The Granbury Street congregation in Cleburne, Tex., will sponsor its annual open forum Feb. 27, highlighting the theme, “Politics and Religion” (PDF here). Given the nature of the theme, BNc asked Kevin W. Rhodes, preacher finishing his second master’s degree in Political Science, about the forum.

BNc: What is the purpose of the annual open forum?

Rhodes: Our Open Forum is designed to draw attention to a current problem in the church or an important issue in people’s lives and then to address it in a constructive, edifying manner using the Bible as the guide.

BNc: Does the forum draw outsiders, or mostly people from local congregations?

Rhodes: We advertise the program both locally and regionally while also offering an invitation to others through the Internet as well as word of mouth. In previous years, we have had people come from all over Texas and Oklahoma. When the topic is of particular compelling interest, we can have people from other places as well.

BNc: Why the choice of this theme on politics, since it’s such a polarizing subject?

Rhodes: The Open Forum is designed to handle controversial topics; therefore, the theme of Politics and Religion is consistent with most of the themes over the years. Since politics has intruded more and more into moral issues and other matters affecting religion, and since the Bible addresses the subject, the elders at Granbury Street deemed it important to discuss from a biblical point of view rather than allowing those in the political world free rein on the subject.

BNc: Is there a danger of the church losing its tax-exempt status as a result of the forum’s theme this year?

Rhodes: I do not see how the church’s tax-exempt status could be threatened by our theme. We are looking at the relationship of politics and religion from a biblical point of view; therefore, it perfectly fits within the recognized role of a church which receives tax-exempt status. The normal limits would eliminate the endorsement of political candidates or parties in any official capacity, but that is not at all our purpose.

Barry Lynn’s organization, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has spent a great deal of money trying to scare churches. However, so long as we are having a Bible discussion rather than a political discussion, any attempt to take away that status would just be a ploy.

We are to speak the whole counsel of God, and that includes the Christian’s relationship with government and the moral issues involved in politics. Our tax-exempt status was not even a consideration.

BNc? What do you hope to accomplish by addressing this topic?

Rhodes: We hope to provoke people to think about every aspect of their lives—including those that are controversial and that might even challenge our previous practices—from a biblical point of view. There are also movements attempting to mischaracterize what the Bible teaches on this subject; therefore, it seems wise to examine it biblically and critically so that people will not be fooled by pseudo-logic and error but that they  might instead accept the truth and, if necessary, reorder their lives as God’s will requires it.

BNc: What type of format does the forum have? Who are the speakers?

Rhodes: The Open Forum is designed to give those in attendance an opportunity to ask questions that pertain to the theme. The four panelists each give an opening statement to provoke thought and stir greater interest in the topic at hand. Then I, as moderator, begin directing questions in turn to the various members of the panel for comment, allowing the other panelists to rebut or comment as they would like, though there are time limits for each.

Audience members are provided cards on which to write questions, which are then turned into me. Those that are on topic and suitable, I then direct to the panel. At the close, each panelist will also have the opportunity to make a closing statement. Each year we attempt to find panelists who have different experiences and knowledge of the theme while also having good Bible knowledge.

This year our panelists are Rick Brumback, Director of the Southwest School of Bible Studies; Mark Hanstein, Academic Dean at Bear Valley School of Preaching; Oran Rhodes, former Director of Midwestern School of Preaching and editor of Sound Words; and Phil Sanders, Associate Speaker for In Search of the Lord’s Way. All panelists have advanced degrees and extensive experience in the pulpit.

BNc: How long has the open forum been held?

Rhodes: This will be Granbury Street’s eighteenth Open Forum and my seventh. While we have made some adjustments to the format over those years, it remains essentially the same event as the first one held in 1993.

BNc: What are some memorable moments of past forums?

Rhodes: Early on, our timekeeper, who is a former Marine, took aim at one of the panelists with a water gun when he kept ignoring the time limits.

The year that the theme was “The Holy Spirit,” there was standing room only in a fairly large auditorium (around 600 present).

BNc? How does the open forum fit into, and contribute toward, the overall work of the Granbury church?

