Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
December 6, 1962
NUMBER 31, PAGE 5,8b

Shocking Quotes

Eugene Britnell

These quotations from bulletins across the nation are printed with a sincere desire to impress upon those Christians who can still be reached with the truth just how far some preachers, elders and churches have drifted from the divine pattern and the mission of the church.

So far as I am able to determine, every one of these statements came from a church whose preacher and elders have accepted all of the institutionalism and cooperative works being promoted in the church today. This is highly significant, for it shows the kind of attitude it takes to go along with all the "brotherhood" is trying to do these days. You will not find such things as those mentioned in these quotes being practiced by those churches who have set themselves to defend the all-sufficiency and purity of the church and oppose human institutions and unscriptural sponsoring-church arrangements.

And now, please read these quotations carefully, and you will find yourself weeping as you realize how far some have turned from the "faith once for all delivered unto the saints."

From the SUNSET SENTINEL bulletin of the Sunset church in San Antonio, Texas, 12-10-59, we present excerpts from an article written by the preacher of that church as he describes their new building:

"The open house which was held in the chapel last Sunday was a great success in every way.

"As the building is viewed from the outside, one of the most impressive sights is the imposing tower which houses the carillon chimes. These chimes cost $18,000.00 when installed and would be much more now.

"Upon entering the chapel, one is immediately impressed with the superior quality of the sanctuary. The stained glass windows contribute much to the elegance and fitness of the atmosphere. The large Tiffany window located to the rear of the chapel cost $44000.00 when installed. The present value is estimated at $30,000. It is one of the finest works of art in San Antonio. The chapel is completely furnished with pews, song books, Bibles, and a $60,000.00 Of course, we do not need the organ for worship, but it can be used for weddings and funerals.

"The spacious library contains ample furniture suited to the purpose, hundreds of books, a piano for social occasions and a small stage."

From The Bulletin Of The University Heights Church, Austin, Texas:

"On Tuesday morning, June 23rd, the ladies of the congregation will have the privilege, of hearing Rabbi Samuel Zakuto who will be accompanied by his wife, is associated with a local Jewish Orthodox church. A period of fellowship and refreshments will follow the chapel service in order that the ladies might have an opportunity to get better acquainted with Rabbi and Mrs. Zakuto."

From the Broadway church, Lubbock, Texas: "Preliminary work of construction of a high school student center for the Broadway Church of Christ to be located at 1808-12 Main St. has been started by Claude Martin & Son, with the cost estimated at $53,000.

"The floor space of 6,200 feet will embrace a large recreation room, snack bar, lounge, kitchen, storage and mechanical rooms, two offices, and restrooms."

From A Bulletin In Nashville, Tennessee:

'West End church of Christ has invited Lipscomb, Peabody and Vanderbilt students to share the facilities of the recreation room in their Bible school annex. Available for banquets and special meetings the room also provides television, ping-pong, and other recreation equipment." -

From A Bulletin In Terre Haute, Indiana:

'We will have our New Year's Dinner in the basement of the church building. We plan to eat at 12:00, and then we will have a program of entertainment afterward. Bring your dinners, and come for a day of enjoyable association with those of like precious faith."

"Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." "From that time, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him." (John 6:26, 66)

From A Bulletin In Clinton, Oklahoma:

"To Municipal Swimming Pool (for refreshments)$60.00."

From The Vandelia Village Church, Lubbock, Texas:

"Why not wrap up the old year and unwrap the new' in a fellowship with other Christians this Wednesday night, December 31st, at Church of Christ, Vandelia Village. A program the entire family will benefit from..."

"Ye observe days, months, and times, and years, I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain." (Gal. 4:10-11)

From A Nashville, Tennessee, Bulletin:

"YOUTH HOBBY SHOP: A wonderful thing has just gotten started in Nashville by the members of the church of Christ. About 25 members were present from our congregation. We announced at the meeting that we would support the project at once to the extent of $50.00 and our treasurer has been instructed to mail them a check for this amount."

