Randy Wray’s Blog

Like many areas we have our fair share of churches of Christ. These churches are not only arrayed geographically they are arrayed philosophically. One of the churches in our area apparently still believes they have the authority to tell all the other churches what to do, or what not to do, as they see fit. I thought we had grown past this absurd practice in our movement. It appears I thought wrong.

Our church is not even in the fray this time (surprise, surprise). This particular church published an entire newsletter condemning another church in our area for having a Saturday night event featuring a praise band. One of our members received this publication in the mail and showed it to me last night. I am so sick of this type of publication. I am so sick of this beam-eyed religious pretense. I am so ashamed of our movement at times like this.

What about church autonomy? All I hear is restore the pattern, restore the pattern but you never heard that from Jesus. Jesus never said restore the pattern (which some men thought up in the first place) and then you will be known as my true followers. Jesus said restore the spirit of love to be known as his true followers. Love, acceptance and tolerance among brothers and sisters in Christ are the indicators of those who belong to Jesus Christ.

This publication said something like “we are so grieved at what happened here in northern Virginia.” The only thing, connected to this particular event, which grieves the Lord is the attitude of those who wrote, published and sent out that newsletter.

I support any church and their decision not to have a praise night featuring a praise band. I support any church and their decision to have a praise night featuring a praise band. We have had a Saturday night fellowship event featuring a praise band twice in the past year and plan to have more. I do not support and take great offense at the critical spirit behind such attitudes which blossom in publications of this nature.

My personal response to this event will be to spend some additional time in the solace of Romans 14 and to pray. Praying for my brothers and sister who stumble and praying for my brothers and sister who are becoming all things to all people so that by all possible means some might be saved.