Divisions Within The Church of Christ o Churches

Divisions Within The Church of Christ o Churches of Christ divided in the mid 1800’s o Churches of Christ divided in the mid 1900’s o What were the issues – then and now?

Divisions Within The Church of Christ 1. Heart of Division – Bible Authority 2. History of the Divisions 3. History of the Divisions & Beyond

Heart of Division – Bible Authority I. The Need for Authority II. Must Have Bible Authority III. How to Establish Authority IV. Applying Bible Authority

History of the Division I. The Missionary Society 1800’s II. Church Support of Colleges 1900’s

History of the Division I. The Benevolent Society

Orphan Homes • Most noted of all the differences • Carried the most emotion • Most misunderstood of the issues

I. The Benevolent Society A. History behind it

A. History Behind It 1. Orphan homes started long before real division a. b. c. d. e. Tennessee Orphan Home (Spring Hill, TN) – 1909 Potter Orphan Home (Bowling Green, KY) – 1914 Boles Home (Quinlan, TX) – 1924 Southern Christian Home (Morrilton, AR) - 1926 Tipton Home (Tipton, OK) - 1928

A. History Behind It 1. Orphan homes started long before real division 2. Opposition 30’s – 40’s a. b. c. Like other innovations – slow to catch on Sound brethren fought it as did in 1849 -ff Guy N. Woods – Opposed it

Guy N. Woods "The ship of Zion has floundered more than once on the sandbar of institutionalism. The tendency to organize is a characteristic of the age. On theory that the end justifies the means, brethren have now scrupled to form organizations in the church to do the work the church itself was designed to do. All such organizations usurp the work of the church, and are unnecessary and sinful" (Abilene Christian College Lectures, 1939)

Guy N. Woods "There is no place for charitable organizations in the work of the New Testament church. It is the only charitable organization that the Lord authorizes, or that is needed to do the work the Lord expects his people to do" (The Annual Lesson Commentary for December 15, 1946)

A. History Behind It 1. Orphan homes started long before real division 2. Opposition 30’s – 40’s 3. Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947

N. B. Hardeman College Supported by Church Shifted to Orphan Home Supported by Church “The right to contribute to one is the right to contribute to the other…The same principle that permits one permits the other. They must stand or fall together. ” (Gospel Advocate, 1947, p. 844)

A. History Behind It 1. 2. 3. 4. Orphan homes started long before real division Opposition 30’s – 40’s Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947 Debates a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. 1954: Holt-Totty Debate (Indianapolis, IN) 1955: Harper-Tant Debate (Lufkin, TX) – April & November 1956: Porter-Woods Debate (Indianapolis, IN) 1957: Porter-Woods Debate (Paragould, AR) 1957: Cogdill-Woods Debate (Birmingham, AL) 1957: Porter-Deaver Debate (Dumas, TX) 1959: Wallace-Holt Debate (Florence, AL) 1961: Grider-Woods Debate (Louisville, KY) 1962: Sutton-Woods Debate (Peoria, IL)

A. History Behind It 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Orphan homes started long before real division Opposition 30’s – 40’s Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947 Debates Journals published on both sides

Journals – Favored Orphan Homes Gospel Advocate Firm Foundation 20 th Century Christian Chronicle B. C. Goodpasture Gospel Advocate Reuel Lemmons Firm Foundation

Two Different Types of Orphan Homes Under Elderships Under Board Maude Carpenter (Wichita, KS) Tennessee Orphan Home (Spring Hill, TN) Tipton Orphan Home (Tipton, OK) Sunny Glenn (San Benito, TX) Lubbock Children's Home (Lubbock, TX) Boles Home (Quinlan, TX) Potter Orphan Home (Bowling Green, KY) Child-Haven (Cullman, AL)

Journals – Opposed Orphan Homes Gospel Guardian Roy E. Cogdill Gospel Guardian Yater Tant Gospel Guardian H. E. Phillips Searching the Scriptures Cecil Willis Truth Magazine Searching the Scriptures Preceptor

