Who are we? What do we stand for?
Our age is filled with division and confusion. These marks
are common in religion, as members of churches of Christ know well. Buildings with the
sign "church of Christ" are often meeting houses of people whose doctrines and
practices are vastly different. This situation is frustrating to visitors, both Christians
and non-Christians. It is also unnerving to members of the church who want to move their
membership from one congregation to another.The West End church of Christ wants to be
clear about where we stand in such a confused world. We firmly believe the Bible is the
inspired Word of God. We teach that the Bible alone is the authority and guide in
religion, not human feelings, denominational creeds, or claimed direct leadings of the
Holy Spirit. Though we do not claim to be perfect people, we earnestly teach that the
Scriptures alone can guide us in religion, and we strive to follow their teaching. We
desire to be a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practicing church.
This desire to follow the Bible will identify us to those who ask what
kind of church West End is. The Bible condemns going beyond its authority (Col. 3:17; Lev.
10:1-2; I Sam. 15). We therefore stand against carefree, permissive, and presumptuous
attitudes toward the Bible. Though many in this generation resent authority of any kind,
especially in religion, the fact remains that the Bible contains laws and commandments we
must respect and obey. Also, the Bible condemns over-applying its authority (Acts 15:1;
Matt. 15:1-9). We thus stand against human laws such as the forbidding of church support
of orphan homes or of eating in a church building.
The West End Church of Christ opposes movements which seek unity at the
expense of truth. We stand opposed to programs which promote this agenda such as the
Nashville Jubilee, the Tulsa Soul-Winning Workshop, and the Pepperdine University
Lectures. We also oppose those who support these errors since they are partakers of them
(II John 9-11). We take seriously Paul’s words, "Now I beseech you, brethren,
mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have
learned; and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17).
This congregation also opposes the entertainment craze so prevalent in
American religions. While we believe the Christian life should be filled with joy (Phil.
4:4), we do not turn worship into entertainment. As a church, our goal is to save lost
souls and to edify our members, not entertain them.
Worldliness is a major enemy of the church. We must stand against it
(James 4:4; Rom. 12:2). At West End, we do not hesitate to preach on divorce and
remarriage, social drinking, and other such sins of the flesh.
While opposing wrongdoing is essential, doing good is as well. At West
End we have an active group of people. West End has many dedicated and serious Bible
readers. We have earnest teachers and have never wanted for more; in fact, we have several
who have asked to teach but are waiting for a class because all the teaching positions are
filled! Our members regularly visit the sick and discuss the Bible with co-workers and
neighbors. Our congregation is active in helping those suffering from natural disasters.
Our deacons have done an outstanding job in the various tasks the elders have asked them
to do. And when it comes to being friendly, you will find that West End is a place where
you will feel welcome and encouraged to return.
Our elders have both constant concern for protecting the flock and
enthusiastic vision for the future. They are men with years of experience who love the
truth and the souls of men. They are very concerned about missions and Christian
education. They are always looking for ways to take the truth to the world. They are ready
to sacrifice and put in extra hours to see that the congregation at West End is faithful.
Furthermore, West End is not afraid of questions about who we are or
where we stand. Our elders in particular are open to questions about our congregation. We
have nothing to hide or be ashamed of; we only have the truth to proclaim and the
Christian life to live. This website is just one of the ways we try to help others to do
the same. We hope it will be helpful to you. If you have questions, please contact us at westendcofc@twlakes.net or, even better, visit with us at the West End church of Christ. |
