Churches Of Christ/worship

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Expert: - 1/6/2011


Question
Are there other churches than Church of Christ that's Biblically acceptable?

Answer
Mr. Jones,

Many churches of Christ would answer "no," and would do so on the basis of patternism. The idea being that there is one form - and in many cases only one name - of the church. In other form or name is often seen as substandard and thus inferior. Since any honest, right thinking individual would of necessity come to the same conclusions as churches of Christ, anyone who didn't do church in the same way would be "worshiping in error," intentionally. Thus a group of such individuals could not be the "real church."

There are some congregations which will waffle on the necessity of the specific name, but who will nevertheless not call their congregations anything different than the denominational name.

Others however, do not hold these views and accept the fact that there are groups of Christians who meet together using other names for their faith communities. These others are a mixed bag as well. Some will insist that only people who have been baptized correctly are actually Christians and these isolated individuals in other churches are actually saved people. Others will accept that other believers, even those who are not baptized (much less for the right reason), are Christians and their communities are legitimate churches.

The above is a reflection of the general themes among churches of Christ. Individual members will have varying beliefs along these lines.

Thanks for asking.

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Hoyt Roberson

Expertise

I can answer just about any doctrinal, relational, or Scriptural question from a "traditional" church of Christ perspective, and from perspectives of somewhat more progressive congregations. If you want an answer from a particular perspective, let me know that up front, and I'll respond in that vein. If you want to peg me on the liberal-conservative spectrum, I would suggest a bit left of center. Depending on the question though, I might be far left, or perhaps rather toward the right.

Experience

I am currently a shepherd of a congregation (which means, for those of you who aren't Church of Christ folk, I'm one of a handful of people responsible for the spiritual direction and maturity of the congregation, and who hire and fire the ministers). I have served in many capacities including adult class teacher (also current), deacon, administrator, and lay leader at two military bases. I am a life-long member of churches of Christ, mostly mainline congregations, but am quite familiar with more conservative and more liberal congregations and views as well. I read and subscribe to various books and periodicals for churches of Christ, and have discussed a variety of topics with representatives of our various groups both in person, and via mail.

Organizations
Christian Association for Psychological Studies, American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Publications
www.robersonblog.blogspot.com

Education/Credentials
I hold a Masters of Ministry degree from Pepperdine University, as well as a Masters of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.

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