And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" When he said, "No," they said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. - Judges 12:5-6 ESV Last year my brother-in-law Marcelo Lima came to the United States to raise support for the mission work in Uberlândia, Brazil. His background in Brazil is in the a cappella Churches of Christ, but through me his sponsoring congregation is an independent Christian Church in Martelle, IA (they helped support me before in Brazilian mission work). My family's home congregation is Central Jersey Church of Christ, part of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Shortly after arriving in the United States he went with us to church, and afterwards he seemed confused. "People kept asking me if I was a 'disciple.' Is that the normal way people in the churches here ask if you're a Christian?" Well, no, it isn't. I'd forgotten to mention to him the "in" lingo of the International churches. With this group "disciple" means you're a member of the Churches of Christ, specifically the ICOC branch. I figured this out early on and used it even though I wasn't, at that time, connected to the ICOC. I figured that I was (and am) a disciple of Jesus Christ the same way they were (and are), through faith in Christ, repentance of sin, and baptism. He is Lord, and I am a disciple. This isn't sort of insider language isn't unique to the ICOC, though. When I was studying at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas I bought a different used car to replace my old one. Harding is connected to the a cappella Churches of Christ, and at that time I was preaching for an independent Christian Church. As I was still a Missouri resident I wanted to register the car in Missouri. So, I drove it north across the state line and found a garage to get it inspected. As I was explaining my situation to the garage's secretary I mentioned I was a student at Harding. She asked me, smiling, "Are you a member of the church?" I was somewhat taken aback, but knew enough to say yes. She called one of the mechanics over, identified him as her husband and told him I was "a member of the church." What she meant, using this insider language, was that I was a member of the Church of Christ. In her mind she surely meant the a cappella Church of Christ, and so for that reason it felt somewhat like a lie afterwards when I thought about it, given that I considered myself then to be more connected to the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. All groups have their ways of communicating, though. The Community of Christ talks about special teachers, preachers or singers (among many types of ministry) as "bringing ministry." For example, "Jill brought ministry at last week's service through a special song." In general, I have no problem with groups having their own unique ways of speaking. It's part of the culture. It can be a problem, though, when it's used in an exclusionary way, or in a manner that makes people feel like outsiders (particularly when they don't need to feel that way). If I can't say I'm a "member of the church" because I'm not part of an a cappella Church of Christ, or a "disciple" because I'm not a member of an ICOC congregation (which I am now), then there's a problem. Tom Jones puts it like this in his history of the ICOC: If we in the ICOC are to help others overcome their fears about us, I would suggest we start by watching the way we talk. One example would be for us to no longer use the word "disciple" as a shibboleth or code from someone who is part of an ICOC church, as in "Is he a disciple?" Almost without exception, when I hear that, it is like the phrase from my childhood, "Is he a member of the church?" The former almost always means is he a part of our ICOC fellowship. The latter meant is he a member of the Church of Christ, as opposed to the Baptist Church, etc. It is so right to talk about being a disciple but any word can be used in a sectarian way." - Tom Jones, In Search of a City Although I like the term "disciple," it can definitely be an unwarranted Shibboleth in some cases. I'd prefer to use it in conversations with people I already know are Christians and part of the ICOC, rather than asking people I don't know if they are "disciples." I also have had occasion to tell use the term "disciple" in reference to people in other types of churches of Christ, if for no other reason than to emphasize that the term and identity does not belong exclusively to the ICOC branch of the Christian faith. What "insider lingo" does your church fellowship use? Share whatever it is in the comments. I'd love to hear them. 2 Comments World Convention 2012 04/15/2011
