I grew up in
Churches of Christ, in a very conservative sub-set of the Churches of Christ
known as “non-institutional churches.” That tradition is characterized by many
things, some good and some bad. Among the very good characteristics of the movement
is a deep love for the Bible and a strong commitment to obedience to the
Scriptures. Every week the Bible’s authority was affirmed and verses read or
cited that supported the doctrinal and practical distinctions of those
churches. Bible classes were just that, Bible
classes. We studied, and we learned. Now there may have been a lack of textual
variety to some of those classes. Certain books and themes were studied often
while others only infrequently or not at all. There was also an undeniable lack
of theological rigor and depth to much of that teaching. The same basic truths
were recited again and again and again while great swaths of fundamental
theology were overlooked. But there is no doubt my initial love for Scripture, study
of it, and commitment to living under its authority can be attributed to my
experience and upbringing in Churches of Christ.
My religious
commitments and theological convictions changed significantly in my late
twenties and early thirties. The foundational commitment to divine authority
and Scripture-driven discipleship did not waver, but the content of my theology
and the paradigms by which I had previously understood salvation were dramatically
and irreversibly altered. During that time many friends in the Churches of
Christ began to fear for my soundness and, consequently, for my salvation. They
responded to these fears in many different ways. Some acted against my
ministry, taking steps they believed were necessary to protect the churches I
influenced. Others responded to me personally, seeking to rebuke and correct my
thinking so as to reclaim me to the way of salvation, as they understood it. Eventually
a separation became inevitable, and though it occurred in a way none of us
could have predicted, the Lord finally moved me and my family out of the
Churches of Christ and into a non-denominational, evangelical communion.
Separation is
always painful, even when it is unavoidable or even necessary. But one thing I
can say with sincerity about my separation from Churches of Christ, those who stood
against me did so because they believed Scripture required it. We may disagree,
passionately so, on doctrine, theology, and the gospel, but we are united in an
unswerving and uncompromising commitment to obeying the word of God no matter
what it means. I respect that conviction, even though I may deplore some of the
tactics used by my critics. My commitment to the authority of Scripture
required me to admit when my understanding of particular issues (e.g. justification
by faith alone) changed, and my friends in Churches of Christ were similarly
obligated to oppose what they considered to be false doctrine.
If and when
believers separate, let it be because our commitment to Christ and to obeying
the teachings of his word require it to be so. It is sad how rarely this seems
to be the case. People leave churches because they don’t like the music or want
more social programs. Some want a better youth program. Others complain they
don’t get out of it what they want, never stopping to question what God might
want. The departed often act from very superficial motives, and churches divide
for reasons that are rooted in carnality, not Christ-centered conviction.
Separation because of irreconcilable and unacceptance differences in biblical
conviction is regrettable, but it is much to be preferred to separation because
of personality or personal preference. If the unity of believers must be disrupted,
let it be that our allegiance to Christ and conscientious obedience to him is
the cause. -JME
