Defining the 21st Century Church
September 23, 2009
Defining the 21st Century Church
Adult Wednesday and Sunday Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
September 23 and 27, 2009
Dr. James L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
I. Consideration of the Restoration Ideal
The church Christ established changed dramatically over the centuries. What was one result of these changes?
o Road to Restoration. Several factors emerged to “pave” this road.
o Leaders of Restoration. Question: When you think of Restoration leaders, who comes to mind?
n The contribution of O’Kelly
n The contribution of Jones
n The contribution of Stone. Question: How do you respond to the “Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery?” Do you see the continuation of these principles in the church today?
n The contribution of Thomas Campbell
n The contribution of Alexander Campbell
o A particular baptism. Question: How does the immersion of the Campbell’s and their friends speak to the notion of “taught wrong and baptized right?”
o A process of piety. Question: Thomas Campbell made his famous declaration in 1807. Years later, he is still associated with denominational groups. What does this tell us about the process of faith and doctrine?
o Summary of Restoration. Question: What do you think of the Restoration leaders? How does their example impact you? How does their work speak to you regarding our efforts in downtown Richmond?
Conclusion:
We owe a significant debt to the Restoration leaders. A familiarity with their work helps us to understand much regarding the Lord’s church today. But what happens when we move away from the form of the church and consider the form of the Christ? What is involved in that transition, and how does that transition impact our view of the identity, nature, and community of the church of the 21st century? Join us for our next discussion and, God willing, we will see.
