Mike Hixson

Unfortunately, many sincere and honest people in the religious world do not understand the significance of the one true church.  They fail to understand that it is a spiritual institution that mandates a spiritual birth in order to enter it (John 3:3,5; Luke 17:20-21). Furthermore, they fail to understand that this spiritual institution must follow the prescribed pattern for worship as revealed in the NEW TESTAMENT (John 4:24; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11; 16: 1-2; Eph. 5:19; Acts 2:42; I Tim. 2:8).   They also fail correctly to comprehend the scriptural organization of the church (Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:15).  And, they fail to ascertain the importance of wearing a scriptural name (Rom. 16:16).

In recent years, many among us have begun to falter in understanding the significance of the one true church revealed in the Bible.  The trend of today among some seems to be to set up shop under the name of "The Community Church."   In Memphis, Tennessee, we have "Community Churches" in Collierville, Fraiser, and now Cordova.  All of these ventures have been the result of members whose roots have been in the church of Christ.

One of the latest ventures, Cordova Community Church, is the result of John Mark Hicks, professor at Harding Graduate School, and Gary Ealy.  The Commercial Appeal states the "Community Church describes itself as a self-governing, Bible-believing and teaching church, loosely affiliated with the Church of Christ."   It is quite interesting that this church, meeting in Harding Academy, has sandwiched itself between two faithful congregations, Woodland Hills and Cordova, the latter not more than a mile from the community church meeting place.

With regard to the efforts of Hicks and Ealy, a number of questions and comments are in order.  First, how can they be "loosely affiliated with church of Christ" and be true to the New Testament?  According to the Bible, one is either in or out of the church; there is no middle ground (cf. I Cor. 12:13, 20, 27).

Second, is it possible these brethren view the church of Christ as nothing more than a denomination, which it is not?  And is it possible these brethren have no problem fellowshipping and embracing denominationalism?  Apparently, Gary Ealy does not have a problem with it.  I have in my possession a letter he wrote to the "New Hope Christian Church" in Bartlett, Tennessee, in which he writes, "Dear Kurt, I enjoyed our lunch together on Wednesday.  I am honored by the decision made by the committee to invite me to minister with you as God leads you to your new location. I sense a wonderful comradery of spirit and purpose with you and the church."  Did you take note of what brother Ealy said to the preacher of the Christian church, "minister with you as God leads you?"  That statement surely sounds like an open embrace of denominationalism to me.  And yet the Word of God says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11).

Third, why the name "Community Church?"  Is it possible they are ashamed of scriptural terminology (i.e. "church of Christ," Rom. 16:16)?  Where is the authority for such a name, "community church?"   While there are a number of Scriptural designations that could be employed to designate a congregation, the "community" church is not one.  Our brethren have always maintained there is something in a name, and there is!

Fourth, they claim to be "a new group, with a new vision, and a new horizon."   If such is true, and we believe it to be the case, they are certainly not rooting themselves in the church revealed in the New Testament.  There is nothing restorative about this effort; it is digression.

Fifth, they indicate "a contemporary, informal worship style…will probably attract more of the younger generation."  What do they mean by "contemporary" and "informal" worship?  Brethren, what they mean is "hand clapping," "raising hands," etc.  Question, where is their authority?  Their worship "style" is more a reflection of the Pentecostalism and emotionalism that is sweeping our brotherhood.  And by the way, where in the Word of God do we have authority to allow the world to dictate what is appealing in worship? Whatever happened to Romans 12:1-2; John 2:24; Colossians 3:17?

Sixth, they claim at the "Cordova Community Church you will…hear positive, practical and relevant messages of encouragement."   Would it be too much to ask what happened to Paul’s charge in II Tim. 4:1-2?   Is it possible our brethren do not want to preach a distinctive message from the Word of God, lest someone be offended and converted of sin?

Seventh, they claim to be a "Bible believing and teaching church." We have already proven otherwise. Their approach is out of harmony with the pattern revealed in the Bible.

Eight, the close proximity of their efforts to faithful congregations is questionable in light of the Lord’s prayer for unity through His Word (John 17:20-21).

Ninth, what are we to think of Harding Academy and Harding Graduate School’s ties to the new community church?  These schools were founded and originated with the purpose of upholding the ideals of New Testament Christianity.   Many faithful members of the Lord’s church have made great sacrifices to insure the stability and growth of these institutions. Question:  Are Harding Academy and Harding Graduate School "loosely affiliated with churches of Christ?"   Are they interested in building the "Community Church," or the church of Christ?  And if they do not desire to remain true to their heritage, restoration Christianity, then we do not need to be supportive of their efforts in any way!  This would include congregations allowing Harding Academy to use their facilities. (II John 9-11)