Truth Magazine

By Jimmy Tuten

Preachers, elders and brethren are talking a great deal about the present lack of growth among churches of the Lord. Some nostalgically remember that less than forty years ago we were the fastest growing religious body in America. Now, with some exceptions, we are hardly making a dent within the ranks of our population explosion. We are going to have to do more than talk. Satan is happy as long as we talk. We must do something, and do it quickly! We need to turn our talk into plans and our plans into action. We cannot turn the present situation around overnight. But if we do not start right now with reference to reaching the lost the next twenty years are going to be more tragic. “Prophet of Doom,” you say? Why then are so many saying so much about our lack of growth? I am not alone in the conviction that the problem is the greatest that brethren of the eighties face. It can be rectified for it is not a hopeless situation. We can do something about it. Hopefully, something can be said in this writing and in others to follow (as time and space permits) to stimulate us toward a more positive attitude in church growth.

We can do exactly what the Lord expects us to do. We can grow! The early church grew. If we are faithful we can too (Acts 2:41,47; 4:4; 5:14; 9:31,35; 11:20-21). Faithfulness naturally causes us to go out into the harvest and fill the barn fuller (Matt. 9:36-38). Faithful brethren cannot but help being filled with compassion for the lost who are fainting and scattered. The Great Commission and its command, “go ye into all the world . . .,” will then take on new meaning for many of our present generation of preachers who seem to have missed the duration of “I will be with you alway” (Matt. 28:19-20). If our Lord teaches us anything in the parable of the sheep, it is deep concern for the lost. We cannot be content with the ninety-nine until even the one lost sheep is brought back into the fold. Are all hundred sheep in the fold where you worship (Gal. 6: 1)? How can we gain the lost of the world and the church?

Plan For Expansion

God Almighty Himself did not bring into being the Kingdom without a purpose or plan. How long has it been since you studied the church in purpose (Eph. 3: 10-11), prophecy (Isa. 2:2-3), preparation (Matt. 3:1-2), establishment (Acts 2) and in existence (Acts 2:47)? We will not expand or grow until we plan to do so! All successful organizations have projections for growth, goals or plans for expanding. If projections work in human organizations, will they not work in our efforts to carry out the great commission? How long has it been since you have been involved in an actual plan or projection for growth where you worship? I suggest that this is the main reason we generally are not growing. While what follows does deal with numbers (numerical growth), in this writing I am not talking about a “numbers game” (which is about all some think of when they think in terms of evangelism). There are three areas of growth that I am calling the “three measurements of growth.” We must resolve to grow in three directions: numerically, spiritually and organically. Important also is the fact that in order for the increase of the body to be what God intended for it to be, growth in all three areas must be simultaneous in nature. We witness among the liberals a swelling that is coming from their many man-made projects and gimmicks. I say, “swelling,” because this is not the “increase” my Bible speaks of in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7. The “numbers game” has resulted in a number of congregations who are lukewarm if not dead. You simply do not see the spirituality that was once so evident because it is not there! I repeat: there must be a simultaneous growth spiritually and numerically.

Plan To Grow Numerically

Churches that grow numerically must plan to grow in numbers. When the book of Acts speaks of the Jerusalem church growing in thousands and then multitudes, it is talking about increase in numbers (Acts 2:41,47; 4:4; 5:14; 9:3 1). “Go ye into all the world and make disciples of all nations” is a commission that involves numerical growth (Matt. 28:18). This growth comes about from both private and public efforts But I have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). This involves gospel meetings, special studies, vacation Bible schools, home study courses and reactivating of the lost art of “personal evangelism.”

Suppose though that growth in numbers is all that is happening. Is God pleased with only numerical growth? It just may be that some of our brethren’s apparent lack of desire for church growth stems from too much association with the “numbers game.” Wherever there is growth only in numbers you usually witness a watered down, weak body of half-converted people who do nothing but fuss and squabble. Some growth is not good for a church. What happens, for example, when you add another hundred people to an already argumentative group? This writer does not want to write about it. Its contemplation is mind-boggling! There has to be growth in numbers, but neglect in other areas of growth is disastrous.