A. History Behind It 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Orphan homes started long before real division Opposition 30’s – 40’s Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947 Debates Journals published on both sides Churches divided 1955 -1965 a. Historians estimate 80/20 split b. Usually small group pull off and start a new work c. Exceptions: Louisville, Athens, Tampa, Birmingham

A. History Behind It 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Orphan homes started long before real division Opposition 30’s – 40’s Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947 Debates Journals published on both sides Churches divided 1955 -1965 Things got ugly & bitter

Things Got Ugly & Bitter • Yellow Tag Of Quarantine – B. C. Goodpasture, Gospel Advocate 1954 • Robert Jackson – knife pulled on him (Taylor Blvd) • Rufus Clifford – spat upon • Ads: “No Anti need apply” • Charges: “Orphan haters” / “Let orphan starve…” • Some “locked out” of buildings where were members

So… Who really left what? “The mainstream churches of Christ, time and again, characterized those who opposed institutionalism as unfaithful to the heritage. The truth is that the dissenters stood squarely in one set of the footprints in the 19 th century churches of Christ. And by the time the battle over institutions was complete, it was the mainstream, not the dissenters, that had removed itself almost entirely from its 19 th century roots. ” Reviving the Ancient Faith Richard Hughes, Pepperdine University

I. The Benevolent Society A. History behind it B. The issue

B. The Issue Is Not: 1. Should the needy be cared for? 2. Is the church obligated? 3. A matter of how (modes, means, methods) 4. Systematic arrangement 5. A matter of a “place” being maintained Is: 1. Can churches build and maintain benevolent organizations through which to do their work? 2. A matter of a separate organization doing the work of the church

The Benevolent Society Local Church $ $ $ Local Church Benevolent Society “Orphan Home” Care of Needy $ A Separate Organization Between The Church And The Work

I. The Benevolent Society A. History behind it B. The issue C. Problems with the support of orphan homes

C. Problems With Support of Orphan Homes 1. No Authority

How Authority Is Established Acts 15 Command / Statement Approved Example Necessary Inference VV. 13 -21 – James appealed to direct statement from Amos 9 V. 12 – Paul & Barnabas appealed to example of their work & miracles VV. 7 -11 – Peter appealed to events at Cornelius’ house – infers…

Church Support of Orphan Homes Command / Statement e n o N Approved Example e n o N Necessary Inference e n o N

C. Problems With Support of Orphan Homes 1. No Authority 2. Parallel to the Missionary Society

The Missionary Society Local Church $ $ $ Local Church Missionary Society Support Preachers $ A Separate Organization Between The Church And The Work

The Benevolent Society Local Church $ $ $ Local Church Benevolent Society “Orphan Home” Care of Needy $ A Separate Organization Between The Church And The Work

C. Problems With Support of Orphan Homes 1. No Authority 2. Parallel to the Missionary Society 3. Church Can do its Own Work

Church Took Care Of Its Own Acts 6: 1 -6 FACTS: • Widow – neglected in ministration (v. 1) • Congregation selected 7 men (v. 3) • Apostles appointed them (v. 3) • The 7 men were over the business of caring for the widows (v. 3) Happened: • Local church taking care of its own needy Didn’t Do: • Set up a separate organization between church & caring for the needy

Church Can Relieve 1 Timothy 5: 16 Relieve

I. The Benevolent Society A. History behind it B. The issue C. Problems with the support of orphan homes D. Arguments made to justify it

D. Arguments Made to Justify 1. “Jas. 1: 27 says to visit the fatherless” a. Passage addresses individual – not church • Context: “anyone” v. 23; “he” vv. 24, 25 • V. 27 – “oneself” b. If is church – no organization between church and the orphans c. Notice the shifting taking place Shifted to Benev. Soc.

