Roberts-Trefethen Debate On the Role of Elders: First Affirmative

By Tom M. Roberts Proposition: “Resolved: The Scriptures teach that the elders of a local church are authorized to assemble privately to make decisions in matters of judgment for the local church before and without calling together the whole congregation.” Definitions: “The Scriptures,” the 66 books of the Bible. “Teach,” instruct by commands, approved examples or …

Roberts-Trefethen Debate On the Role of the Elders: First Negative

By Vance E. Trefethen Introduction As before, my articles represent my own views and not those of any church, eldership, or other saints. Quotes from Tom’s material are italicized, as are Greek words. The Problem Many are stuck between the false choice that elders either privately decide all matters of judgment, or else they have no …

Will We Fare Better Than They?

By Mike Willis The October 1994 issue of The Spiritual Sword featured an article by editor Alan E. Highers entitled “Who Are We?” The article introduced the issue, which was devoted to that theme. It was designed to show that the church of Christ is not a denomination, but is a Christ-centered, peculiar, Bible-believing people. This …