Why and How
the Lord’s Church is Changing
And What Faithful Christians
Should Do About It
Not All Change is Bad
• Change from sin to salvation is not bad
• Change from Judaism or paganism to Christ is not
bad
• Change in expediencies are not bad (technology, new
hymns, etc.)
• However, changing the doctrines and practices of
New Testament Christians is bad (Gal. 1:6-9;
2 Jn. 9-11)
“Change Agents” Among God’s People
• Jeroboam was a “change agent” (1 Kings 12:25-33)
• The Judaizers were “change agents” (Gal. 1:6-9)
• “Change agents” existed among God’s people from
1850 to 1950: instrumental music, missionary
society, institutionalism, sponsoring church, etc.
• “Change agents” exist among God’s people today:
baptism not necessary, instrumental music, women
preachers, Lord’s supper changes, denom. fellowship
Some Warnings Against Change
• Acts 20:28-30
• 2 Corinthians 11:3-4,14-15
• Galatians 1:6-9; 3:3; 4:9
• 2 Thessalonians 2:7
• 1 Timothy 4:1-3
• 2 Timothy 3:1; 4:2-4
Anatomy of Change
• Apostasy may be rapid, but is often gradual
(Heb. 2:1)
• Basic Bible doctrines are ignored (Heb. 5:12ff)
• Next, false teaching comes in under the guise of
truth (Mt. 7:15-20; Jude 3-4)
• Finally, the Lord’s church is robbed (Col. 2:8,18); it is
travelling the wrong road (Jer. 18:15)
Paving the Way for Change
• A “new hermeneutic” – interpretation (2 Pet. 3:16)
• Current context (culture) determines what should be
believed and practiced (1 Sam. 8:5,20)
• Blinded hearts (Judges 16:20; 1 K. 11:4)
• Vulnerability (Ezek. 3:18,20; Hos. 4:6; Acts 20:28-30)
• Itching ears (2 Tim. 4:2-4)
Paving the Way for Change
• A lack of distinct preaching from the pulpit
(2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2,15; 4:2)
– Indistinct preaching contains elements of truth
but remains silent on many matters crucial to our
salvation
– Indistinct preaching lacks the power to save,
leaves people untaught, and makes the church
prey to false teaching
– Indistinct preaching comes from preachers who
do not truly believe the gospel message
Insidious Influences of Change
• The culture around us (feminism, equal-rights,
abortion, homosexuality, entertainment, diversity,
etc.)
• Books / class materials / commentaries written by
liberal members of churches of Christ and
denominational authors
• Universities (ACU, Pepperdine), lectureships, unity
meetings, websites, etc.
Telltale Signs of Change
• Lack of preaching showing a distinction between the
Lord’s church and denominationalism (Eph. 4:4-6);
lack of preaching against worldliness (Eph. 5:11)
• Rapid growth due to a generalized message (no
“negative preaching”) or indiscriminate acceptance
of new members
• “Contemporary worship” with instrumental music,
praise-teams, drama, etc.
Telltale Signs of Change
• Appointing non-qualified elders
• Inviting unsound preachers for meetings
• Hiring a new and liberal preacher
• Lack of Bible teaching on basic Bible doctrines
• Collaborating with denominational groups
Vocabulary of Change
• “The leadership is seeking a change in emphasis or
direction at the __________ Church of Christ”
• “The __________ Church of Christ needs to get out
of its comfort zone.”
• “The __________ Church of Christ will never grow
unless we change and move forward.”
• “The __________ Church of Christ has a vision for
the future.”
Vocabulary of Change
• “The __________ Church of Christ is progressive.”
• “The __________ Church of Christ will be offering a
traditional service and contemporary service.”
• “I used to believe … before I discovered grace”
• “I’m giving up my sectarian spirit” (listen for
apologies, testimonials of change, or one seeking
forgiveness for his past position)
Some Current Changes
• Baptism is not necessary for salvation
• Instrumental music, solos, choirs, praise teams, vocal
percussion (beat boxing), hand clapping, etc.
• Lord’s supper on a day other than Sunday
• Women leading prayers, preaching, women elders
• Open fellowship with denominations
Ungodly Reasons for Change
• Popularity with other religious groups or the world
• Conformity to the culture around us
• Pride over our own wisdom and wants
• Callousness toward sin and worldliness
• Uninformed, unconcerned church members
Questions About Change
• Are we changing the actual scriptural practice /
belief, or are we simply changing how the scriptural
practice / belief is carried out (judgment,
expediency)?
• If the change is in the area of expediency, is it wise?
Will it unite or divide?
• What are the motives for change? What is the
rationale for change? Is the reason pragmatism
(because it works)?
Questions About Change
• Is the change prompted by an external desire, or an
internal examination of scripture?
• Will the change treat a symptom or the actual
problem? When the change is implemented will the
problem still exist?
• Do we change after sound biblical examination, or
simply to “go along” and “get along”?
Godly Actions Toward Change
• Be a student of God’s word: listen carefully, search
the scriptures (Acts 17:11)
• Be informed and be factual (1 Jn. 4:1)
• Demand and support sound teaching and preaching
from the elders, the preacher, and bible class
teachers (Tit. 2:1)
• Speak up and speak out against any change in
scriptural practice or belief (1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 1:17)
Godly Actions Toward Change
• Be loyal and willing to put God and his kingdom first
in your life when the unscriptural change is
implemented in the local church (Mt. 6:33)
– You may have to break from family and friends
(Mt. 10:34ff)
– Division will test your faithfulness (1 Cor. 11:19)
– Separation will show who is unfaithful (1 Jn. 2:19)
What Faithful Christians Should Do
• Faithful elders should be informed, guard the flock
from outside errors, and refute them (Tit. 1:9)
• Faithful preachers should spend their time studying
and preaching the truth only (1 Tim. 4:16;
2 Tim. 2:15)
• Faithful members should keep their ears open to
truth and turn away from everything else; they
should be solid and sound (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:21;
2 Tim. 4:2-4; 2 Pet. 2:14)