Last Sunday Greg Pittman and I swapped churches. He preached at Garnett and I preached at the Cedar Ridge Christian Church. On one level, it’s not that big of a deal. Both of our congregations had guest preachers. But on another level, it is quite significant. It’s not something that would have happened ten years ago.
The folks at Cedar Ridge were incredibly gracious and I had a great time preaching to them. I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about what Greg did at Garnett.
Greg will also being doing a class on leadership at the workshop this Thursday.
There was a time in the Stone-Campbell Restoration movement when travelling preachers would find themselves preaching one Sunday in a church that used an organ and then the next Sunday preaching in a church that didn’t. For the most part, it wasn’t that big of an issue. They even joked among themselves about how they were preaching in either an “organic” or “non-organic” church.
What happened on Sunday was a big deal, even though it really wasn’t. That’s the way it should be.
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
Wade, great story. My grandfather preached in both “organic” and “non-organic” churches in the southwest, and I grew up listening to my grandma play piano, even though I went to an acapella congregation. Those lines were never drawn in my family…which was why the “acapella establisment” at Lipscomb was a pretty huge shock during college. Anyways – best wishes on a great workshop this year!
I knew Rick Atchley & Bob Russell were doing that at their churches. What a great idea. There are also those of us teaching at both Church of Christ schools and Christian Church schools. In many ways the lines of division are being blurred.
Fling open all the doors of all the churches and let’s get to know Christ followers from every nation and tribe!
Our bond in Jesus is greater than any divisive spirit in the world!
Praise the name of Jesus!
Wade,
When I was a kid at Garnett Don Dewelt (from Ozark Christian College) would come to preach. That was at least 20 years ago (wow am I getting old?).
Tom
“Organic” or “Non-Organic”…sounds like salad, but seriously, it is sad that the Lord’s church has been reduced to “issues”. His sacrifice and vision are so much larger. He must long to reunite with us and find us as one body, universal and accepting of each other. Lynn
WEST – “Apostasy in music among 19th century churches that had endeavored to restore New Testament authority in worship and work began, in the main, following the Civil War’ In 1868, Ben Franklin guessed that there were ten thousand congregations an not over fifty had used an instrument in worship.” (Earl West, Search for the Ancient Order, Vol. 2, pp. 80, 81)
STONE – “We have just received an extraordinary account of about 30,000 Methodists in England, withdrawing from that church and connexion, because the Conference disapproved of the introduction of instrumental music to the churches. The full account shall appear in our next. To us, backwoods Americans, this conduct of those seceders appears be the extreme of folly, and it argues that they have a greater taste for music, than they have for religion. Editor.” (Barton Stone, Christian Messenger, vol. 3, No. 2, Dec. 1828, p. 48 in bound volume)
What “time in the Stone/Campbell movement” are you referring to I’d love to read up on the history you are mentioning.
It’s kind of humorous to me that Harding and Lipscomb probably wouldn’t be welcome at the schools that bear their names because they would be considered too “liberal”. Campbell, similarly would probably not be welcomed into many of our Churches of Christ for the same reason.
Wade,
When did we make these types of things fellowship issues?
I have a feeling that it must be a 20th century thing.
I totally agree with you that is the way it should be!
Nick–I’m thinking about the 1860’s and 70’s. For more info check out Leroy Garrett’s “The Stone-Campbell Movement.”
Thank you I’ll take a look for it and give it a read.
Interesting post you made, it really grabbed my attention!
That is awesome! May God bless you and your ministry.
Wade, I’ve already told you this, but for the benefit of your readers hearing the other side of the preacher exchange – Sunday was awesome! It was an absolute privilege to preach at Garnett. The Garnett family was so warm and welcoming to my wife and I. We felt at home with brothers and sisters in Christ. I couldn’t believe all the common bonds that already existed between our congregations. Wade, you were a big hit at Cedar Ridge. Your humility was apparent and your message hit home with our church family. I hope we have the opportunity to do this again, and even more. There are too many eternities at stake for our churches not to work together.
Wade,
I wanted to let you know that this past Sunday at Cedar Ridge Christian Church was fantastic. You were sincere and I could tell you really care about the Unity of the Body of Christ. The people at the Soul Winning Workshop are blessed to have you as the director. Keep up the faith!!
We would enjoy having you back at CRCC!
Wade, A few years ago, we at the Southside Church of Christ (Salt Lake City) and the Southeast Christian Church, shared pulpits as well! We also had a joint service at their building on a Sunday evening. I’m in several “pastor’s” groups here in town. Love the fellowship with these men. In fact, these guys are my support group. (The other c of C ministers in Utah won’t have anything to do with me!) Thanks for this reminder – we haven’t done a pulpit share in a while and this reminded me to do it again! Thanks for your spirit!