Rhodes: When we choose themes for the Open Forum, it is because we believe they will be of benefit to our own members. Sometimes a doctrinal problem exists in society or in the church that the elders wish to address in a straightforward manner while also providing an opportunity to inform others as well. However, the greatest benefit to the congregation might be in the work that goes on in preparation for the Forum.

BNc: Any notable characteristics of the Granbury church?

Rhodes: Granbury Street, a congregation of 200+ Christians, has long been known for its love for God and love for the truth. We are involved in the Spanish-speaking work at the North Anglin congregation in town, recently began sponsorship of Rohan Jones’ work in South Africa and of Garrett McGilvray’s work in Quebec, and have supported the training of gospel preachers for many years. John Moore, when he was co-editor of the Gospel Journal, wrote a very kind piece about the congregation in one of his editorials.

This year we have the opportunity to welcome everyone to a freshly remodeled facility. After more than two years, we have completed the rebuilding of our annex, added an office complex, and refurbished the auditorium and foyer.

Recently the Tennessean, a newspaper in Nashville, Tenn., ran an article entitled, “Churches of Christ drop isolationist view, work with other faiths.” The author, Bob Smietana, featured the changes taking place at Otter Creek Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tenn.

Smietana interviewed associate minister Doug Sanders, who repeated a number of progressive charges made against mainstream churches of Christ.

“In the Church of Christ, we had all the answers. And if we had the answers, that meant everyone else didn’t. It’s kind of embarrassing to admit it, but that’s the way it was,” Sanders said.

Sanders noted that Otter Creek had taken a more progressive approach to Christianity and had left the “traditional” beliefs and practices of the Church of Christ. Otter Creek uses instruments in worship on Sunday evenings and through the week. They also hold “a vespers service on Wednesday night, with chanting and a liturgical Communion service.” Otter Creek is also well known for offering line dancing classes to the community.

Otter Creek, like Woodmont Hills in Nashville and Richland Hills near Ft. Worth, Tex., has moved seriously away from the practices of most of the churches in Nashville. They fellowship as members people who were not immersed as adults and cooperate with other religious groups in charitable efforts.

Glenn Carson of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society suggests that congregations like Otter Creek are creating a fourth stream of the Restoration movement, “distinct from Churches of Christ and other groups.”

Lee Camp of Lipscomb University feared this group would become “become plain vanilla evangelicals.”

Dan Chambers of Concord Rd. Church of Christ in Brentwood said he felt they had basically surrendered “the whole Restoration idea.”

Rubel Shelly, president of Rochester College in Michigan, says Churches of Christ will have to adapt in the future or lose their effectiveness.

“The notion that people in the 21^st century are going to find their identity in a particular denomination is getting and more unlikely,” Shelly said. “If we ever had the luxury of being divided at every nuance of belief, we are losing it in this culture.”

Shelly, Sanders and others in the progressive movement have jumped ship for the culture of our time. They accused churches of Christ of thinking they had it all right. This is a misunderstanding. The question among churches of Christ is not so much who is right but rather what is right.

Christians have no right to progress beyond the words of Christ or to participate with those who do go beyond them (2 John 9). Jesus defined true disciples as those who “abide” in his words (John 8:31-32).

If we allow culture to dictate our faith and practice, then we have replaced Christ as Lord with our culture.

While Paul sought to identify with the cultures in which he lived (1 Cor. 9:19-23), he kept his focus on standing in the apostolic traditions which he received (1 Cor. 11:1; 15:1-3). Whether among pagans or Jews, Paul understood that he was under the law of Christ. Even though removed a generation out of Palestine and called to a fleshly and pagan culture at Corinth, he did not create a “reimagined” faith for a new generation. He held to what he received (Col. 2:6-8).

Most churches of Christ reject the Pharisaical practice of making laws not found in Scripture (Matt. 15:1-14); they also reject the practice of abandoning the Scripture to follow human religions shaped by culture.

Over a century ago, those who followed the course of the Disciples of Christ were sure the churches of Christ would soon vanish because they did not “keep up with the times.” They were sure the churches of Christ would lose their young people if they did not start using instruments of music in worship.

But the critics were wrong.