D. Arguments Made to Justify 1. “Jas. 1: 27 says to visit the fatherless” 2. “Gal. 6: 10 says to good to all men” a. Passage addresses individual – not church

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

D. Arguments Made to Justify 1. “Jas. 1: 27 says to visit the fatherless” 2. “Gal. 6: 10 says to good to all men” a. Passage addresses individual – not church b. If is church – no organization between church and the orphans

D. Arguments Made to Justify 1. “Jas. 1: 27 says to visit the fatherless” 2. “Gal. 6: 10 says to good to all men” 3. “Church can do what individual can do”

A Difference Individual “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them…” (1 Tim. 5: 16) Church “. . . and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (1 Tim. 5: 16)

A Difference Individual Church Get Money Buy & Sell (Jas. 4: 13) Freewill Contribution (1 Cor. 16: 1 -2)

History of the Division I. The Benevolent Society II. Sponsoring Church

Sponsoring Church • 2 nd major issue • Referred to as: ü ü “Church cooperation” “Sponsoring church” “Centralization” “Herald of Truth”

Sponsoring Church Local Church $ $ $ Local Church $ Sponsoring Church Preach Gospel

II. Sponsoring Church A. History behind it

A. History Behind It 1. Push for greater evangelism after WWII a. Broadway (Lubbock, TX) – Germany b. Union Street (Memphis, TN) – Japan

A. History Behind It 1. Push for greater evangelism after WWII 2. Herald of Truth a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 1947 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – James W. Nichols 1950 Joint effort of Nichols & James. D. Willeford 1951 offered to Broadway Church (Lubbock, TX) 1951 offered to Fifth & Highland (Abilene, TX) First nationwide Radio – then TV program Batsell Barrett Baxter – speaker Over 2000 churches supported

Herald of Truth Local Church $ $ $ Local Church $ Fifth & Highland Church Abilene, TX H. O. T. Radio & TV

A. History Behind It 1. Push for greater evangelism after WWII 2. Herald of Truth 3. One Nation Under God a. b. c. 1991 Sycamore Church of Christ (Cookeville, TN) Solicited 10 Million (first 17 Million) – mailing to every home in US

A. History Behind It 1. 2. 3. 4. Push for greater evangelism after WWII Herald of Truth One Nation Under God Multiple sponsoring churches – small scale

A. History Behind It A. History behind it B. The issue

B. The Issue 1. Is Not: a. b. c. d. e. Preaching the gospel The use of a radio or TV program Is good being done? Can churches ever cooperate? A matter of methods 2. Is: a. Can church “A” send money to church “B” to preach the gospel? b. Can multiple churches work through one eldership?

II. Sponsoring Church A. History behind it B. The issue C. Problems with the sponsoring church

C. Problems With Sponsoring Church 1. No authority

How Authority Is Established Acts 15 Command / Statement Approved Example Necessary Inference VV. 13 -21 – James appealed to direct statement from Amos 9 V. 12 – Paul & Barnabas appealed to example of their work & miracles VV. 7 -11 – Peter appealed to events at Cornelius’ house – infers…

Sponsoring Church Arrangement Command / Statement e n o N Approved Example e n o N Necessary Inference e n o N

C. Problems With Sponsoring Church 1 . t Pe 4 1 5: Elders Ac Oversight Limited To This ts 20 Local Church : 28 No Authority 1. No authority 2. Violates the limitation of elders’ authority Local Church

C. Problems With Sponsoring Church 1. No authority 2. Violates the limitation of elders’ authority 3. Destroys congregational autonomy a. Each congregation is autonomous & independent (1 Pet. 5: 1 -4; Acts 14: 23) b. The sponsoring church oversees a “brotherhood” work.

Herald of Truth – “Brotherhood” Work ü Meeting of brethren from across the country ü In Memphis, TN ü September 10, 1973 ü Brethren from other churches – confronted the Abilene elders: 1. Things their preacher was teaching 2. Direction they were taking the H. O. T.

C. Problems With Sponsoring Church 1. No authority 2. Violates the limitation of elders’ authority 3. Destroys congregational autonomy a. Each congregation is autonomous & independent (1 Pet. 5: 1 -4; Acts 14: 23) b. The sponsoring church oversees a “brotherhood” work. c. If another church can oversee part of another churches work – why not all?

