Church Co-Operation
H. Leo Boles (Gospel Advocate, January 28, 1932)
This is the time for clear thinking and close study of this question. It is the time when we should review prayerfully the history of the churches of Christ as given in the New Testament. There are many people who are confused on this question, who have never given the question much thought. All the churches of Christ need to study just what the New Testament teaches on "church cooperation."
Let us draw a line of distinction between the New Testament teaching on this question and that which is taught by the denominations today. Church cooperation is one thing and a combination of individuals in their individual capacity is another thing. Brethren who worship with different congregations may form a company and do work, but this is not church cooperation. For individual members of the church to associate themselves into a body to do the work as assigned to the churches is to take so much of man's talents and efforts from the churches and to direct them in a way that supplants the churches. A convention composed of representatives of churches organized into a permanent body is not and cannot be a cooperation of churches according to the New Testament plan. Such a convention becomes a distinct organization, formed of representatives elected from the churches, but organized into a body separate from the churches. This body may refrain from certain assumptions of power; but such a body possesses, by virtue of its organization, all of the authority that is claimed by the different denominations in their organizations.
It matters not whether the convention of delegated members is permanent or temporary, it cannot be called "church cooperation." An organization composed of delegates from churches is no more the churches than the senate of the United States is a cooperation of the States. The work that such an organization may do cannot claim to be the churches at work; it is only the organization at work and not the churches. It is difficult, if not impossible, for representatives or delegates from the different churches to keep from assuming power and authority over the churches from whence they come. This is not the New Testament way for churches to cooperate. It is a mistake for churches claiming to be patterned after the New Testament order to be calling for representatives of the different churches to meet any group at some designated place. Frankly, I fear the danger of such a departure from the New Testament order.
How, then, can churches cooperate? I believe that the New Testament Scriptures teach that churches may — yea, must — cooperate, if they fulfill their mission. It is sad to know that every effort mode at cooperation in the work of churches among the Disciples of Christ has run in the same channel that has resulted in forming another sect. Church cooperation cannot exist with the individual members combining into a distinct organization to do the work of the church; neither can church cooperation exist through delegated representatives from the churches forming an organization. Both of these processes destroy the church. The one saps the life and activity of the churches, and the other helps to form a new sect or denomination. There must be churches before there can be church cooperation. These churches must be distinct, separate, equal, and independent of each other; and they must be independent so far as other churches or organizations are concerned. They must not only be separate, but they must be working churches.
To operate means to work and to cooperate means to work together to the same end. There can be no working together of churches without the churches themselves working. Churches that do not work cannot work together; churches that do not operate cannot cooperate. Every church in the universe that operates or works according to the will of God cooperates or works together with every other church in the universe that is working according to the same rule. Churches which are fulfilling their mission separate and independent of other churches nevertheless are cooperating with all other churches that fulfill their mission. It seems that we ought to see this, that we ough to recognize this fundamental truth. This is the only church cooperation that is taught in the New Testament. When a number of churches undertake to work in or through an association or organization not authorized in the New Testament, or by a law or rule not of God, they place themselves out of harmony with all the churches operating under the divine law, out of harmony with the law of God, and of harmony with all the will of God, and oat of harmony with God himself. Such churches cannot claim to be cooperating with other churches that are fulfilling their mission as God directs churches to do.
Churches can cooperate — yea, they do cooperate — if they fulfill their mission. It is not a matter or question as to whether churches should cooperate; it is a necessity for them to cooperate in fulfilling their mission according to divine instruction. Churches that fulfill their mission are promoting the cause of Christ and the will of God; hence, as they are working to the same end, they are cooperating. Churches cannot cooperate and please God when they form new organizations through which to work. No organization is needed. Church cooperation cannot be done by selecting officers, committees, or associations to take charge of all work of all the churches throughout the land. No one can give a reason why one church should attend to the business of another church. No reason can be found that will justify one church doing the work of another church when that church can do its own work.