From Another Bulletin In Nashville, Tennessee:

"JACKSON PARK BIBLE KINDERGARTEN will be under the elders of Jackson Park church of Christ. We have a capable Principal in Bro.__________ , a man trained for this work. We are beginning in the hope of its becoming a means of a great work, rendering honor and glory to God. Registration fee will be $5.00 for the first half of the kindergarten year, plus tuition fee of $12.00 per month. Inasmuch as the church treasury will now be charged with this work, it will be possible for interested persons to make free will contributions to this fund."

Where does the New Testament authorize a school under the elders in which people are to be charged for their instruction? Why not just begin charging their mothers and fathers a fee for serving them the Lord's supper and other items of worship and put the church on a pay-as-you-go basis? A church in Montgomery, Alabama, also has a kindergarten. (EB)

From A North Carolina Bulletin:

"Only six more days before our greased pig chase! Announcements have been sent to all congregations around and we should have a lot of visitors to help us run down our greasy pig. Some preachers too, perhaps. Don't forget to bring some old clothes. There will be a Weiner roast afterwards....Lots of fun and Christian; fellowship." '

Did you know before that "Christian fellowship" included chasing a greasy pig? Brethren need to understand what Christian "fellowship" is. The Bible never uses the word with reference to a common meal or play. (EB)

From The Broadway Bulletin, Lubbock, Texas:

"The kitchen is overflowing with dishes. Will you please check to see if you have dishes there."

"What? have ye not houses to eat and drink in?" (1 Corinthians 11:22)

From Fourth Street Informer, Hale Center, Texas:

"Last Sunday there was a very hot volley-ball game on the church playground.... It's hard to say who the final winner was, but I think the 'Old Men' were the final victors. This victory would not have been possible if it weren't for the efforts of some of the lady players."

From the Kaufman Highway bulletin in Dallas, Texas: "Swimming: The Pleasant Grove Congregation has rented the swimming pool for Thursday mornings — 8:30 - 9:30. Everyone is invited."

From The Jackson Avenue Bulletin, Memphis, Tennessee:

"Basketball Team: We have organized a basketball team here at Jackson for all men who would like to play and have fellowship in such an effort. We play at the Harding Academy Gym every Thursday evening. There is a $2.00 fee for all who wish to play....."

Hundreds of similar quotes could be given, but space does not permit. These should be sufficient to prove what we wanted to show. Brethren need some lessons on the MISSION of the Lord's church. It is evangelism, edification, and benevolence; nothing more and nothing less. (Eph. 4:12)

Please notice this timely advice, which we no longer hear from these sources. This was before the "social gospel" idea invaded churches.

"Building recreation rooms and providing and supervising recreational activities at the expense of the church is a departure from the simple gospel plan as revealed in the New Testament. The church might as well relieve the parents of feeding and discipling all the young people at church expense as to take over the job of entertaining and supervising their recreation at church expense.

"Be sure to get a clear conception of the duties of the home as contrasted with the duties of the church in the matter of recreation. To confuse the two realms of activity will involve us in absurdities." (Gospel Advocate Annual Lesson Commentary, 1951, page 229.)

If the quotations we have given do not prove that brethren have confused the duties of the home and the church, we fail to see how such would be possible. Yes, we are involved in "absurdities." And Why does the Gospel Advocate and those who stand with it no longer teach and warn as they did in 1951? They say they haven't changed, you know.

"It is not the mission of the church to furnish amusement for the world or even its own members. Innocent amusement in proper proportion has its place in the life of all normal persons, but it is not the business of the church to furnish it.

"For the church to turn aside from its divine work to furnish amusement and recreation is to pervert its mission. Amusement and recreation should stem from the home rather than the church." (B. C. Goodpasture, Gospel Advocate.)

We want to emphasize again that the preachers who support the institutions and sponsoring churches of today no longer oppose these unscriptural practices among churches of Christ. Why? Is it a package deal?

— 1506 Arch Street, Little Rock,. Ark.