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.
|
