Church of Christ - pastoral structure

DoctorDuck

DoctorDuck

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THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – Gospel Broadcasting Network

gbntv.org gbntv.org

As I’ve been looking into a college that’s affiliated with a CoC, I’ve discovered that their churches don’t have a head pastor, nor do they use the title of “pastor.” They are called “elders” and they preach, but there’s always a group of them, not one individual.

On the surface, this group of people seems like they’d mesh very well with your average Baptist congregation, but I’m discovering some real differences. It seems that they also believe in baptism as a requirement for salvation, and no eternal security of salvation.

Here’s a question: would you be more comfortable sending your child to a Catholic college or a CoC college?
 
DoctorDuck said:

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – Gospel Broadcasting Network

gbntv.org gbntv.org

As I’ve been looking into a college that’s affiliated with a CoC, I’ve discovered that their churches don’t have a head pastor, nor do they use the title of “pastor.” They are called “elders” and they preach, but there’s always a group of them, not one individual.

On the surface, this group of people seems like they’d mesh very well with your average Baptist congregation, but I’m discovering some real differences. It seems that they also believe in baptism as a requirement for salvation, and no eternal security of salvation.

Here’s a question: would you be more comfortable sending your child to a Catholic college or a CoC college?
Click to expand...
Does it need to be a
“Christian “ college?
 
DoctorDuck said:

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – Gospel Broadcasting Network

gbntv.org gbntv.org

As I’ve been looking into a college that’s affiliated with a CoC, I’ve discovered that their churches don’t have a head pastor, nor do they use the title of “pastor.” They are called “elders” and they preach, but there’s always a group of them, not one individual.

On the surface, this group of people seems like they’d mesh very well with your average Baptist congregation, but I’m discovering some real differences. It seems that they also believe in baptism as a requirement for salvation, and no eternal security of salvation.

Here’s a question: would you be more comfortable sending your child to a Catholic college or a CoC college?
Click to expand...
Well, catholic not at all similar to a gospel preaching institution. So maybe it would be easier for your child to see that it is false. I don’t know

Whereas, the CoC they teach a form of the gospel. And maybe your child could say, this makes sense.

But of course only you know how grounded your child is.
 
I think we've had this discussion before. It's almost impossible to nail CoC down to any one doctrine. They, however, frequently teach baptismal regeneration. If you're fine with sending your daughter to such an institution, knock yourself out. Just don't be surprised if she emerges with a heretical view of salvation and grace.
 
abcaines said:
I think we've had this discussion before. It's almost impossible to nail CoC down to any one doctrine. They, however, frequently teach baptismal regeneration. If you're fine with sending your daughter to such an institution, knock yourself out. Just don't be surprised if she emerges with a heretical view of salvation and grace.
Click to expand...
They’re very “independent,” like the fundamental baptists.
 
abcaines said:
I think we've had this discussion before. It's almost impossible to nail CoC down to any one doctrine. They, however, frequently teach baptismal regeneration. If you're fine with sending your daughter to such an institution, knock yourself out. Just don't be surprised if she emerges with a heretical view of salvation and grace.
Click to expand...
But what about the actual subject of this thread (pastoral structure)? Thoughts?
 
I think COC would be a whole lot more aggressive to make sure they who attend their college understand or adhere to the doctrines of the denomination.
I'm surmising, but I do not believe the Catholic University would care so much that its attendees be so dogmatic about their beliefs.
IOW, pay your money, don't cause trouble, and you'll be just fine in a Catholic University.
I grew up Catholic, but it was in a bygone era.
 
DoctorDuck said:
But what about the actual subject of this thread (pastoral structure)? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I
DoctorDuck said:
On the surface, this group of people seems like they’d mesh very well with your average Baptist congregation, but I’m discovering some real differences. It seems that they also believe in baptism as a requirement for salvation, and no eternal security of salvation.
Click to expand...
This line from the OP says enough for me. I honestly skipped over that part but it reinforces what I said.

My thoughts: it doesn't matter what their leadership structure is, how well they "mesh" with Baptist doctrines, if they're teaching baptismal regeneration and offer no hope of eternal salvation, (which is a common malady of legalistic institutions) then you are doing your daughter a supreme disservice by sending her there.