Plan To Grow Spiritually

When Peter said, “make every effort to add to your faith . . . . he was speaking of a deliberate, purposeful spiritual growth (2 Pet. 1:5)., We must plan to grow spiritually. As each new level of growth in this area is achieved we must look to another area of spiritual increase. We keep planning and re-planning, teaching and re-teaching. Churches that grow in spirituality keep on planning for further growth. The past twenty years alone demonstrate that “conservative” churches who thought they had it “made” during the sixties, and who “coasted along,” have gone downhill. Among us we have too many “mentally retired” brethren who have to be re-challenged. “Ain I become your enemy because I tell you the truth” (Gal. 4:16)?

In the book of Acts (and the whole New Testament) one finds growth emphasis in this area. The record in Acts tells us of three thousand obeying the gospel on Pentecost (Acts 2). The record then says that “they were continuing daily . . . and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:46-47). Their continued spiritual growth was obvious to those with whom they came into contact (Acts 2:42). The Apostle Paul speaks of “the body by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered” (Eph. 2:19). It is obvious, therefore, that where there is no growth in quality as well as quantity, the church is ineffective and unproductive. When growth in these two areas is combined and balanced, a powerful, strong body exists. Such a congregation is prepared by offensively (in carrying out the great commission) and defensively waging war against Satan.

Plan To Grow Organically

The church must plan to grow organically. By this I mean that each member in the body must grow individually, and with this function in the body by fulfilling the special role each member has in the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-20). The principle is like that of the physical body. As each part of the physical body has its own special role and function’ so each member of the church (the body of Christ) is to have his own special role and function. The summation of I Corinthians 12 is found in verse 25: “that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. ” Even those in the body of Christ “which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (1 Cor. 12:22). Unless we are planning for a congregation of God’s people where each member stands in his or her place and functions, therels a malfunctioning body. Each must do his or her part, whether it is cutting the grass on church property or preaching, cleaning the building or preparing the Lord’s Supper, or replacing burned out light bulbs or ordering the class material. Each elder, each deacon and each member (yes, even preachers) must know their place, stand and be countedl Where this exists there will be no need for divisive substitutes that are unauthorized in the first place (i.e., Pulpit Ministers, Youth Ministers, Ministers of Education, Family Life Centers, etc.). Growing organically involves arrangement or procedure (please do not confuse this with institutionalism). It necessitates goal-setting in order that things might be done decently and in order. There is so much to be done within the local body, in every city of our great nation and so few doing anything.

Conclusion

So you want the church to grow? Then brethren you will have to realize that individuals, not groups, achieve goals. That each-Christian must have a personal development plan that involves thinking constantly of desired accomplishments. The church will grow when this occurs. The whole business of church growth begins with you and me. The only alternative to this is the fact that one feels that the church is big enough, that our pews are full enough and that the parking lot has enough cars in it. Too many are at ease in spiritual Zion. This is not what God wants. He wants us to grow in numbers and increasing daily in all areas. He wants us to grow into a loving, caring people, and He wants us to function according to our ability. When we do this our influence will cover each city in each state where the cause of Christ exists like the mist of the early morning. Yea, “the knowledge of the glory of God shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).

Brethren, we have rested on our laurels long enough and those who have been along for the ride had better get busy. There is a challenge out there and how we meet it could well be the difference between heaven or hell. The fields are more white unto harvest than ever. For churches who are content to coast along, there is only one direction to go downhill! Keep challenging yourself brethren, keep planning if you want the church to grow. When growth stops, decay begins. This makes you uncomfortable, does it not? It should! Souls are at stake.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 44-45
January 19, 1984

By Frank Jamerson

The little book of Hosea teaches a great lesson on the nature of sin. Hosea was told to marry Gomer, who became unfaithful to him and finally left him to live with her “lovers.” Later, Hosea was told to buy her back and accept her as his wife, which he did.

Gomer’s leaving her husband was a result of inward unfaithfulness. She ceased to love and have confidence in her husband before she left him for others. Her leaving was simply an expression of the inner infidelity that existed.

In this experience, God taught Hosea a valuable lesson about Israel’s unfaithfulness to Him. Just as Hosea wanted more than a housekeeper, God wanted more than external forms of service. Just as Gomer ceased to love Hosea before she became an adulteress, Isreal had ceased to love God before they turned to idolatry.

There is a valuable lesson in this for us. God desires our love and devotion. If he gets this, He will get our external service. If he does not get this, then our outward forms will be vain. Just as Hosea did not want a “housekeeper,” God does not want half-hearted, ritualistic service. If we are faithful in our hearts, our lives will reveal it. The external unfaithfulness manifested by many who claim to be children of God is simply the expression of an inner infidelity.

