Issues That Divide Brethren

Among brethren who first began with the intent of restoring non-denominational New Testament Christianity there have been a number of issues that have arisen in the 19th century and 20th century which have served to divide brethren. Though we appeal to the world to find unity in the simple teachings of the New Testament, such divisions have undoubtedly hindered the cause of Christ and our own credibility. In many cases these divisions involve brethren attempting to impose (what they believe to be liberties) upon their brethren who question the Biblical authority for particular practices. In so doing we have splintered the Lord’s body and brought disgrace upon ourselves.

To resolve this error we must understand the issues that have led brother to stand against brother and ask ourselves how God’s word authorizes us to conduct ourselves.

Instrumental Music. One of the first issues that initiated division in the 19th century was the question of whether the Bible authorizes the use of mechanical instruments in church worship. The New Testament is silent on the matter. Though it commands singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), there is no scriptural authorization for instrumental accompaniment. As a result to insist on using such in worship would force brethren to do what the Bible does not instruct.

The Missionary Society. Another issue that divided brethren in the last century was the creation of manmade organizations to coordinate the support of preachers in various areas. Under this scheme various churches supported a society, which in turn supported and sent preachers to various areas. What this did was in essence surrender certain responsibilities of the church to a separate organization. In the Bible churches supported and sent preachers themselves without any separate institution acting as a go between (Acts 13:1-3, Philippians 4:10-20).

Bible Classes. Some brethren in this country have had concerns about whether the church is authorized to support and conduct Bible classes for all ages. Two of the main concerns about this are 1. Does this surrender parental responsibility? and 2. Should there be women teachers? The Bible makes it clear that in the assembly women are to be silent (I Corinthians 14:34) and that they must not teach over men (I Timothy 2:12). Yet at the same time women are instructed to be “teachers of good things” (Titus 2:3). Further, though it is clear that the primary responsibility for spiritual teaching of children rests with parents (Ephesians 6:4), the church is authorized to support the teaching of God’s word both in the assembly and out of it (I Corinthians 14:26, Philippians 4:10-20). So while we must not make Bible classes into anything more than simply Christians teaching one another, the concept of the church supporting the teaching of God's word is authorized.

One Cup In The Lord’s Supper. Among some brethren the question of whether it is right to use multiple cups in the taking of communion has led to division. While the Bible does refer to the “cup of blessing” (I Corinthians 10:16) it is clear from the events described at the institution of the Lord's supper that before the supper Jesus gave them the cup and said “Take this and divide [it] among yourselves” and then after their meal identified the memorial significance of it (Luke 22:17,20). Many who hold the “one cup” view believe that the cup itself represents the “New Covenant.” The Bible makes it clear that there are two elements in the memorial (not three) and that it is a covenant of blood which is symbolized (I Corinthians 10:16, Matthew 26:27,28).

Support Of Human Organizations. In this century a cause of great division among many brethren has been the question of whether the church is authorized to financially support organizations that are set up by Christians to perform worthwhile services. Organizations that were initially at the heart of the controversy were Bible colleges and orphans homes. Now the question has expanded to church supported hospitals, student centers, camps, etc. Regrettably this question has often been viewed from a purely emotional viewpoint rather than from a simple attempt to identify Biblical authority. If certain types of education and benevolence are the responsibility of the church what right do we have to surrender this responsibility to another organization? On the other hand, if the activity concerns something which is not an authorized work of the church we have no right to sponsor it.

The Social Gospel. In the late 20th century the church has also found itself confronted with issues about it’s role in the social life of its members. Beyond acts of collective worship which the Bible authorizes some brethren have insisted that the church sponsor meals, “get togethers” and young people's entertainment. While it is clear that Christians should be involved in each others lives beyond the assembly (Acts 2:46) the Bible also warns that we must not confuse the social and the spiritual (I Corinthians 11:22, 27-34). This distorts the work and purpose of the church.

The Sponsoring Church. Much like the missionary society of the last century this modern innovation in the support of preaching involves churches sending money to one central church to support a given project. In the Bible again church contributions were used to directly support preachers (Philippians 4:10-20) and the only cause for support being sent from church to church was benevolence (Acts 11:27-30). Even this was not “funneled” through the receiving church to go another place but was for their own sustenance.

The Discipling Movement. Several years ago efforts were begun by some brethren to take a much more aggressive posture concerning evangelism. Unfortunately the direction this has taken many in the Boston area has involved both the adoption of an organizational structure that is unscriptural and methods of accountability that are without authority. A single church oversees what are referred to as “home churches.” Areas of the country are divided up into districts of oversight. Converts are required to engage in a specific amount of Bible study a day and confess their sins to their special sponsor (who is not required to confess to them in return). While all of us would like to see the church grow, if we abandon our insistence upon Biblical authority for what we do, we are nothing more than just another denomination.

Kyle Pope

Ancient Road Publications™ http://kmpope.home.att.net