News And Views
News From Here And There
L. L. Stout, Who has been with the church in Wilmington, California for several years, has moved to Tuscon, Arizona to work with the Country Club Road church. . . . Ira B. Sandusky is moving from Culver City, California to labor with the Wilmington church . . M. C. Cuthberton is moving to Culver City ... The evidence of liberalism, modernism and "the social gospel" which are sweeping the churches continue to appear — even in an ever increasing way. Let me give a few quotations from bulletins over the country, because these serve as "Signs of The Times."
Out in California recently the following invitation appeared in a church bulletin:
"To: Church of Christ Youth From: West Covina Church of Christ Youth
Subject: Newport Dunes Beach Party."
Now just who are the "Church of Christ Youth?" Is it some organization or it some organization or church adjunct? Anyway, it appears that all the "Church of Christ Youth" are invited to a "Church of Christ Beach Party" sponsored by the "West Covina Church of Christ Youth." This may be something like the Baptist BYPU organization. Moreover it appears that the beach party is for youth of all ages and for both sexes.
Northside Church To Sponsor Parties
"The Northside Church of Christ will sponsor two youth parties next week for the young people of Tulsa. On June 23 a party is being given for the Junior High School age boys and girls. On the following night, June 24, one is being given for the High School and College age group.
"The parties will be at the Springdale Park Recreation House, located on Pine Street one block west of Peoria. The time each evening is from 7:30 to 10:00. They have requested that one couple from each congregation he present to assist in chaperoning each party.
"Northside is hopeful that an excellent number will be present for each party, and we encourage as many as possible to attend from 15th Street."
— Bulletin, Fifteenth St. Church, George Tipps, Preacher.
"THE ANNUAL BREAKFAST gathering of this church will be on the 30th, Memorial Day, in Irvine Park. Time for arrival (with your own breakfast provisions) is about 6:30-7 A. M. to as late as you wish. If you are a sleepy head come on at 8-9 or later! We haven't had any kind of picnic or fellowship for the whole congregation for a good while. Let's all take advantage of this."
— Bulletin. Anaheim, Calif. C. R. Franks, Preacher.
Here is a church which has been without "fellowship for the whole congregation for a good while." Isn't that a pity? They apparently have no "fellowship" in worship or work; just now and then when they meet as a social club for a picnic or the like. In the above notice the word "picnic" and "fellowship" are used synonymously — they mean the same thing to these brethren. The word "fellowship" has come to nearly mean nothing but fun, foolishness and frolic in the modern vocabulary. It is a good word and found in the N. T.; but in the N. T. when reference is to the church, it never has reference to any purely social activities.
Following the above announcement the following statement appears: "More about the items of work this church is doing next week — limitation of space prevents this in this issue." From this it seems certain that this "picnic or fellowship" is one of "the items of work" of that congregation. Is it a part of the work of the church to sponsor and provide socials, entertainment and recreation? For years some have denied that it is and yet at the same time been busily engaged in putting the church in such business. Does C. R. Franks advocate "the social gospel?" Will he affirm that it is the obligation of the church to provide for "the whole man" — socially, physically and spiritually? Does he really believe that such activities are a part of the work of the church? This is but typical of what is going on all over the country and I am reporting these matters to help all to see the way the "tide is moving" and become aware of the gravity of the hour. It is later that you think.
From the bulletin of the Sunset church in Dallas, Texas, I read an announcement of a "Gospel Meeting" to be conducted by the Love Field church with Guy N. Woods preaching. This following statement is made in this connection: "Tuesday evening, June 13, is 'Young Peoples' night' and following a challenging sermon, a period of fellowship is to be held." Here again we see the use made of the word "fellowship" as something following the sermon and the service. This 'fellowship" they do not have until after worship! It is a period of fun and refreshments — of a physical nature.
They Didn't Ask Me
Some brethren (apparently preachers) from various congregations have gotten together and decided to put on a party for juniors and seniors so they won't want to attend the prom.
Had they talked with me about it, and I don't blame them for not doing so, I would have warned that:
1. It is dangerous precedent to start putting on a party to keep our members from attending something which they should not attend in the first place.
2. This action, whether they intend it so or not, and I am sure they did NOT so intend it, takes on the characteristics of a "Church of Christ Party".
3. Similar movements in other cities have grown out of hand and have taken on all the characteristics of "Recreational Committees For Churches of Christ" entertaining the youth of and for the church of Christ.