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways . . . . Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 23:26; 4:23). When people give their hearts to God, faithfulness is the natural result. Paul said that the Macedonians “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Cor. 8:5). When they “first” gave themselves, the service that followed was rendered cheerfully.

It is a sad thing to see a marriage companion forsake his commitment and commit adultery, but no one ever did that who was not first unfaithful in the heart. It is likewise sad to see those who are married to Christ (Rom. 7:4), become unfaithful in their service to God, but the unfaithfulness that we can see was preceded by an inner infidelity that only God

could see.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, p. 43
January 19, 1984

By Loren N. Raines

It seems that fallible man either cannot or will not profit by past experiences. It has long been said, and times seems to prove it to be true, that history repeats itself. Yet we fail to profit by the sad experience of generations past. Present conditions in both the world and the church seem to verify this observation.

It took God four thousand years to bring into the world a perfect man, His Son, and through Him to give to the world a perfect institution, the church. It seems that man cannot be satisfied even with perfection. With full knowledge of the deplorable condition of the church during the great apostasy, the ensuing strife and division of the Reformation, and the joy that was brought to the religious world as a result of the restoration of the ancient order, yet little time was allowed to pass until the digressive nature of some men in the church began to manifest itself again. One lesson man seems never to learn is that it is impossible to improve on perfection. To add to, subtract from, or substitute for perfection is only to mar it. Yet many attempts have been made to improve the worship, the work and the doctrine set forth in God’s perfect plan.

A careful study of the first great apostasy reveals that the chief causes of that departure from the truth were a desire for popularity and a love of power. Instead of being satisfied with God’s plan, first century Christians, seeing the growth of pagan religions, dared introduce into the Lord’s church various methods of the pagan religions, which seemed to interest people, and result in growth. The 64 mystery of iniquity” was already at work (2 Thess. 2:7). As time passed more and more emphasis was placed on the acquisition of power. This desire for power continued to grow until they had a pope as head of the apostate church. This thirst for power was not abated until the pope exercised power over both church and state.

Apostasy from the truth may, and often does, follow a different course, but it seems to stem from the same basic cause. This cause may be described as disregard for the authority of God’s word, or contempt for both the law and the Law-giver. In either case, it is sin.

During the early part of the nineteenth century the strife and division that characterized denominationalism came into full bloom. Thinking men could see that the Reformation had failed to achieve its goal. Rather, it had only piled more debris on the Jerusalem foundation. Consequently, they concluded that a restoration of the ancient order was the only solution. This movement gave great promise and was making great headway until Satan entered upon the scene, revived his wrecking crew, and renewed his effort to derail God’s plan.

Certain members of the restored church, whose zeal surpassed both their knowledge and sincerity, began a repetition of the mistakes of the first century. In their judgment, the church needed a more effective method of spreading the gospel. In order to expedite their plan they urged all congregations to unite in making regular contributions to a central organization, that all might cooperate in the work of evangelism. They failed to seek divine authority for this method. The result was the missionary society. It became the wedge that ultimately resulted in the first division in the restoration movement.

Just as some Christians of the first century, imbued with the desire for progress, borrowed some methods of pagan religions, so some of the less dedicated Christians of the nineteenth century saw that instrumental music, as used in most denominations, seemed to promote growth. They made a plea to introduce it into the worship. When challenged for divine authority for such an addition they sought to justify it by insisting that it is only an expedient. They failed to recognize the difference between an expedient and an addition. An expedient must first be lawful (1 Cor. 6:12;. 10:23). A hearing aid is a great help in hearing, but it can’t hear; it is just an expedient. A pitch pipe is an aid in getting the pitch; but it can’t sing. It cannot be substituted for or replace the singing. An instrument can make music, and often is substituted for the song. It is an addition and is condemned (Rev. 22:18-19). The instrument drove the wedge deeper.

The Bible makes it plain that the local church has the obligation to provide an adequate program of teaching so that its members may be edified. As a result of zeal without knowledge, the denominations introduced the Sunday school to implement its teaching. Sensing the potential of this method the New Testament church began adopting the same method. They overlooked the fact that the Sunday school was an organization separate and apart from the church. In using this method whatever growth resulted had to be attributed to the Sunday school, not to the church. But Paul had said, “Unto him be glory in the church (not the Sunday school) by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21). Bible classes under the oversight of the elders is God’s plan for instruction. The adoption of the missionary society, the instrument, and the Sunday school completed the split in the church. Thus, a new denomination was born now called the Disciples of Christ.