 If you're a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, a cappella Churches of Christ or International Churches of Christ (ICOC), you may or may not know that your fellowship is part of a larger communion known either as the Restoration Movement or the Stone-Campbell Movement (or even, the " Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement"). It's even less likely that you know there's a gathering held every four years in a different international location to which all members of Stone-Campbell churches worldwide are invited. It's called World Convention, and next year (2012) it will be held in Goiania, Brazil. World Convention is more than a gathering every so often. It's a non-profit organization that works in the intervening years to promote connectivity between churches of this movement, and between these churches and the larger ecumenical movement. It provides us a voice with such organizations as Christian Churches Together in the USA. What World Convention is not is a governing body or a denominational structure superior to the local church. It's a ministry of unity, not domination (or denomination!). As I mentioned above, the global gathering is held every four years, with the next to take place in Brazil in July 2012. Why participate? The main reason is to connect. As someone who was baptized through the ministry of Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, trained for ministry via an a cappella churches university and currently a member of a congregation of the ICOC, I still won't likely find many members of these particular groupings at the convention next year. I'll encounter a few a cappella folks and many from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and other similar international fellowships, as well as folks from the Pentecostal Churches of Christ in Brazil (actually, these are the churches connected historically to independent Christian Churches in the United States, but which embraced Pentecostal doctrine and practice -- I say "Pentecostal" to refer to their distinctive doctrinal position). In going, I will be informally representing, at the very least, the ICOC fellowship in which I now find myself. It's good to go, meet people and through prayer, conversation and study break down barriers. The information below below was gathered from World Convention announcements. The video discusses the World Convention's importance, and further down in the post you can find information on what to expect, who will be speaking and how to register.
Plenary Speakers We are excited to announce the Goiania Global Gathering main speakers!
Victor Hugo Queiroz serves as Vice-President of the World Convention, President of the Christian Church/Church of Christ Ministerial Council of Brazil, and Senior Minister at Anapolis Christian Church in Anapolis, Goias. He has a B.A. degree in Bible Studies and a postgraduate degree in Religious Sciences. In the past he has worked as Cabinet Chief of the Mayor's Office of Anapolis, Vice-Mayor of Anapolis, Secretary of Education of Anapolis and President of the Counsel of Economics Development of Anapolis, Administrative Secretary of the state of Goias, Administrator of the Urban Transportation of Goiania, and President of the Council of Ministers of Anapolis.
Jerry Taylor has been involved in congregational ministry in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, and had a ministry working with the poor in Atlanta. During that time, local college students joined him in forming an inner-city ministry team. Jerry carries a full teaching load at Abilene Christian University, while finding time to preach, deliver lectures at various conferences, and write - drawing from a wealth of personal experience. Jerry graduated from Southwestern Christian College with a bachelor's degree in Bible in 1984. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1988 as well as his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1995 from Southern Methodist University.
Daisy L. Machado serves, since July 2010, as Union's Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Church History. Her scholarship focuses specifically on United States Christianities. She holds a B.A., Brooklyn College, an M.S.W., Hunter College School of Social Work, a Master of Divinity, Union Theological Seminary, New York, and a Ph.D., University of Chicago. She is the first U.S. Latina ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1981 in the Northeast Region and has served inner city congregations in Brooklyn, Houston, and Fort Worth.
Samuel is the Director of the Heritage Christian College (HCC), which was established in 1982 by the Nsawam Road church of Christ in Accra, Ghana West Africa. HCC is designed to educate, train and equip capable people with the knowledge and skills to evangelize, plant churches and minister to the spiritual and physical needs especially of the disenfranchised. He has been preaching the gospel full time since 1984 and led in planting 23 churches around the his home country of Ghana. He has also spoken at international conferences and lectureships in Canada, US and Britain. Samuel holds a Master of Arts in Religion degree from Abilene Christian University, Texas and is working toward a doctoral degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in California.
