Read a little black book today, shouldn't have. Which Religion is the TRUE religion?

[flameburns623]

boppysbud:

This is true for the UCC which has a mixed polity, but the so-called “churches of Christ” are organised in a pure congregational manner. They have no synods, areas, districts, or associations.

I was afraid I was unclear. The ‘synod’ to which I was refering is the local board of elders of each Church of Christ–which will INDEED call a parson on the carpet if he strays too far afield. Moreover, they will denounce such an one to all neighboring Churches of Christ if need be, and they will notify any church which contacts them as a reference that such a pastor was dismissed for unorthodox teaching. As a result, Churches of Christ are rather uniform in their doctrine and practice, despite the fact that their pastors are indeed not always well trained.

I agree that Churches of Christ and Christian Church congregations split rather readily. Usually this happens as a consequence of growth and only in recent years have such churches realized that they need a plan to manage the ‘planting’ of new congregations BEFORE a congregation grows so large that it is split by petty bickering from within. Typically, if a congregation reaches about 300 adult members it is ripe for an unamiable split, and so congregations are advised to split themselves long before reaching such a size. Ironically–the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (originally a ‘nondenominational’ movement) cannot easily tolerate large congregations. Yet the new ‘seeker-sensitive’ non-denominational churches manage to grow to thousands upon thousands of members.

 

[CD4]

Typically, if a congregation reaches about 300 adult members it is ripe for an unamiable split, and so congregations are advised to split themselves long before reaching such a size. Ironically–the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (originally a ‘nondenominational’ movement) cannot easily tolerate large congregations. Yet the new ‘seeker-sensitive’ non-denominational churches manage to grow to thousands upon thousands of members.

Interesting. The church we are familiar with is a Church of Christ church that belongs to a “conference”…This church is large, and getttign larger all the time…The same is true for a non-denom. across the street…But the church across the street is truly a “stand alone” church…

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CCM, probably has about fifteen hundred members now…and more are joining all the time. It’s a very vital plcace…Lots of energy and enthusiasism for the Lord. They had a thousand kids for Bible School.

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**This church has lots of ministries, lots of adult study opportunities, Bible Studies galore, and an extremely active Senior’s group, called Evergreen that actually does more than eat and travel…Their ministries are fantastic. **

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All they have to do is announce a need for something, and it is supplied…whether it is help for a family, a new addition, medical supplies for a mission trip to Honduras (my husband and I did this once…I was on the medical team, and he did construction work)…The generosity of thise people is outstanding.

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However, though I am well aquainted with CCM, and love it, I have remained Catholic. I go there to be with my husband, but always attend Mass, too. Although CCM celebrates the Lord’s Supper each week…and very reverently, I might add…I know it is not the same as the Eucahrist, and never partake of it. I am open about being Catholic, and they accept me as one of them anyway…