THE ORIGIN OF DENOMINATIONS
Lesson Twenty-Two
THE AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY
Introduction:
1. The Restoration Movement resulted in many souls responding to
the simple New Testament message and multitudes of
congregations being established that mirrored the church of
the first century. These converts were forsaking
denominations in order to become simply Christians, members
of the Lord's church; turning away from human creeds, names,
organizations and human derived worship. They now embraced
the New Testament as the final and complete guide for man.
2. The church became the fastest growing religious organization
in the world. As these efforts in the various sections of the
country began to become acquainted with one another, there
began attempts to united their efforts.
3. Also, brethren began to be dissatisfied with the simplicity
of the organization of the church revealed in God's Word.
I. THE AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY:
1. On October 23, 1849, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a convention was
held by some who desired to create a "general church
organization for the furtherance of the work by the church
collectively." It was at this meeting that the "American
Christian Missionary Society" was organized.
2. W. K. Pendleton, son-in-law to Alexander Campbell, sought to
support the Missionary Society by arguing that there is no
expressed objection to the Society. He agreed that there was
no express precept in Scripture that commanded the society.
Then he asked, "What do you make of it?" "Is everything which
is not scriptural wrong?" This line of reasoning opens the
door for anything and everything that is not expressly
forbidden in the scriptures.
3. Mr. Pendleton also argued that God gave the church the
responsibility to preach the gospel to the whole world; yet,
he did not give the method by which the church was to convert
the world. Therefore, whatever method the church chooses to
use is acceptable. Thus, the Missionary Society becomes an
expedient.
4. Thus the framework was formed whereby congregations could
funnel their resources into another organization, which would
in turn do the work which has been given to each local
congregation. Another human institution was established and
shortly was made a test of fellowship amongst the churches.
5. The "Society" was bitterly opposed by those who believed the
church of the Lord to be the only organization approved of by
God for the spreading of the gospel of Christ to all the
world. The peace of that time was threatened and divisions
began to appear. Another denomination was thus formed.
II. INTRODUCTION OF MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC:
1. Shortly after the establishment of the Missionary Society
another issue began to develop. There was a movement among
some of the churches to bring instrumental music into the
worship services.
2. It was 1858 or 1859 that L.L. Pinkerton "introduced a
melodeon into the congregation at that place" (Midway,
Kentucky). One of the elders disapproved and on Sunday night
removed the melodeon from the building. However, by the next
Sunday another had taken its place. It was not until about
1869 that the use of the instrument became a real issue in
the church.
3. As the instrument spread among the congregations, divisions
began to occur. In some instances the advocates of the
Missionary Society and Instrumental Music broke away from
churches with which they worshipped and formed another
church. Other churches insisted that those who opposed these
innovations leave their fellowship.
4. Among the churches were those who contended for New Testament
authority in all things. Others contended for the Missionary
Societies and Instrumental Music on the grounds that these
things are not forbidden in the New Testament. Thus, a wedge
was driven between brethren and congregations were divided.
5. Those who accepted the Missionary Society and Instrumental
Music became known as the Christian Church or the Disciples
Church. This group has continued to drift farther and farther
from the New Testament pattern until today there is very
little resemblance to the church of the first century. They
have become another denomination among the many, using the
same tactics and practices of the denominational world around
them. They have developed the "pastor system"; they have
women preachers in their pulpits; they engage in recreational
and entertainment activities; and many other things that were
never a part of the New Testament churches. Many of their
preachers and teachers deny the Bible as inspired by God;
that Jesus was truly divine; that Jesus was born of the
virgin; that He worked miracles. Modernism has permeated the
pulpits and the social gospel is endorsed.
6. Many have expressed the idea that the only difference between
the Christian Church and the Churches of Christ is the use of
Instrumental music in the worship and the use of the
Missionary Society. But, nothing could be further from the
truth than this. The difference between these two bodies is a
difference in attitude toward the Bible.
This difference is recognized by Dr. A. W. Fortune, in
his book, The Disciples in Kentucky, page 383: "The
controversies through which the Disciples have passed from
the beginning to the present time have been the result of two
different interpretations of their mission. There have been
those who believed it is the spirit of the New Testament
church that should be restored, and in our method of working
the church must adapt itself to changing conditions. There
have been those who regarded the New Testament church as a
fixed pattern for all time, and our business is to hold
rigidly to that pattern regardless of the consequences.
Because of these two attitudes, conflicts were inevitable."
Conclusion:
1. Once again is it seen that the attitude of the members of the
church toward the word of God is the foundation of the purity
of the church. It is the firm conviction of this writer that
a fixed pattern for the church was established in the first
century and that faithful members of the Lord's Body demand
that we hold to that pattern. The church is not to adapt to
the conditions around us; rather, the conditions around us
must be brought into harmony with the revealed truths of
God's Word.
2. How is the church to be kept pure? By following the precepts
and pattern of those early congregations of God's people in
the first century. God's Word does not change. Neither does
man's needs. The gospel is still God's power to save the
souls of mankind. And within the pages of God's Book is found
the instructions needed to make the church just exactly what
the Lord desires it to be.
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