the greatest failings of most elderships, and we are no exception. But, it is not really that simple. It is not the duty of the elders to do the discipline, but to lead the church in doing it. Yet, so much of discipline, from admonishment to withdrawal lies in the realm of judgment, and many of those judgments are not easily made.
Like most churches, we have some discipline that needs to be exercised and it should be done without further delay. The difficulty arises in the perception of many that any action is, in some way, arbitrary or unfair. Some think that if their children are the "target" of discipline, that means that another’s children are getting away with murder. Why is it that those who whine the most about mistreatment of their children are the very ones who have children who need to be disciplined?
I fear we have sometimes failed to emphasize this point, for there seem to be some who would not have a problem accepting some things for which there is not a shred of Scriptural authority. On the other hand, in spite of the profound emphasis on scriptural authority that has been the hallmark of this church from its inception, we still have some who still do not understand the application of these principles.
It is not enough to just say, with Thomas Campbell of sainted memory, "We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where the Bible is silent." There are many areas of action that are based on "where the Bible speaks," but are only applied by things the scriptures do not specify. These matters are sometimes called "generic options," but they are ground in and are applied as functions of what God specifies.
We need to emphasize the necessity of seeking out the old paths and walking therein, but we need an equal emphasis on learning what is the nature and application of Scriptural authority
Just one word about this. It is a lot easier to get some people out to a potluck or other social function than it is to a gospel meeting or to a private Bible study. I realize that I am sometimes "not tuned in," and that it requires an extraordinary person to pay attention when the preacher "dies on stage" (that’s an old, colloquial theatrical term that describes what happens when a play or dramatic presentation begins to lose its momentum or a performer "blows" his lines)--If you think it’s hard listening to me when that happens, you ought to try being the guy who just died!
Worship is a joint activity that has the individual at its center. There is no acceptable worship that does not embrace the entire being of the individual, but God has appointed that joint, or collective worship must be a part of our spiritual activities. As a matter of fact, that one of the key factors in the nature of the local church and is, in fact, one of the reasons why failures in participation are grave predictors of unfaithfulness.
A lot of people are putting time and effort into our collective worship and you need to respect that. You need to be here.
We have had some who have been recently converted to Christ and have really "taken hold" and become active. Some have become so much a part of us, that their infrequent absences are noted by all. Yet, others have not done so. Why? Is it because they see a lack of activity in we, who are more mature Christians? Shame on us if that is the impression we are making of some new Christians.
There is nothing needed more in the churches of Christ than a more hearty spirit of worship. In too many places (including Mountain View), our song leaders put forth valiant efforts to lead us in song, only to have just a few singing. What does that say to new Christians? Where many new Christians are excited and zealous for the Word and for song, their zeal is thrust upon the sandbar of other’s complacency. Tell me, do you want to stand before the Lord in the final day and here Him ask, "Why did you discourage my young servant?"
It is good to see so many of our young men serving in worship, but this is not the only thing they can do. On Sunday afternoons, Kathy Monzon and her sons have joined me to finish the Bible Time Line, maps/charts, and the History of the Mountain View Church walls (you may not know what these are, but you shortly will be given the opportunity to find out!).
Our young men need to be preparing lessons. They can write bulletin articles, and I’ll be happy to provide some editorial assistance to that end. They can provide for transportation of others to our worship assemblies, and we need to be laying part of that obligation on them. For many years, wonderful saints like Sarah Deweese have acted as de facto taxi services to/from worship services, and for that we are deeply grateful. But, what happens when Sarah is no longer able to do that? Who will rise to the challenge and help in what she has so faithfully served to do for many years. Somebody needs the practice, and that "somebody" is you.
Young people, it is great that you are doing what you are doing, but look for ways to broaden your field of service. Our women also have a role of many different parts that should not be neglected.
The most thankless job in the kingdom is that of being an elder. Ultimately they have to take responsibility for the decisions that are made. They are not perfect and God knew this when He ordered this type of church government. When they have done the best they can, give them your support and encouragement even though you might not agree with the decision. And, here’s an important point: When our elders are asking you to work with them in some program of work, worship or activity that involves the application of generic authority (see #3, above), you need to think seriously about why you think it to be so onerous.
If we are truly a family, and that is what God intends us to be, we have to include everyone in our fellowship as a part of that family. No one should be excluded. If you are only showing favor to those who are like you and do things you like to do, you are being selfish. You need to be with other Christians, in their homes and in their lives, learning and observing how you can grow into greater service.
By definition, Scriptural worship is participatory. Many have told me about being distracted by movement and noises around them, and I always tell them that the fastest and easiest cure for that is to move toward the front. I can assure you that the vast majority of distractions are found in the rear of the auditorium (everything from crying kids to men in the back talking when they need to be listening).
And, this brings up an important point: Many young mothers sit toward the rear, where they can be less of a distraction to others if they need to go to the cryroom. This is as it should be. But, let me share some insight from my own wife, who raised her own two children and never sat past the fourth row from the front. She said, "Kids will never learn to sit still and pay attention, if they are not sitting where they cannot be distracted by others. Our children never sat behind me." And, remember, she raised her kids from the pew without a husband to help her (he was always preaching).
This one is so simple, I’m not going to even comment on it.
These are some things that we need to think about seriously. We do not have an inherent right to exist as a congregation in perpetuity. God puts the future into our hands, and our future will be determined by the level of commitment we have toward bringing it to pass.