From 1906 to 2006 churches of Christ grew nearly eight times larger and have large numbers of young adults. According to the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey taken in 2008, churches of Christ have more young adults aged 18-29 than any major religious group in America (22 percent). They didn’t leave but valued simple, New Testament Christianity.

Meanwhile, I’m seeing many of the progressive, fourth-wave congregations flourish for a time and then seriously decline when people realize they have nothing distinctive to offer.

People still want conviction, and young people appreciate a distinctive identity. While mainstream churches of Christ retain most of their young adults (67 percent), the progressive, fourth-wave churches lose more than 60 percent of their children. Most of these children go into community churches.

Whether doctrinally or practically, it is best to hold fast to the divine traditions (1Cor. 11:2).

Phil is minister and associate speaker on In Search of the Lord’s Way, a nationally broadcast television ministry under the oversight of the Edmond, Okla., church.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BNc) –

Carolyn was the widow of Byron Benson, a faithful gospel preacher who died Aug. 24, 2009.  They had been married for 52 years.  She was 69.

Carolyn was a talented person. She loved to paint. She developed educational material for the Grady, Ala., congregation where she and Byron had labored for 36 years.

She had retired from her position at the Faulkner University Library.

Carolyn was a quiet and lovable Christian lady with a sweet disposition.

Her funeral will be held at the Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery on Sat., Feb. 6, with visitation on Fri., 5–7 p.m.

Carolyn is survived by two sons, Lee (Layla) and Blaine (Patty); four grandchildren, Emma-Lane, Lily, Carter and Lucy; a brother-in-law, Jimmie (Artie); two nephews, Clay and Clint and a host of friends.

Carolyn’s parents, Charles and Drula Sanders preceded her in death.

Her funeral service will be conducted by her sons, her nephews and her brother-in-law. Roger Dill and Raymond Elliott will conduct the graveside service.

PURCELLVILLE, Va. (BNc) — Jan. 24 was a momentous day of firsts in northern Virginia. That Sunday morning Donnie Vick stepped into the pulpit in Purcellville to begin his first full-time ministry as a preacher in the Lord’s church. That same day, the 11-year-old local congregation heard a sermon from its first full-time preacher.

When Vick and his wife Stephanie arrived at their new home just two days prior, they were greeted by excited adults and teens of the congregation who assisted in moving their belongings. They presented the Vicks with a pantry stocked with dry goods and gift cards to get them started in their new home.

Vick is a January 2010 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching in Memphis, Tenn. The son of a 30-year gospel preacher, his dream has always been to preach.

“I started when I was a little boy in the living room,” he said.

While Vick was at MSOP, the brethren in Purcellville were busy working to complete the first and only worship facility of the saints in Loudoun County, Va. Concurrently, the congregation was making plans to hire their first full-time preacher. Church elder Clyde Roby spearheaded the effort, making a recruiting trip to MSOP in April, 2009.

Roby’s efforts were met with enthusiastic support from the school, which permitted him to give a brief presentation to identify interested aspiring preachers. Donnie Vick was among those who expressed interest and met with Roby privately to discuss the work in detail.

“I was impressed with his excitement and attitude about preaching the truth”, said Roby of Vick. “He seemed even more excited when I told him that northern Virginia is considered as much a mission field for the Lord’s church as any place outside the U.S.”

According to Vick, he and Stephanie have long desired to work in a mission field. When asked why Purcellville, he replied, “The work excites me. [There are] 300,000 people in Loudoun County, Va., and only three churches of Christ in the county. Needless to say, there aren’t 100,000 people in each congregation.”

Vick plans to follow the pattern in Acts 20:20 in preaching publicly and from house to house in order to evangelize Purcellville and the surrounding community. He stressed the importance of living the Christian life and letting our light shine before men.

“When they know that [our Christianity is important to us], then when we start talking to them about the Gospel, they will listen”, he stated.

When asked about barriers to be overcome, Vick said, “The devil wants me to fail, but really the only person that can stop me from living right and preaching the truth is me. So I’ve determined that failure is not an option.”

Vick then said of the congregation, “After what the brethren have already done for Stephanie and me, it would take the Virginia National Guard to get me out this place!”