Having worked as a Youth Pastor, School Chaplain, College Lecturer, Denominational Executive and Senior Pastor, Andrew brings twenty years of Christian ministry and leadership experience to CCTC. He has led in various contexts including one of Australia's largest churches; a remote, country school; the renewal of a 100+ year old church; and a house/emergent church. He has also served in leadership capacities in wider expressions of God's church, such as Chairperson of Schools Ministry Group (SA) overseeing the placement and resourcing of primary and secondary school chaplains; Chairperson of the Tabor College Victoria Board; and as Chairperson of various denominational committees. He is currently the Australian Director of an international research project on mission in Western culture across twelve nations. A regular speaker and strategist, Andrew is interested in the formation and development of leaders and missional practitioners in conventional and emerging settings for ministry.
Pastor of Church of Christ in Brasilia since 1994, Pastor Edson Gouveia is the leader of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Federal District Association that has over 80 churches. He leads the Pro Vida (Pro Life) Ministries in Brasilia, which has a day care for over 100 children, a village for the elderly and a camp that it is use for many purposes including the Ministerial Update that it is held in June for about 800 ministers Brother Gouveia is a well-known speaker in Brazil not only in the Stone-Campbell churches but also in the Evangelical Brazilian Churches. His B.A. degree is from the Christian Churches Bible College in Goiania and his M.Div. in NT is from the Baptist Seminary in Brasilia.
Waina Tedesco is the first woman consecrated to the office of pastor of the Church of Christ in Brasilia. Besides her full-time pastoral duties, Pastor Waina Tedesco is responsible for administering a variety of work in the Church of Christ in Brasilia. In addition, sister Wainia Tedesco, leads the Brazilian National Women Convention that gathers over two thousand women every year in September. She is much respected and has a great assistance ministry to the needy.
David Levistone's ministry with the UMIC (Union of Youth of the Churches of Christ) coordinates activities with young people throughout Brazil. UMIC is a Christian organization identified with the Restoration Movement and affiliated to the Ministerial Council of the Churches of Christ. Brother David earned his B.A. in Bible at the Bible College in Goiania, and holds a law degree from the state university. He is pastor at the Church of Christ Ministry New Horizon, Goiânia and works as a lawyer for the state of Goias. He is the national leader for the Youth National Convention of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ in Brazil which serves over 3,000 participants annually.
Robert and Derlani Fife went to Portugal in March 1988 to work with missionaries Dick and Sarah Robison as a joint project of churches and individuals in Brazil and in the United States. After working with Portugal Christian Mission for nearly 17 years, they started Bridges to Life, which better corresponds to the reality of their present mission among the Portuguese-speaking peoples. Bridges to Life exists to promote the unity of the Body of Christ and provide networking relationships and/or pastoral care for missionaries among the Portuguese-speaking people so that the unreached might be reached in their own countries and in the world, through healthy ministers, healthy missionaries, and healthy churches. Registration fees for World Convention. Per person (children under 13 are free with parent/guardian)
10 or more from same congregation registering together (per person): $100.00
World Discipleship Summit 2012 04/01/2011
Originally published on IgneousQuill.org The World Discipleship Summit is scheduled to take place in San Antonio, Texas on July 5-8, 2012. Later that same month the World Convention of Christian Churches, Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ will be held in Goiania, Brazil. Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy month! The World Discipleship Summit is a major event for the International Churches of Christ (ICOC), bringing together multiple distinct conferences (The ILC, Youth and Family, Teens, Campus, Singles, Marrieds, Spanish, Worship and Deaf) into one location. The ICOC Evangelists Service Team last December 2010 decided to name the event 2012 World Discipleship Summit. They have added the Lila Cockrell Theater (2300 capacity). It will serve as the home for the Spanish Track of the conference. The Lila Cockrell will be the venue each night for different concerts. They also upgraded into the larger Exhibit Hall C (8000) and Ballroom C (4000). These will be the homes for the marrieds and singles (Exhibit hall C) and the campus conference (Ballroom C). While they are publicly expecting around 10,000 to attend, they are prepared for 20,000, with no additional venues needed. They are working on Exhibit hall B as a big carnival or block party area. Mike Taliaferro is the Director of the 2012 World Discipleship Summit, and there is a designated coordinator for each of the conferences. Registration is now open at www.icocconference.org. Billed as “The Spiritual Woodstock of Our Generation,” excitement is building and an enormous turnout is expected. General Schedule THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012 OPENING SESSIONS
