by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: In his editorial, Mark previews the upcoming discussion between Kyle Pope and Doug Burleson that will appear in both the Gospel Advocate and Truth Magazine.
Over the last few years, I have been privileged to visit with Greg Tidwell, editor of the Gospel Advocate, and Randy Duke, its present owner. Both men have been amiable and courteous. We have participated in several meetings where brethren from both sides have discussed issues that have separated churches of Christ into "institutional" and "non-institutional" camps. These gatherings involved open and forthright discussions of issues that divided brethren since the 1950s and 1960s. After the initial meeting at the Gospel Advocate offices in Nashville, TN, two subsequent study sessions occurred in Cullman, AL that were hosted by Jim Deason. When last year's Exploring Current Issues Conference concluded, I invited Kyle Pope and Doug Burleson to continue this dialog in the pages of Truth Magazine. Randy Duke and Greg Tidwell graciously agreed to print this exchange in the pages of Gospel Advocate. After a year of planning and preparation, these articles will appear in the October issues of both journals. On November 15, a public discussion will occur at the Freed-Hardeman University Renaissance Center in Dickson, TN. I am thankful for all the brethren who have participated in each of these meetings. Special commendation goes to Doug Burleson and Kyle Pope for how they have approached this exchange. Sincere appreciation is extended to Randy Duke and Greg Tidwell for their willingness, not only to jointly publish this discussion but expand it to include a follow-up public meeting.
I enthusiastically encourage all readers to examine the written exchange that will be featured in the October issues of Truth Magazine and Gospel Advocate. Brother Doug Burleson and I engage in a six-article discussion of the question of expediency. Since the mid-20th-century, brethren have been divided over questions concerning benevolence, support of institutions, and cooperation. Sadly, these matters have not only divided brethren, but in many cases opportunities for open, frank discussion of these differences have been few. Having first met in some constructive discussions over the past few years, I was honored to accept the invitation to participate in a written discussion with brother Burleson over these things. Readers will find this material to be handled in a loving, brotherly, yet direct, and passionate manner.
Brother Burleson and I do not yet reach the same conclusions on these issues, but brethren can never hope to "be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10) if we are unwilling to talk to one another. In this spirit, following the publication of this written material, on Friday evening, November 15, brother Burleson and I will meet publically to continue our discussion. All are invited to attend this meeting. It will be at the Freed-Hardeman University Renaissance Center, 855 TN-46, Dickson, TN 37055, at 7:00 p.m.
I thank brother Burleson for agreeing to participate in these efforts. He is a gentleman whom I have come to love and respect, in spite of our differences. I also thank brother Mark Mayberry, the editor of Truth Magazine, who first extended this invitation to both of us. I also thank brother Greg Tidwell, the editor of Gospel Advocate, for agreeing to jointly publish this study and for suggesting we follow it up with a public discussion. I pray that God will be glorified by these efforts and that this willingness to openly consider what His word teaches on these divisive issues will move all of His children to greater faithfulness to Him.
I was first approached about participating in this discussion with brother Kyle Pope during a conference we were attending together with "institutional" and "non-institutional" brethren in the fall of 2018. I accepted for two reasons: What we would get to discuss and because I knew how we would be conversing with one another. First, I knew that an opportunity to study these key questions in writing in two key periodicals associated with the churches of Christ would provide an opportunity for readers to reflect on key questions that have unified and divided many Christians. It is likely that many non-institutional brethren have heard more lessons on these topics given that they are key points of disagreement, but that these same brethren have perhaps not had opportunity to hear directly from one who respects the authority of Scripture, yet does not believe as they do on these matters. We are not as far apart as some might assume. Furthermore, I do not believe that enough careful consideration has been given to a proper methodology for studying Scripture. While students of the Word much respect what is communicated in Scripture, we must also read these words in their various genres and settings with respect to their historical, literary, and theological contexts. This is really where the discussion must begin and where mistakes have been made with regard to the type of work in which the church ought to be involved. We cannot dismiss the words of Scripture or the character of the God who inspired it when striving to better understand what it is He desires for us to do as His people.
Secondly, I was interested in engaging in a discussion with a brother in Christ with whom I disagree in a manner that would not be disrespectful or generally disagreeable. I fear that historically much has been lost in terms of dialogue because of the manner in which some have conducted themselves in writing, debate, or other oft-cited unpleasant exchanges. This tone has led to a worsening of the division that at times has focused more on personalities than principles. It has been too easy to apply labels or make assumptions about those on "the other side" of the discussion and to disengage or avoid one another altogether. I love Kyle and appreciate him for the manner in which he has engaged in this discussion. It is my prayer that God has been glorified in this exchange, and will continue to be, and also that future generations can engage in constructive Bible study and discussion that will overcome past prejudices and misunderstandings. I am not naïve enough to think that everyone who reads our discussion will want to continue to study together for the purpose of being unified in truth, but I pray our children and grandchildren will do better than "both sides" generally have in desiring to open up the Word to have the conversations necessary to be the united church God intended for us to be.
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