Vick, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., holds an undergraduate degree in Spanish from Freed-Hardeman University. He plans to continue his education in the areas of Biblical languages and counseling.

The town of Purcellville is one of 26 cities in the fourth fastest growing county in the USA. It is located 52 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., near the West Virginia border.

The Purcellville congregation consists of about 37 adults and 30 teens and young children. It is served by three elders and four deacons.

For further information, visit the congregation’s website.

ARDMORE, Okla. (BNc) —

The Gospel of Christ ministry had “its best year ever,” reported Kevin Pendergrass to BNc. Pendergrass works with the development of the ministry and is one of its speakers.

The 11 million page hits came from the U.S. and 166 other countries.

The TGOC evangelistic work uses television, radio and the Internet in an effort to “take the whole Gospel to the whole world.”

Overseen by the elders of the McLish Avenue congregation in Ardmore, TGOC offers programming by speakers Ben Bailey and James Gravelle, besides Pendergrass.

The website (www.thegospelofchrist.com ) offers a wide selection of free 30-minute programs in video, audio and transcript formats.

TGOC also offers 3-minute audio programs, short videos and other tools, including Bible quizzes, Bible crosswords and word-search puzzles.

Pendergrass said he will be traveling extensively in 2010 to inform congregations about TGOC’s work.

Those interested in learning more may contact him through the website to schedule a visit, or by calling 580-223-3289.

by Richard Mansel

HAZLEHURST, Ga. (BNc) — Ian Burgin said, “So many churches are small in Southeast Georgia, and we remain true to the pattern and serving God.”

Burgin, minister with the Nashville, Ga., church extolled the virtues of serving in a small congregation as he gave a report on the work in his community, at the church workers’ meeting.

Workers from a variety of congregations in Southeast Georgia drive on the first Monday of each month to Sisters Country Kitchen to fellowship and edify one another.

These brethren are close and look forward to these visits. They also attend each other’s gospel meetings and seminars. Most have known each other for many years.

We meet and greet one another and share a printed copy of an article or a sermon with everyone else. The meeting begins and some preliminary comments precede the speaker coming to deliver a lesson.

In the most recent meeting, Richard Mansel, of the Allenhurst congregation, spoke on the necessity of being Biblical and how important it is to use Scriptural language.

Accordingly, we must remember that the denominational world has changed the definitions of many words and that people may hear something different from what we mean, as a result. We must be exact and Scriptural in our preaching and teaching, so we can all be on the same page and be as one.

After a meal together from the buffet, we have reports from the various congregations on how the Lord is blessing their communities. We report on gospel meetings, seminars and youth days, as well as mission reports, jail ministries, publishing efforts and supporting new congregations.

It is edifying to hear what the brethren are doing to reach the lost.

In addition, we have an area-wide newsletter to make all the congregations aware of these activities.

In Southeast Georgia, congregations are small and far apart. These brethren frequently drive two hours, round trip, or more to gospel meetings several times a year. Many drive that far and more to attend these church workers’ meetings each month. These brethren are dedicated to the cause of Christ.

Since Southeast Georgia is largely a military area, we pray for the troops and their families, as well as each other and our respective works. Some of those in the meeting have children who are serving abroad in the armed forces.

The Lord is active worldwide and we must all be forever grateful and tireless in his fields and give him the glory (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Preachers’ meetings are a great joy, and every area of the brotherhood should have them.

The church would be stronger if brethren would work and serve together as one (Ephesians 4:1-6).

RICHLAND HILLS, Tex., (BNc) – The College Hill church sponsored a workshop on Jan. 23. The purpose of the workshop was to bring interested supporters of Korean mission efforts first-hand, up-to-date information about the work in South Korea, along with the hope for carrying the gospel into North Korea by Malcolm Parsley, a longtime missionary to Korea.

Pictured are Stanley Morris, Lynn Yocum, Betty Choate and Don Petty.

Parsley was scheduled to direct the workshop but became ill the night before. The workshop agenda was rearranged to utilize the leaders of College Hill in an appropriate way.

Betty Choate shared her ideas on the way the Lord’s providence had been obvious in her life of mission work with her late husband J.C., since 1955. She is presently carrying on the work with the publishing company, Choate Publications, sending free preaching materials to mission fields all over the world from Winona, Miss.