For more on World Convention, the other Stone-Campbell Movement event taking place in July 2012, check out these other posts: A Gathering in Goiania About World Convention World Convention 2012 – Registration Information Room Enough For Us All 03/25/2011
 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." - John 17:20-21 My late father often said that people who complained about overpopulation on a global scale didn't have a very good idea of how big the world really is. In general, I still agree with that thought. Although overpopulation in specific areas can cause severe environmental distress and there can be food shortages if resources and the supply chain are not well-managed, I do believe that there is room enough for the nearly 7 billion members of the human family that already draw breath on our planet, and many more as well. One social consequence of this unprecedented number of people alive at the same time is incredible diversity. Socially, there needs to be room enough for us all as well. To bring it even closer to home (for me, at least), the faith tradition of which I am part, the Stone-Campbell Movement, is in the process of increasing diversification. In North America it has long been said that there are three main branches of this movement, these being the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the a cappella Churches of Christ and the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. The a cappella Churches of Christ have long been composed of multiple sub-groups, and now within the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ there appear to be distinctions forming between those that tend to look more mainline evangelical in faith and practice, and those that are holding to a more traditional or "conservative" stance. Add to these the vibrant, relatively new fellowship of International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and a two century old movement for unity looks quite divided. Honestly, I don't despair, for three main reasons. First, with so many people coming from so many distinct backgrounds, there are bound to be diverse perspectives. Not everyone is going to come to understand every matter in exactly the same way. Yes, I know the bumper sticker that says "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." In real life, though, what I have seen over the years is that my understanding and perspective have changed with new information and experiences. The me of 2011 would likely grit his teeth if he had to hear what the me of 2001 thought about any number of topics, and vice versa. Worse, the me of days gone by might well label the me of now as a backslider or liberal. What to me looks like progress could be taken by someone else as regress. Second, different approaches are taken by different ministries. What's good in one place might not be the best way to carry out God's mission in another place. Or, it could even be that one place is so multicultural as to call for many different methods of outreach and engagement. Certainly rural Missouri is a far cry from Brooklyn, New York, and even within Brooklyn there are different kinds of people. This isn't to say that segregation is okay. The church is called to be multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, and I'm proud to be able to say that my home congregation, Central Jersey Church of Christ, is composed of disciples from 37 nations of people. At the same time, the way my home congregation "does ministry" might not reflect the perspective of many Christians. Some, believing women should be in all leadership roles of the church, will be more at home with the Disciples of Christ or some other group. Others, rejecting instrumental accompaniment in worship, will prefer the a cappella Churches of Christ. In actual fact, many will be brought to faith in Christ through these other ministries and will come to know those outlooks as normative. While I may disagree, there's room for us all. "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." - 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 Third, as I've said repeatedly since the outset of this post, there really is room for all of us on this earth. Although it disappointed me when when I was in college and heard classmates of the a cappella variety talking about parts of the United States as "unreached" where I knew that independent Christian Churches were thick (and had been for years), I have little interest in dissuading them from trying to evangelize in such areas. So long as what they are doing is true evangelism (so often it's just converting Baptists and others to their views) there are certainly people who can be "reached." The world is seeing the rise of megacities. Some of the largest are in South America. In these urban environments the churches of the Stone-Campbell Movement are so much the minority as to barely register the smallest fraction. Though, for instance, I'd rather see the ICOC, a cappella and Pentecostal Churches of Christ in São Paulo find ways to cooperate, that won't always be possible. According to Wikipedia, the population of that city in 2009 was estimated at 19,889,559. With that many people, there is plenty of work to be done without a lot of overlap. "Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.' Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." - Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas had a serious disagreement over Mark, one that caused them to literally go their separate ways for a time. Certainly both did good in the directions they took. Sometimes in ministry we're going to disagree, even strongly, with our co-workers in the Gospel. If a point arrives that we can't continue along the same path, it's better if we bless each other and split up. After more time passed Paul and Barnabas were reconciled and Paul came to accept Mark (see 2 Timothy 4:11). In the region of the United States where I currently live there are four distinct groupings of Stone-Campbell churches (not counting the Christadelphians, who also have a minimal presence here). Two of these groups maintain their own campgrounds, and the other two rent facilities for youth camps. All have several congregations, though some are quite small and composed of mostly older people. In core matters of faith they are on the same page, but when looking at any details the variety comes into play. Some of these would likely not be willing to sit for long at the same table, but in them all I've seen the work of God and the fruit of the Spirit. It's a big world full of hurting people, oppressive regimes and idols that set themselves up against the only true God. There's a lot of work to do, a mighty Spirit empowering us and one true Lord sending us. There's room enough for us all. Let's get to work. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:1-6 All verses, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the New International Version, ©2011. If you're interested in unity and the Stone-Campbell Movement, why not consider attending the World Convention to be held next year (2012) in Brazil? Check out the following links for more info: A Gathering in Goiania About World Convention World Convention 2012 - Registration Info Book Review: In Search of a City 02/25/2011
"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." - Hebrews 11:10 NIV  "In Search of a City" is Thomas Jones' personal, autobiographical history of the movement that has become known as the International Church of Christ. As someone new to this branch of the Stone-Campbell Movement, this book has served in a way similar to what Thomas H. Olbricht's Hearing God's Voice: My Life with Scripture in the Churches of Christ and Michael W. Casey's Saddlebags, City Streets and Cyberspace: A History of Preaching in the Churches of Christ did for me as I found my way into the a cappella Churches of Christ. Back in 1995 I made my personal "first contact" with the sisters and brothers of the a cappella Churches of Christ while attending the Tulsa Workshop with a friend. Raised Catholic and at that time "with" the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ (though since I haven't burned that bridge it could be said I've never left this fellowship of churches, despite a long absence from those circles), there were distinct differences not only in perspective, but in jargon. The above-mentioned books helped orient me without that really being my intention in the year before I enrolled at Harding University. Jone's book presents a great deal of information in a relatively slim volume. He recounts his own path into the International Churches, also known in times past as either the "Crossroads" or "Boston" movement. He went into it fairly slowly and with some misgivings, but for the most part found his time with this fellowship to be deeply enriching. While admitting fully the wrongs that were done, including the sinful, overbearing extra-congregational hierarchy and the excessive "discipling" methods, he also shares how this fellowship was a blessing to him and to countless others. Despite the wrongs that were done, God was most definitely at work in these people and has a purpose for this movement. There's an appendix at the end of the book that includes many documents and notes of value to anyone interested in the history of the International Church of Christ, and at the end of each chapter he includes a relevant reading from his "Letters to New Disciples." Having now been with every major branch of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement represented in North America (so far as I know), I deeply appreciate Tom's comments throughout the book in support of unity efforts. Those of us in the ICOC inherited a culture of isolationism from the Churches of Christ of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We may have rejected other things from their posture, but we accepted this one fully. We bouth the car, took it home and have driven it almost every day. Some leaders in the Boston Movement decided it was just a lot easier to call all the radical disciples together and leave the others behind. It was decided that it was more efficient and effective in building to be isolated from all other believers. I understand why it was done. I gave my tacit approval. But while we may make some new mistakes, I do not want to have any part in making that one again. The above is only one paragraph of many throughout the book where he speaks favorably of unity efforts and cooperation across fellowship lines. As I've mentioned before on this