Unfortunately this was not the end, but only the beginning, of division in the restoration movement. Years passed, cause of division (contempt for divine authority) was dormant only for a season. In recent years, instead of the missionary society we see the “‘sponsoring church.” Instead of the Sunday school we see the Bible College. Instead of individual Christians caring for homeless children, we see the orphanage supported by a group of congregations. This is not scriptural cooperation, but corruption of God’s plan ‘for benevolence.

Once you transgress God’s word (2 Jn. 9), there is no place to stop. Now we see homes for unwed mothers, homes for senior citizens, hospitals, gymnasiums, orphanages, colleges, all kinds of facilities for recreation and entertainment and church camps all supported by the church. All these things may be right in their place but God did not authorize the church to engage in this type of business. Ignoring God’s plan spelled serious trouble for Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10: 1-2), Uzzah (1 Chron. 13:9- 10), Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Num. 16:23-33), Moses (Num, 20:12, Josh. 34:46). Let us beware (Deut. 4:2; 12:32). Once again the Lord’s church has been divided. We now have conservatives, who insist on speaking only as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11), and on the other hand we have liberals, who insist that we have no pattern. Will man ever learn?

We still have God’s word as our guide, and the early church as the pattern for all that God has authorized in worship, work, evangelism, benevolence, and manner of fife. Let us avoid apostasy by holding God’s word inviolate.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 42-43
January 4, 1984

By Thomas C. Hickey

As a tall, skinny junior high school student in Rockwood, Tennessee, I was approached several times to play on the junior high basketball team. I wasn’t a bad player, and I was taller than most other kids in my age group. But I declined because I would not miss Wednesday night Bible study to play games on Wednesday night, and I would not consent to wear the short pants required for the basketball uniform. Oh, what a fool I am.

About the same time and in the same town I tried out for the junior high school band, and was accepted to play the tuba. But I had to quit because the band was sometimes expected to play in the services of the big Christian Church in town, and I couldn’t do that in good conscience. Oh, what a fool I am.

In the eighth grade at Chicora High School in North Charleston, South Carolina, I was invited to join the Glee Club. I love singing and have always been used to singing since that is a routine part of our regular worship in the church. But, of course, I had to decline the invitation to join the Glee club because such would have necessitated my singing religious songs for entertainment, and using mechanical instrumental music in singing spiritual songs. As a new testament Christian I could not do these things in good conscience, so I declined. Oh, what a fool I am.

In the ninth grade at Marietta High School in Marietta Georgia, I played the clarinet and enjoyed it immensely. The next year I moved up to the Varsity Band, and we got a new band instructor. The new instructor harshly announced that if I could not play for the school activities on Wednesday evenings I could get out of the band. I got out. Bible study is more important than football games. Oh, what a fool I am.

If you were not in band at Marietta High, you had to be in physical education. That meant dressing out in shorts for coeducational PE activities. I refused. More problem . Finally, Mrs. Swaim, the principal, gave me special permission to participate in “phys ed” wearing long pants. Oh, what a fool I am.

But, in physical education, ballroom dancing was a coeducational activity for rainy and cold days, and everyone was expected to participate. More problems. Finally, I was allowed to sit out the dancing since, as a Christian, I could not participate. Oh, what a fool I am.

Surely, as an adult, things must get better! But, not so. In mid- 1960, as a fledgling young preacher, I needed a real job to try to get some of my bills paid up. Most of the jobs I qualified for required me to miss worship. I turned away from one job after another although I needed one desperately. Finally, I went to work at a General Motors manufacturing plant in Dayton, Ohio. After a few weeks at work it came inventory time in the fall of 1960. Everyone would have to come in and work on Sunday. I would be glad to work in the afternoon, or at night, I said, but I could not miss worship either morning or evening. But, we were told, those who did not come to work would be fired. I was sorry, but I said I wouldn’t be there. I didn’t go. I went to work on Monday. I wasn’t fired and nothing was ever said about it again.