What Part of Work Can be Delegated? Local Church 1. Members 2. Resources 3. Discipline 4. Worship 5. Work Elders Sponsoring Church ? Elders

C. Problems With Sponsoring Church 1. 2. 3. 4. No authority Violates the limitation of elders’ authority Destroys congregational autonomy Activates the church universal a. Universal church • No organization • No treasury • No work • No officers b. Sponsoring church – larger than local church!

Work of the “Churches of Christ” Offere James Nichols James Willeford d H. O . T. • Not mention “Broadway” • Not the work of “Broadway” • Mention: “Churches of Christ” Broadway Church Elders

C. Problems With Sponsoring Church 1. No authority 2. Violates the limitation of elders’ authority 3. Destroys congregational autonomy 4. Activates the church universal

II. Sponsoring Church A. History behind it B. The issue C. Problems with the sponsoring church D. Argument made to justify it

D. Arguments Made to Justify “Churches sent to other churches in benevolence in NT times” Acts 11: 27 -30 1 Cor. 16: 1 -2 2 Cor. 8 -9

Acts 11: 27 -30; 1 Cor. 16: 1 -2; 2 Cor. 8 -9 § Funds received – used for benevolence, not evangelism Those making the argument see a difference Did Not Approve Evangelism Approved Benevolence

Acts 11: 27 -30; 1 Cor. 16: 1 -2; 2 Cor. 8 -9 § Funds received – used for benevolence, not evangelism § Receiving church was in “need” – not a creation of their own making § Cannot “crisscross” in God’s plan

Cannot “Crisscross” in God’s Plan for Forgiveness Repent & Baptized (Acts 2: 38) Repent & Pray (Acts 8: 22) Alien Sinner Erring Christian

Cannot “Crisscross” in God’s Plan Worship Lord’s Supper (Acts 20: 7) Singing (Acts 16: 25) Only First Day Anytime

Cannot “Crisscross” in God’s Plan Officers Elders (1 Tim. 3: 1 -7) Qualifications Deacons (1 Tim. 3: 8 -13) Qualifications

Cannot “Crisscross” in God’s Plan Work of Church Evangelism (Phil. 4: 15) Benevolence (Acts 11: 27 -30) Send to Evang. Church to Church

Acts 11: 27 -30; 1 Cor. 16: 1 -2; 2 Cor. 8 -9 § Funds received – used for benevolence, not evangelism § Receiving church was in “need” – not a creation of their own making § Cannot “crisscross” in God’s plan § What actually happened in these texts

Acts 11: 27 -30 Antioch Elders Jer. Paul & Barnabas - Messengers Elders Joppa Elders Lydda Elders Emmaus Elders Bethany

Acts 11: 27 -30 NOT: s a b a n ar ers B l & eng u Pa ess M Elders Jer. Elders Joppa Antioch Elders Bethany Elders Lydda Elders Emmaus

1 Cor. 16: 1 -2; 2 Cor. 8 -9 Thess. Philippi Galatia Antioch Corinth Paul, Titus & others - Messengers Jerusalem

1 Cor. 16: 1 -2; 2 Cor. 8 -9 NOT: Thess. Philippi Corinth Galatia Paul, Titus & others - Messengers Jerusalem Antioch

History of the Division I. The Benevolent Society II. Sponsoring Church III. The Social Gospel

The Social Gospel Defined A Great Shift Spiritual Social

The Social Gospel Defined • A great shift (Spiritual to Social) • Purpose of Gospel Message – improve social circumstance of man • Includes Churches involved in: ü ü ü Colleges Schools / Day care Fellowship halls Bus Ministry Gyms – ball teams “Gimmicks” to draw crowd

The Social Gospel Defined A Great Shift Spiritual Social Individual Church

A Difference In The Individual & The Church 1 Tim. 5: 16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 85

History of the Division I. The Benevolent Society II. Sponsoring Church III. The Social Gospel