blog, one recent sign of this is the collaboration between Lincoln Christian University and Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology. The former is affiliated with the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, and the latter with the ICOC churches. There are portions of what Tom has to say that I don't quite grasp, like his objection to baptized = Christian = disciple. It seems rather obvious that anyone who has been baptized (immersed) for correct reasons and with right faith in Christ is a Christian, and that a Christian is also described as a "disciple of Christ." Perhaps the passage cited in Acts is the source of the confusion, but it seems more likely that I'm missing the point somewhere. Over the coming weeks I intend to comment more on Tom's book. It's a thought-provoking, informative and honest look at a much-maligned (and sometimes rightly so) fellowship within the Stone-Campbell family of churches. See Also: Partnership Between ICOC and Independent Christian Church Schools (IgneousQuill.com) 2020 Vision for the Greater New York Region (IgneousQuill.org) A couple of weeks ago questions were asked on a Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Facebook group about why some churches don't use instruments (pianos, guitars, etc) in worship. Not long after that the Christian Chronicle posted a piece on its blog asking whether or not this was a "tradition." This is a sad topic that never dies. The following is my very brief evaluation of the non-instrumental position. Why do some churches not use musical instruments in congregational worship? Essentially, the non-instrumental sisters and brothers have long made the case that if something is not specifically commanded, can be shown by example from Scripture or be inferred by logical necessity, the church ought not to do it. Since there is no command, example or necessary inference involving the early church using musical instruments in worship in apostolic times, they say it shouldn’t be done now. This perspective is, with all due respect to the good Christians who sincerely hold to it, deeply flawed in many ways. First, this is a very selective way of looking at Scripture. It leaves churches picking and choosing what is acceptable. As a result, some churches don’t have kitchens in their buildings. Why have buildings at all? Typically the answer is something along the lines of necessity. Second, this approach to Scripture sets the church up for conflict and division. There are branches and sub-branches of the non-instrumental churches, many of which won’t even consider cooperation with churches outside their narrowly-defined sub-group. Third, it is disrespectful to study the Bible as though it were a flat rule book. It isn’t. It is the God-breathed message received by humanity over many hundreds of years. Though we have it in a single volume, it is in fact a complete library representing diverse genres of writing. Looking only for commands, examples and necessary inferences misses the point of much that was written, and distorts understanding. Fourth, although the Bible does contain useful instructions for how the church should be organized and function, the method used historically by non-instrumental brethren tends to put way more emphasis on finding a pattern for church organization and practice than on practical matters of real-life, individual discipleship. Fifth, our non-instrumental siblings in Christ have received customs from their forefathers. These they reinforce by citing extra-biblical evidence to the effect that for at least the first 1000 of church history, instruments were not used to accompany congregational worship (another example of traditions followed). Frankly, much of what the church did historically could hardly serve as an example and certainly does nothing to annul the reality that there is no sin in musical accompaniment in congregational worship. From what I’ve written you may draw the conclusion that I don’t care for these churches much. Little could be further from the truth. I graduated from Harding University (one of “their” schools) and worked alongside these brethren on the mission field in Brazil. Until recently my wife and I were members of a non-instrumental church in New Jersey. I have many very good connections within this part of our fellowship. Further, the perspective I’ve described here is not as common as it once was. A few churches have introduced instrumental services, but even more are taking a softer line on this point, tending to view it as part of their heritage but not a test of fellowship. I hope this helps to clear things up a bit. Of course, what I’ve written represents my understanding of the situation and is by no means offered as the last word on the topic. It has been eye-opening for me to learn over the past few days about how many international aid groups representing a wide range of perspectives and methods were already on the ground in Haiti when the magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck. There were medical personnel, engineers, social workers, missionaries and a diverse crowd of activists working throughout the country and in myriad ways for the betterment of the nation. Some of these are now missing, some confirmed dead and many, thankfully, alive and well. Christian religious groups from Catholic to Pentecostal and everything in between have been present in the country for years preaching good news and bringing a ministry of hope to this struggling country. The Stone-Cambell communion of churches is one of these groups present in Haiti, so today I'd like to share some sources for news on their current work in Haiti. Also, I'm providing links to charities associated with Christian Churches, Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ which are at work in Haiti. First, the news. The following websites are offering updates and news from the field in Haiti:
