Letters to the Editor - May/June 2008

Abandoning Principles
(posted 6-25-08)
So we know what elders are but do we know what elders do? Apparently not! Not since we live in a 21^st-century culture that is often urban and can’t identify with the role of shepherd. I have a theological word for that thought: balderdash!

Perhaps it would be a good idea for the author of the article to read They Smell Like Sheep, but it is an even better idea if he would just read the Bible. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that a church is comprised of people who are often as dumb as sheep. They still need someone to look after them and to minister to their needs just as much as they did when they lived in the first century or in rural areas. Maybe those urban sheep need even more shepherding.

The issue isn’t that we can’t figure out what elders do, it is that elders have abandoned their God-given responsibilities to a group of people who are at best an expedient. The New Testament church didn’t have “a staff,” it had elders. For a movement that began with a desire to get away from the laity-clergy distinction, our contemporary elders have permitted just such a distinction to exist. Why, members of “the staff” are even using the title “pastor” which rightfully belongs to elders. Maybe we need to adopt the denominational practice of letting “the staff” be the elders and the elders be the deacons and the deacons to be just another kind of peon in the church. We seem to be adopting all the other denominational stuff!

Everywhere we look in the once biblically oriented Restoration Movement we see the abandonment of principles taught in Scripture regarding the New Testament church. I’m not much into patternism, but I still think there are principles that mean something and can be aptly applied to the contemporary church. We’ve supplanted the biblical principles of leadership for corporate practices complete with a board of directors (elders) and a CEO, COO, CFO, and so on. Then we say, “We have an elder-led church.” We’ve replaced biblical principles of leadership with the pragmatism of so many irrefutable laws of leadership (with proof texts rather than real biblical support). I don’t think elders should micromanage, but I think they should be overseers and superintendents who know what’s going on and the difference between sound doctrine and false doctrine.

OK, I now get all the perks of a senior citizen so you can write off my meanderings as the rantings of an old man, but you can’t escape the fact that in the qualifications of elders listed in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Acts 20 you can find out what an elder is supposed to do. Their servant leadership is implicit in their qualifications. Maybe . . . just maybe . . . our folks need to spend more time in the Bible than in John Maxwell’s tomes!
—Michael Hines
Palm Springs, California

'Frustrated and Puzzled'
(posted 6-25-08)
I recently read the article entitled “Reimagining Youth Ministry” (by Curtis Booher and Phyllis Fox, June 8). I have to tell you, as a 24-year veteran of youth ministry, I was quite frustrated and puzzled by where this article went. In the second paragraph, youth ministry is described in such a way that anyone reading it would say, “Yes, that is what I want in a church!” The authors mention “a sense of strong relationship,” “a connection to God,” “opportunities to use their gifts,” and “they felt connected.” I know that at 46, that is exactly what I want. Maybe youth ministry is not missing the mark. Perhaps instead the church is failing to connect and engage these young brother and sisters in a meaningful way. Like the authors, I too am heartbroken at the number of students walking away from their faith. There certainly needs to be dialogue among church leaders as to how we hand off the discipleship of these believers. I agree that the ability to engage students in the larger vision of the church has to go beyond passing the plate on Sunday morning. Our church intentionally engages students in many of our major events. Some of these events would go undone were it not for the willing volunteers we find in our middle school and high school students.
—Bill Bowley
Pastor of student ministries, Crossroads Christian Church
Newburgh, Indiana

An Annoying Trend
(posted 6-19-08)
The growing predilection of CHRISTIAN STANDARD to publish anything critical of the so-called religious right is becoming increasingly annoying.

For example, the recent article by Robert Hull (“Can We Talk?” May 18) was a thinly disguised attack on conservative talk radio—about the ONLY media in America that consistently supports Christians and takes the proper side on issues such as abortion, the homosexual agenda, parental notification, etc.

Instead of searching for everything liberal, it would be greatly appreciated if a few articles appeared on such subjects as the findings by Syracuse University Professor Arthur C. Brooks, “Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism” (the documented revelation that liberals are remarkably less charitable than conservatives). Perhaps a check of your parking lot would find too many bumper stickers with slogans like, “Jesus Is a Liberal” and “Republicans Are People Too—Mean, Selfish, Greedy People.”

Obviously, a presidential election of tremendous significance is approaching. It will be interesting to observe if the position of the candidates and their political parties on such topics as “abortion on demand” and “same-sex marriage” are mentioned in your pages. Or will we receive more pap on tolerance, “social justice” (the redistribution of wealth), global warming, and other liberal causes.

