Are We "Merely Assuming"?
Recently I engaged in a conversation with a former college room-mate who is serving as "associate minister" for one of the larger congregations here in Southern California. Before long we were involved in a discussion of the "cooperation issues."
In one of my arguments I was drawing a parallel between churches working through the Missionary Society and through a benevolent institution, feeling sure that by this reasoning my friend could see the error in latter. He listened patiently until I had finished my argument and then stated, "You are merely assuming that everybody is against the 'Missionary Society!" At first I was sure I had misunderstood what he had said, but upon further inquiry I learned that his only objection to the Missionary Society was that it had the power to dominate congregations. He believed nothing at all would be wrong with churches sending their funds to a board of directors who would then hire preachers and send them into the field! I was completely dumbfounded.
Some might think little of this incident, feeling that this person is simply ignorant of past issues and of the New Testament. But this individual was "raised" in the church; both of his parents always have been diligent workers in the church; his desire for many years has been to preach the gospel, educating himself with this in mind; and recently receiving a M.A. in Greek. So we certainly can't accuse him of being ignorant.
Since this eye-opening discussion, I cannot help but believe that we are not digging out the tap-root of these issues which is the Missionary Society itself! I have heard many, many sermons opposing the instrument of music in worship and I'm sure it is widely preached upon. Consequently, we have absolutely nobody (that is, nobody known) who accepts it. But I cannot recall having heard even one sermon opposing the Missionary Society and I'm sure it has seldom if ever been preached upon. Consequently, we have a growing element in the church that accepts the Missionary Society.
I am certain we need more sound teaching concerning this heinous monster that divided the church a century ago. Above all, let us ask ourselves the question: In our discussions, sermons and written articles, are we "merely assuming" that everybody is against the Missionary Society?