Thread: Conventions and the Churches of Christ

We were always taught that the COC's did not associate with any organizations any higher than the congregation. This of course does not preclude congregations working together. What we did not do was to form any types of conventions, organizations, etc higher than the congregational level. Two conventions have come to my knowledge that promote the churches of christ and other churches that hold restoration movement principles. This is the NACC (North American Christian Conference) and th World Convention of Churches of Christ. Does anyone have any knowledge of these and do your congregations or ones you know of participate in or with them? The NACC website has the following statement.

The NACC began in 1927 as a convention for vocational Christian leaders. Since the 1960s, the NACC has been an annual four-day summer convention attracting many vocational and non-vocational Christian leaders and their families. The NACC office is not a denominational headquarters office. Each of the churches in North America that identify themselves as part of the fellowship of "Christian churches and churches of Christ" is independent and autonomously governed. We have no official denominational organizational structure or polity. The only statement of faith of our 1.6 million members is the New Testament Scripture, and our only creed is Christ. (http://www.gotonacc.org/about-us/)

If these conventions don't seek to form an authority level over the congregation does it make them ok? Is there any worry that these type conventions could migrate into an authoritative force?

If in a lectureship format or a preacher study group, then there may be no error. If money is being pooled or some heirarchy is being implied, then it becomes problematic.

I visited the website and found that most of the speakers are not sound. So that I believe it is not advisable to encourage Christians to participate with this type of conventions. I attended Polishing the Pulpit lectureship, Power Lectures and Preachesfiles lecturship. I saw they are sound and advisable to attend. And glad to inform you that we are going to conduct Prechersfiles Lecturship in Waynesboro, MS from 13th July to 15th July 2012. http://forum.preachersfiles.com/view...hp?f=10&t=2549. All are welcome to contact Bro.Tim Hester for more information.

Kudos to you who did the "testing and proving" looking for the "spirit and truth", and "the pattern of sound doctrine" Any matter involving a "thus saith the Lord" should involve these.