It is with reluctance I am renewing my subscription and sadness to see the current state of a once great publication.

Your “From the Editor” page is always a pleasure to read, however.
—George Boose
Downey, California

Some Statistics from Ozark
(posted 6-19-08)
Here is the other side of the coin on “Bible college marriages” (“Married Without Promise” by Paul S. Williams, June 22). At Ozark Christian College, a few years back, we took the freshman class and looked at how many of the freshmen students were products of OBC/OCC marriages [the husband and wife both attended or graduated from the Bible college]. By actual count [this is not anecdotal] there were 144 such students. Of that number there were a total of 4 divorces. That is 4 divorces in 144 marriages. Lay that alongside the stats out there in the real world and you have to admit there may be something spiritually dynamic about the bonds that are forged by a shared commitment to Christ and a shared experience in substantive Bible study and Christian leadership community.
—Ken Idleman
(former president of Ozark Christian College)
Newburgh, Illinois

Keep Writing, Paul
(posted 6-19-08)
In his article “How Did We Get Here” (June 15), Paul Williams wrote, “Are these even good questions, or am I just having a conversation with myself? Is anyone still reading?” The answer is “Yes, we are still reading!” Paul is always refreshing and writes with intriguing insight what many of us just think. Keep writing.
—Eric Batteiger
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Answers to Certain Questions
(posted 6-13-08)
In answer to Paul Williams's questions in "And So It Goes," June 11, 2008:

"How did we manage to create a church in which only three of 16 people are likely to be effective in leading a church through sustained growth?"

I doubt if we managed to create this.  I wonder if it changed or has it always been this way.  How many of those 16 would have attempted to plant a new, growing church anyway?
 
"Is it right that almost 80 percent of those called into ministry are so easily excluded from leadership?"

They haven't been excluded from leadership.  They probably just aren't cut out for the leader of the pack in a successful church plant.  That doesn't mean people who don't demonstrate proficiency in those five "knockout" factors wouldn't vital members of the team, members that a leader need to kick of a healthy church.
 
"Can this possibly be good for the long-term health of the church?"

Probably not if this guy is the only guy who's feeding the flock but if he's part of a group with other gifts, then it is probably ideal. "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service..."
 
"How much should the minister of an American church resemble the chairman of an American corporation?"

That depends on the corporation.  Some of them, maybe very much.  Others, not so much.
 
"Or has God simply raised up leaders for this place and this era, just as he has done since the beginning of time?"

Probably, but I'd say those five characteristics have always been similar, but were probably manifest in different ways.  I don't think humans have changed much, ever.
 
"Is anyone still reading?"

I am.
—Marty Andry
New York, New York

'No Magic to the Work of God'
(posted 5-20-08)
I appreciate the efforts of the author of “Tune Up the E-String” (May 18). It is consistent with traditional thought. However—and I’m sure you knew this “however” was coming—I believe his thought puts man in an awkward position.

Here is his paragraph that got my attention:

The gospel is powerful, but for the power to be manifested we must tell the story and ask for decisions. In order to have a harvest of souls, the seed of the Word must be sown. During my ministry I preached on two magical three-letter words, ask and try. I believe there is a third magical three-letter word: sow. Sow the seed of God’s Word, pray, and God will give the increase. Growing churches are evangelistic churches.

I am very uncomfortable with believers using the words magic or magical. There is no magic to the work of God. I am not being picky, as the Scriptures speak strongly against this. While I believe the author is not using the term in the demonic sense, it is unwise to take messages of the world and try to glorify God with them.

As he has the writer, the Lord has blessed a few hundred times in meetings where I shared the gospel. Some of the time, I asked for a decision, but most of the time, the people, out of conviction in their heart, responded with “what do I need to do?” or “when can I be baptized” or even, “I want Jesus to save me from my sins.”

While I do not want to discount the effort of the evangelist’s asking, I do not believe it is his asking that contributes to the response, but rather the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
 
Consider the conversion accounts in the New Testament and determine whether the evangelists asked for decisions. Phillip did not ask. Paul did not ask. Peter, on Pentecost, did not ask, but urged the people to “save themselves”.

The gospel contains the appeal. It reveals God’s righteousness, man’s sin, God’s payment for sin, and his kindness to extend his righteousness back to the sinner. In kindness, God leads us to repentance.

. . . I enjoy hearing personal accounts of others. I love remembering times people responded to the gospel. My favorite remembrances are those that are totally the work of the Lord.