Choate still makes mission trips into Asia, primarily India, to spread the word. She speaks to elders and ladies’ groups all over the brotherhood to report on the work and to secure funds for the ongoing work of World Evangelism and Choate Publications.

Working with her in these endeavors are two other families in Winona, Louis and Bonnie Rushmore and Jerry and Paula Bates, all of whom make mission journeys into Asia to teach the word.

Stanley Morris spoke on behalf of the new translation of the Bible he completed in Oct., 2009, and about how he intends to translate the new version into Korean over the next several years. He also explained the many efforts being used to teach the word effectively on the web, stressing that congregations could learn how to do this work and carry out such teaching in their own communities and beyond, via the web.

Parsley came to the afternoon sessions of the meeting and spoke at length about the work he has done and his plans for Korea. The Korean people seem to have a growing interest in the truth of God’s word and in true, sound doctrine. Parsley has been a lifetime missionary and is an expert on Korean culture and language. He has worked out an agreement with Morris to help with the translation of his work into Korean. Between them, they will gather the right Koreans and resources to make the translation accurate and effective in Korea.

The workshop ran all day with Morris showing some of the Bibles from which he works, including the first English translation (an actual 1611 translation), and a Geneva Bible, along with several others. Morris calls on his scholarly expertise in Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew in his intense work.

The workshop accomplished its goal of informing participants about these two areas of work, Korean Missions and the new Bible version by Stanley Morris.

Photo supplied courtesy of Lisa Cox.

GENEVA, Ala., (BNc) – Six ladies in three different parts of the country, who may never meet this side of heaven, all share common goals.

“It’s wonderful. I don’t want to quit. My favorite pasttime is making dresses,” says Lona Cantrell, pictured.

All the ladies are using what they have, not what they wish they had, to make little dresses, or outfits, for the children in the Amerindian villages of Guyana. Lona Cantrell holds the record of the most dresses made thus far.

“I have made over 350,” she said. “I cut out 6-7 at a time and sew 2-3 dresses a day. Every other Wednesday I take in a new batch of dresses and hang them up in the back of the church building for others to see, hoping it will encourage them.”

When asked what sizes she made, she replied, “from newborn to size 14.” She started her mission work of making the little dresses in 2007. She has also sent six dresses to Thailand and 20-24 to Honduras.

Lona is a member of the Earlyville congregation, out from McMinnville, Tenn. The ladies at Earlyville sew every Wednesday. They make teddy bears, stamp a face on them and stuff them. These are then given to the Sheriff’s Department, nursing home, doctors’ offices and dental offices to be given away. On the back of each special gift is a tag stating the item was made by the ladies of the Earlyville church. Along with the little dresses and the teddy bears, the ladies also quilt and give them to newly-married couples in the congregation or people whose homes have burned.

Lona has been married for 42 years to her beloved Charles. They married in November and she was baptized on Christmas eve.

Jerry O. Davidson, missionary to the Amerindians, said at one time he picked up 60 dresses that Lona had made. He says when he goes on his mission trips to Guyana, “the ladies of the church get together after services and match the dresses with children in the village according to size.”

From the hills of Tennessee to the northern part of Alabama, we found Betty Smith, Ernestine Raulston and Faye Arnold, who also make dresses for the children in the villages of Guyana. Their ages range from retirement to the 80’s, and their sentiment is the same. Betty Smith and Ernestine Raulston worship at the Bridgeport, Ala., church.

Betty said, “I’m glad to do it. It was something I could do. I didn’t have to buy any material, and I’m thankful I’m still able to do that much.”

Joni O’Neal, wife of missionary to India and Guyana, John O’Neal, told the ladies of this great need one day in their Bible class. The saying, “It only takes a spark to get a fire burning,” is true. Immediately these ladies knew they could do this. They had material that they had kept for years, and the idea took off.

At the nearby Dorans Cove church, Bridgeport, Ala., Faye Arnold said, “You wouldn’t believe the material I have. I’m gonna try to make some of the little dresses.”

She chose size 1 for her endeavor, and with her love of sewing she made a little dress and has plans to make more. When asked what she thought of the dress she had made, she said, “Just as cute as it can be!”

