Dale Ridge church of Christ

Alexander Campbell, a prominent gospel preacher of the 19th century American Restoration traveled widely and often in his work.  Well known as an orator, Campbell would frequently hold public debates with denominational leaders and was highly respected as a “revival” or “gospel meeting” speaker.  Many congregations of today can trace their planting to brother Campbell’s preaching tours. 

From his home base in Bethany, Virginia (now WVA), Campbell once departed for the Deep South.  He preached through Tennessee and Georgia.  He preached in Mobile, Alabama.  He preached in Montgomery.  He preached through Mississippi, and finally he reached the city of New Orleans.

It is recorded that Alexander Campbell preached the New Testament gospel throughout the city, exposed several false teachers in the process, and converted many souls.  In fact, the gospel of Christ found such footing in this city that the dominant New Orleans newspaper of day gave much attention to the work.  Indeed, one article wrongly accredited the founding of “a new denomination” to Campbell, which he immediately and strongly refuted, citing Acts 2 as the birthday of the Lord’s church.

One particular news piece holds powerful lessons for us today.  I will paraphrase it.  The writer marvelled at the rapid and sudden growth of the “churches of Christ in our fair city”.  Citing Campbell’s exposition of the Bible as spearheading the restoration of New Testament Christianity, the writer then asked the question “how are these churches growing” to which he then offered this answer :

“The churches of Christ are growing so quickly – as to overtake the denominations long in our city – because every member is a preacher or teacher.”

Fast forward to our times.  Many liberal thinkers in the Lord’s church would have us believe in a long past “golden age” of the church, where radical growth was possible.  But that somehow that season of growth has past, and we must now look to new methods to gain membership.  Please note that gaining membership differs from saving souls, by following the liberal application.    These church growth gurus teach that a new hermeneutic -or way of interpreting scripture-  must be adopted.  We need to learn the tactics of man’s denominations and exercise entertainment, theatrics, charisma, and other techniques in order to keep the modern church goer’s short attention span.  If we are good enough, they just might return, raise our headcount, and the church has “grown”.

Brethren, let us return to our Bible, that we veer not from the ancient path (Jeremiah 18:15) which God has authorized.  Let us recall the example of the noble apostles that “in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42. 

We can follow the example of the evangelist Philip who responded so ably to the inquiry of the Ethiopian eunuch:

“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:30-31

We can be as the New Orleanians of Alexander Campbell’s day, and every member of the body of Christ become a teacher, ready to preach the gospel to all willing ears.  Such is the only true key to church growth.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

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Filed under: Gregg Alexander on December 12th, 2008