Above all, let's pray for Haiti. Word From South Africa 12/18/2009
The other night I received an e-mail from an address I did not recognize, appealing for me to at least read before deleting. It was from Africa and had to do with a ministry. Rather than do as usual and delete, I left it in my inbox, returning to it later. As it turns out, it was an e-mail from a Church of Christ missionary in South Africa. In the letter only prayers are requested. Going to the website of the U.S. church referenced in the letter I found the above video. Click here to read the newsletter they sent me. It isn't easy to do this sort of mission work. Probably a shoestring budget and seemingly insurmountable odds. Worse still is struggling to catch the attention, prayer and financial support of Western churches that are already trying to deal with a cacophony of voices pleading for help. I really don't believe it's indifference. It's just that there is so much need in the world and so many distractions close to home, keeping our focus off. My apologies for the low quality of sound and image on the video above. It was recorded using my Blackberry. I just wanted to provide a glimpse, however hazy and warbled, of the annual Christmas Singing (I think they actually call it a "Singing Fellowship") hosted by the Echo Lake Church of Christ. Area churches of Christ are invited to participate, and although attendance isn't spectacular, there's almost always a nearly-full house. The first year I went I knew only the folks from the church my family attends, plus one or two folks from the Echo Lake congregation. Over the years I've gotten to know more people, so the faces are increasingly familiar, and it feels like a nice sort of brief family reunion each December. My wife and I have been trying over the past couple of years to visit other congregations of the Churches of Christ in our area. One Sunday not too long ago we decided to visit one we were told was a bit more "contemporary" in style. It met, we were told, in an area high school. We made the nearly 30 minute drive and got there thinking we were late. Walking into the school cafeteria we found the band tuning up. "Contemporary" was what we'd heard, so we figured this must be part of it. Once worship began, though, we began feeling terribly out of place. It was Communion Sunday, we were told, and the pastor introduced himself to us. Churches of Christ don't typically call their preachers "pastor," and they have the Lord's Supper every Sunday. This and other aspects of the gathering just weren't adding up. Finally I leaned over to my wife and suggested we were at the wrong church. Perhaps there was another church meeting in the same building. The thought really bothered her, and we made as graceful and quiet a departure as possible. Walking around the outside of the building we made our way to the auditorium. Sure enough, there was a sign outside the door announcing that a Church of Christ was meeting within. Argh!!! We were greeted warmly and told that although we'd missed several hymns and the Lord's Supper, the service was only about half over. A fellow kindly escorted us in to the auditorium where we found seats. Worship was led by a mixed group of men and women and the songs were definitely more contemporary in style, but not accompanied by instruments. The preacher gave an excellent lesson, and it was about 3 minutes into his message that I realized this was a congregation of the International Church of Christ (ICOC). Having heard of major changes for the better taking place among these churches, I didn't panic. After worship we spoke at length with several people, including the evangelist, and came away impressed. At the evangelical church I felt absolutely out of place. It wasn't the band (I have no issues with that, coming as I do from the perspective of independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ on the topic of worship), but rather the overall feel of the church. While I really can't put my finger on it, I think it's a question of traditions. The ICOC had a different style in some aspects and is the result of a split from the mainstream of a cappella Churches of Christ, but maintains traits held in common by other branches of the Stone-Campbell Movement. I believe that it was this commonality that made me feel at home with the ICOC folks, as it did also in times past at a Disciples congregation and a mutual edification Church of Christ. Whatever else I am as a Christian, I am at home within the Stone-Campbell Movement of churches. | 
Adam Gonnerman - Former missionary, ESL teacher, customer service rep, social media manager and web producer; currently employed as a project manager in New York and volunteering through HOPE worldwide.
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