4. There is so much trouble NOW in the church over the "youth movements" and the like, that the movement should not be undertaken.
5. If some INDIVIDUAL wants to invite ANYBODY to HIS party, if the things engaged in are right, nobody can or will object 6. When the preachers join together and jointly entertain the youth of all the congregations, there is no way on earth to separate it from CHURCH ACTION.
— A. C. Grider, bulletin of Preston Hwy. church in Louisville, Ky.
The Tale Is Told
In the Firm Foundation, May 31, 1960, there was a report from Bill Long which is interesting and informative. Long tells us that "Harold Hazelip of Louisville, Ky., recently preached in a meeting with us at Cascade Heights . . . . Brother Hazelip, in my opinion, is one of the best informed and most capable men in the brotherhood. Though living in the seat of 'anti-ism,' he is free from current hobbyism." Thus the tale is told relative to Hazelip. Long tells off on Hazelip and aligns him with the forces of institutionalism and liberalism. This is really no surprise to those who are acquainted with Hazelip. The change in him has been apparent for months, but Hazelip has skillfully sought to avoid having to positively and openly "show his hand." The Taylor Blvd. church, where he labors, has not yet been lead to the point where they would accept his radical change and tolerate, without serious result, his open and forthright advocacy of liberal views. The change taking place in Hazelip. The change in him has been apparent for months, and little by little in his teaching and action. Efforts have been made to force him to "show his hand," but he was not ready to really do so. Maybe he is now ready or else he may have to do so. Here is another who can make his confession for the Gospel Advocate Confessional and he will thus be "absolved" fully from all "guilt"' of "anti-ism" and "hobbyism;" and thus be restored to the favor of those who can "bless" him.
Pincher Resigns
We regret to learn that Brother H. A. Pincher has renounced his stand against INSTITUTIONALISM and has now declared himself in favor of the various innovations which threaten to divide the brotherhood.
We are glad, however, that Brother Pincher has tendered his resignation at Haldeman Avenue, rather than divide the congregation and precipitate a WIDE-OPEN division comparable to the SPLIT over PREMILLENNALISM.
Nothing would do the liberal minded brethren over the country more GOOD than to see some congregation in Louisville SPLIT over these things. And nothing would do the church any more HARM.
When a preacher, who once stood on solid ground, decided to move into liberalism he can always find a congregation that will move as he moves. Hence, such a preacher should seek out such a congregation with which to locate. So, as Earl Fly suggested, a preacher should not stay and cause the church trouble, when he can no longer preach as he did when he came.
Again, we express appreciation for the fact that Brother Pincher is resigning, inasmuch as he does not stand where he stood when he was employed at Haldeman Avenue. And again I say it would have been HARMFUL IN THE EXTREME for him to have elected to stay and split the church. — A. C. Grider, Louisville, Ky.
New Church In Baytown, Texas
The Eastside church of Christ met for the first time Sunday, May 22, in the James Bowie Elementary school auditorium in Baytown. The need and urgency of this new work was felt keenly by those who love the truth, respect God's revealed Will and are of firm persuasion that the Truth must be preached against all odds and without fear or compromise. Because conditions prevailing in the Cedar Bayou congregation this was rendered impossible . Even though in the minority the ones leaving "stood up on their own feet" determining to "stand up and be counted" for the principles of truth and righteousness. Many of those now making up this new congregation has been with the Cedar Bayou church from its beginning. They got up and left without a "thin dime" of material assets. Many of these have given as much or more materially, morally and spiritually as any in that congregation today. But they "have counted none of these things dear unto themselves" that the truth might be held up and have free-course in their lives and the lives of others. We highly commend such an attitude upon the part of these loyal brethren. May God hasten the day when more and more brethren will be thus minded. These brethren have "left all" as far as physical assets go, but standing in "the strength of Israel's God" and respecting above all else a "thus saith the Lord," they labor with the divine assurance that "all things work together for good." "TRUTH CRUSHED TO THE
Earth Will Rise Again."
It is the highest honor and privilege to be associated with this fine group of Christians as preacher and evangelist. We express our gratitude for each of them. as well, as our appreciation to all who have manifested an attitude of concern as this new work has begun and we continue to covet the prayers and support of all loyal brethren everywhere.
— Robert L. Love, The Eastside Exhorter, Baytown, Texas