Not only are the children of Guyana receiving a blessing from the little dresses, but Ernestine Raulston, a retired school teacher, is also teaching her 13-year-old granddaughter how to sew.

Ernestine said, “I enjoy helping someone else. To bring a smile to those children’s faces is great.”

She said the ladies who are sewing are considering setting up an assembly line with the help of more ladies.

Moving on down in the state of Alabama, we find two ladies who wish to remain anonymous. Both are members of the Eastern Shore church, Daphne, Ala. They bought some 99¢ patterns on sale at a local fabric store, and using material they had on hand, their dreams soon became a reality. They have already sent 22 dresses to the children. Each dress has a label in the back that says, “Church of Christ. God loves you and so do we.” Their dresses are from size 3-8. One lady said that she believes their efforts help to break the ice for campaigners who go into the country to teach the gospel.

Frances Davidson, wife of missionary Jerry Davidson, said, “It isn’t like these dresses will be used by one child and then discarded. They are passed down to other children, so several of the children will get to use each dress.”

May the examples of these fine Christians inspire us all to reach out to the less fortunate, using our talents to the glory of God.

Lord, here am I. Send me.

ASUNCION, Paraguay (BNc) –

Graduates of the Southwest School of Bible Studies, in Austin, Tex., the Spradlins are overseen by the Margaret Street congregation in Milton, Fla.

Troy began chronicling their move and his reactions Jan. 25 in “Culture Shock Chronicles,” on The Fellowship Room website.

In one of his chronicles, Troy attributed to the providence of God their readiness to begin the work. “… we have hit every one of our targets and met all the goals we set out to achieve. We are fully funded and have completed all the preparation that we possibly could,” he said.

Mission team members already working with the Sacramento church in the capital are completing their commitments. The Spradlins and Josh Blackmer families will replace the returning workers and continue reaching out to the city and region, according to the website Paraguay Mission.

SWSBS instructor Kevin Cauley told BNc, “Having known Troy as a student, I can say that he is a conscientious and hard-working Christian.  He knows how to be the kind of leader the church needs today.  He and his wife Andrea always displayed a can-do attitude.  The Lord’s church in Paraguay will benefit from Troy and Andrea’s efforts there.”

“Lots of emotions are tumbling around inside as we are dealing with the anticipation of leaving Friday, sadness from all the farewells and well-wishes, to the stress of finishing up a few final details for our departure,” Troy wrote Tuesday on their weblog, The Spradlin Summary.

A sister in Christ, Socorro, called J. Randal Matheny this morning and said her husband Paulo Silva had hit a person in his car this morning about 6:30 a.m., on his way to work, resulting in the person’s death.

The person stepped out in front of his car, and he was unable to swerve away.

Paulo went to the police station, with members of the deceased’s family. There were witnesses, but they did not stay at the scene of the accident.

Paulo was released from the police station between 10:30-11:00 Brasilia time.

Paulo has been a Christian for many years. Matheny performed his and Socorro’s wedding. They have one son, Netinho, 1 and 1/2 years old.

“Paulo, Socorro and Netinho paid us a visit last night in our home for Bible reading and prayer,” said Matheny.

The man who was hit was 40ish, separated from his wife, with two daughters.

“Two of his brothers, ironically, live on our street,” Socorro said.

Socorro said Paulo decided to go ahead to work, but he was sent home by his company.

Paulo has been in contact with the lawyer of the company where he works.

Another brother in Christ who is a lawyer said he was going to visit the police station today and talk to the police chief, to make sure they tested for alcohol or drugs during the autopsy, which would almost automatically release him from the process, since it would suggest the victim was imprudent or even possibly suicidal.

Matheny reported in an update on his website, “I talked with Paulo by phone late this afternoon. He’s pretty shaken up.”

“There are people looking out for his well-being, and that counts for a lot in these parts,” said Matheny.

“Please pray that Paulo will not suffer any legal or criminal action as a result, as well as being able to deal with the emotional impact of being the cause, however indirectly and innocently, of another person’s death,” Matheny requested.

Matheny has worked with the church in Sao Jose dos Campos for 15 years.