I am very thankful for all the efforts of believers to honor the Lord. . . . But I really would like to see more articles with less “how to” in human ways and more of “how it happens” in divine ways.
—Bill Dinwiddie
Garner, North Carolina

Upset with 'Seen & Heard'
(posted 5-16-08)
I have to ask, what is the purpose of the “Seen & Heard” section of your publication? Who makes the editorial decision about what gets published? Is it supposed to be informational? Is it intended for edification? Is it supposed to be controversial and thought-provoking?
 
In the May 11 edition, I have to question the editorial decision making of Professor Dahlman. None of the quotes are particularly uplifting for the Christian community at large, and in fact most of them could be seen as an attempt to criticize and demean a large portion of the Christian church body. The Associated Press report, Robertson Davies’ quote, and the George Bernard Shaw quote could all be interpreted as pointy sticks shoved in the eyes of politically conservative readers. They are subtle in their criticism of conservatives, but a thoughtful reading of the section reveals a bias against those who may yearn for a more conservatively aligned society. Frankly, I am not interested in Dahlman’s opinions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, community approach to life, disdain for things past, and his apparent embarrassment over those of us who happen to think patriotism is more than just a blind allegiance to the nation of our birth.
 
I suspect CHRISTIAN STANDARD and Standard Publishing at large are trying to reach other segments of society while trying to shake off its old perceived association as a staunchly conservative publication (which, by the way, could be relied upon to deliver solid articles from a strictly Restoration Movement biblical perspective). Don’t think that there are those of us out here who have not noticed the slow and gradual shift in your publication to the left. Stick to the Bible. It was always what your writers did best, after all.
—Jeff Allen
Clarksville, Tennessee

Editor’s note: We assure Brother Allen and all our readers that CHRISTIAN STANDARD has no agenda to “reach other segments of society” nor to “shake off” any perceptions about our past. “Seen & Heard” offers a wide range of quotes and news bits to inform us about what’s happening in the world and to stimulate us to think afresh about reaching the world with the gospel of Christ. Of course, many of us will disagree with the positions expressed by many of those quoted. Publishing something in “Seen & Heard” is not to credential it but simply to challenge us to think about the fact that it happened or it was said. If we hear only those we know or know we agree with, in the words of one quote in the May 11 issue, “We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can survive alone.”

Excellent Interview, but Bad Joke
(posted 5-16-08)
This letter is in reference to the interview by Brad Dupray with the Good Twins in the May 11, 2008, issue of CHRISTIAN STANDARD.

It was an excellent interview about the great work Dwight and Dwayne do . . . until the very last line. The so-called joke that they told and that you printed can be described in a number of different ways. Among some that I can think of are “crude,” “vulgar,” “embarrassing,” “out of line,” and “indecent.” To say the least, the Good Twins dropped several notches on my respect level and CHRISTIAN STANDARD reduced its level of respect tremendously. Your magazine has usually kept a high degree of responsibility and integrity, but it has lost a lot of both in that interview.

Both The Good Twins and the CHRISTIAN STANDARD have reason to be ashamed and should issue a public apology for that so-called joke.
—James Adkins
Selmer, Tennessee

Editor’s note: We certainly meant no disrespect with this item, nor did we even see the dimension of this joke that is inappropriate. We’re sorry about any offense that we caused.

An Inspiring Article
(posted 5-16-08)
I am writing this in response to Robert Hull Jr.’s article “Can We Talk?” (May 18 issue). It was one of the most inspiring articles I have read lately. In a world where we label everything and everyone, this article is needed in the Christian community as well as the secular world.

We have a habit of immediately putting up barriers when someone disagrees with our view. Our goal is to win rather than learn. We refuse to look at the other side, never looking to start at common ground. This attitude is destroying our country and the Christian community.

Like Dr. Hull, I have learned more about God and myself when I ventured into conversations with people who are not like me. I have learned more about people and where they are coming from by trying to place myself in their shoes.

Being around people who are just like us makes us stagnant and arrogant. We are the ones who become hard to get along with, when Jesus has called us to be peacemakers.
—Scott Baker
Tallmadge, Ohio

'We Should Try to Get Along'
(posted 5-7-08)
I appreciated “Can’t We All Just Get Along?” by Paul Williams (April 20). I agree that we should try to get along with the denominations and we should all compromise a little. This would make it easier for all trying to get to Heaven. Thank you.
—Harold Newell
Via e-mail

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