Another interesting event occurred at the GM plant. Everyone was advised that it was time to collect for the United Fund. Everyone was expected to give some from his paycheck because the general foreman of our department wanted 100% cooperation. I could not give, I said, because the United Fund divided its moneys among Catholic, Jewish, and protestant denominational agencies. I did not deny that possibly many good works were done, but I could not contribute to religious groups whose doctrines I did not believe. To do so was inconsistent, and it would constitute “bidding godspeed” to false doctrines. A simple “No” did not suffice. Even though I was running a six-man production line on a tight schedule, the general foreman shut down my whole operation and called me into his office to give an explanation for my refusal. Although much pressure was brought to bear, and my production line was shut down for 45 minutes, I did not consent to give! Even if I lost my job, I would not give. (I thought that I was going to lose my job.) Finally, I was allowed to go back to work. Nothing more was ever said, and I did not lose my job. For years afterward, however, Mr. Crutchfield, the foreman, continued to inquire after my welfare from other mutual friends who were Christians, Oh, what a fool I am.

During the years 1972-1975, 1 worked with the Nebraska Avenue church in Tampa, Florida, and sold real estate to earn my living. It soon became apparent that one of the best days for real estate sales was Sunday. In fact, many real estate people earned more commissions on Sunday afternoon and evening than they did in all the rest of the week combined. People were off work on Sundays and willing to inspect property. Although the prospects of earning a week’s wages in one afternoon was very attractive, I always tried to avoid even showing property at all on Sunday afternoon because I knew when time came for evening worship I would walk away from the customer. Writing the offer is one of the most important parts of the real estate transaction, and it must be done while the customer is in the mood. To walk away from a “hot prospect” to go to church would end the chance for a sale so I just didn’t show property on Sunday even though it was an attractive opportunity! Oh, what a fool I am.

In 1968, while preaching for the Lutz, Florida, church I earned my living by working for Florida College. That year I negotiated a contract between FC and Hillsborough Junior College, a state funded community college which was opening new.- FC would provide bookstore services and sell college textbooks to HJC. HJC began as an evening school with classes being conducted in Hillsborough High School. Since I was a Christian and my employees were Christians and students at FC, I carefully negotiated a contract which provided for our being CLOSED on Wednesday nights. The VicePresident of HJC did not view this as a serious problem since school was scheduled to begin on Monday evening and most text sales should have been made before Wednesday night. However, school opening was delayed until Wednesday night because of technical problems. Nevertheless, we closed the bookstore in time for all our employees to get to Wednesday night Bible study as the contract had provided. When Mr. B. came by for a routine check of our operations on Wednesday night and found the bookstore closed, he was furious (to put it mildly)! The next day I received a red hot letter at FC hand delivered by special messenger. I held the messenger until I could read the letter and prepare my reply. I wrote simply, “Read the contract!” One might expect that all havoc broke loose, but Mr. B. knew that I had him dead to rights. All’s well that ends well. The next year Mr. B. hired me to serve as Coordinator of Campus Business Services at HJC at more than twice the salary I had been earning at FC … and he never expected me to miss worship to do my job! Oh, what a fool I am.

During these same years in the early 70’s, my sons, Kent and Paul, were playing Little League baseball in north Tampa. Both were pitchers and, if I say so myself, they were pretty good. One of the boys would pitch a “no-hitter” fairly often. Both boys frequently won. We had an understanding with the managers and coaches: on Wednesday nights, the boys went to mid-week Bible study. No matter how the game was going or what the score, the boys went to Bible study. On more than one occasion a boy was taken off the pitcher’s mound at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday night in the middle of a game to go to Bible study. The coach knew what to expect but sometimes the other parents in the bleachers got pretty unkind! Oh, what a fool I am.

Yes, in the eyes of the world, what a fool I am! Speaking of the things which the apostles suffered in the service of Christ. Paul sod, “We are fools for Christ’s sake . . . . (1 Cor. 4: 10).

Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt. 6:33-34).

Yes, I am a fool in the eyes of the world … but I trust my God! The thing that hurts me often is … that I am also seen as a fool in the eyes of my brethren, at least, in the eyes of some of my brethren.

Brethren, I have not been tempted above what I am able to bear (1 Cor. 10: 13), and my God has always supplied my needs. Neither I nor my family has ever been denied a meal. We have stayed warm. And there is a roof over our heads. My assets are greater than my liabilities. What more can I ask?

David said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 40-41
January 19, 1984