She's better off going to a secular school and getting involved in a strong student ministry/church.

I stand by my previous reply.
 
@DoctorDuck

I've been listening to Dr. Adrian Rogers broadcast, Love Worth Finding. They've been broadcasting his series of messages from the book of Jude. I think you would do well to listen to some of this teaching.

loveworthfinding.subspla.sh

Daily Radio Program

loveworthfinding.subspla.sh loveworthfinding.subspla.sh

He addresses many things that will address your investigation into CoC.

In all seriousness and brotherly admonition: PLEASE listen to these teachings and consider if you want your daughter to be exposed to the heresies you have already alluded to in this thread.
 
abcaines said:
@DoctorDuck

I've been listening to Dr. Adrian Rogers broadcast, Love Worth Finding. They've been broadcasting his series of messages from the book of Jude. I think you would do well to listen to some of this teaching.

loveworthfinding.subspla.sh

Daily Radio Program

loveworthfinding.subspla.sh loveworthfinding.subspla.sh

He addresses many things that will address your investigation into CoC.

In all seriousness and brotherly admonition: PLEASE listen to these teachings and consider if you want your daughter to be exposed to the heresies you have already alluded to in this thread.
Click to expand...
I’ll check it out. Thank you.
 
Starlifter said:
I think COC would be a whole lot more aggressive to make sure they who attend their college understand or adhere to the doctrines of the denomination.
I'm surmising, but I do not believe the Catholic University would care so much that its attendees be so dogmatic about their beliefs.
IOW, pay your money, don't cause trouble, and you'll be just fine in a Catholic University.
I grew up Catholic, but it was in a bygone era.
Click to expand...
This is pretty much my thought process too. We’re not Catholic, but I like the fact that the foundation isn’t based in humanism. I attended a state university and know the difference.
 
DoctorDuck said:

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – Gospel Broadcasting Network

gbntv.org gbntv.org

As I’ve been looking into a college that’s affiliated with a CoC, I’ve discovered that their churches don’t have a head pastor, nor do they use the title of “pastor.” They are called “elders” and they preach, but there’s always a group of them, not one individual.

On the surface, this group of people seems like they’d mesh very well with your average Baptist congregation, but I’m discovering some real differences. It seems that they also believe in baptism as a requirement for salvation, and no eternal security of salvation.

Here’s a question: would you be more comfortable sending your child to a Catholic college or a CoC college?
Click to expand...

Are you looking at the school in Temple Terrace?
Years ago, I knew a few students there.
 
My neighbor is a minister in the Church of Christ and he believes I am going to hell because I have not been baptized in his church by one of their ministers. I have heard there are exceptions to this but I have never personally met one. They teach salvation is a process that must be exercised in the following order.

1. Believe
2. Repent
3. Confess
4. Be baptized

Some refer to them as “Southern Catholics” because of the belief that they are the only true church. In this video Kyle Butt who is the Associate Director of Apologetics Press which is connected with the Churches of Christ teachings, explains why even if someone believes the gospel he will still go to hell if he dies just before he has a chance to step into the water; the fourth step of salvation. There is no question they don’t teach the same gospel Paul did.

 
Dr. Duck, before you send your daughter to a Campbellite college, I recommend you and your daughter read the book "Campbellism - Its History and Heresies" by Bob L. Ross - if you can find it.

www.allbookstores.com

Campbellism: Its History and Heresies

Campbellism: Its History and Heresies by Bob L. Ross.
www.allbookstores.com www.allbookstores.com

archive.org

Campbellism : its history and heresies : Ross, Bob L : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

175 pages : 21 cm
archive.org archive.org

Years ago when I lived in Cooksville, Illinois, I was a friend of the family of the elder (not pastor) of the Cooksville Church of Christ. I became familiar with their beliefs. They believe one must be baptized by immersion to be saved. They may not prefer the term "baptismal regeneration" but that, for all practical purposes, is what they believe. They are Arminian. They are "non-instrumental" - no musical instruments allowed in worship services. They, for the most part, reject dispensational Bible prophecy. (Don't tell anybody but I agree with them on that). The Campbellites are very nice people, but I could not join one of their churches, based on their belief that baptism is required to be saved.
 
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