ICOC, COC and NACC

[notreligus]

Is anyone here aware of whether or not ICOC members attend the North American Christian Convention?   It is traditionally an Independent Christian and Churches of Christ convention, but I have the impression that the ICOC has become more accepted within mainline C of C circles and there would be no objection to ICOC members attending that convention.   I would appreciate your input.  Thanks. 

[e.r.m.]

I've never heard of any ICOC member attending that convention. I've never even heard of that convention.  That's not to say ICOC members don't attend. I don't think any objection would be made if one of our members attended that convention, but being that it is unfamiliar, I'm sure questions will be raised as to what it's about and counsel would be given by a friend if there are any false doctrines adhered to there. The questions would be about Independent Christian Church.

[AnthonyB]

e.r.m.,

Why does the ICOC feel the need to define itself distinctly from the rest of the body of Christ? (if indeed you do see any outside the ICOC as saved and in the body)
Do you view International as a New Testament word for describing the church? (ie one of the historic reason for using Church of Christ was that it was a NT descriptor for the church of Jesus)
The body of Jesus shouldn't be divided so why wouldn't you choose to remove that division?

[e.r.m.]

AnthonyB,

I'm just a member. I speak from my own understanding. I'm no official spokesperson.

Why does the ICOC feel the need to define itself distinctly from the rest of the body of Christ?

I think that's historical. I think that was Kip's idea. We wanted to do was take the gospel to the world. It wasn't for the purpose of making ourselves different,  but to be able to work together toward this goal.

if indeed you do see any outside the ICOC as saved and in the body)

Of course we do. The body of Christ is determined by God's word, not membership in ICOC.

Do you view International as a New Testament word for describing the church? (ie one of the historic reason for using Church of Christ was that it was a NT descriptor for the church of Jesus).

Good question. Not necessarily, unless you consider Matt. 28:19 "All nations" a synonym. Since Paul referred to the "Galatian churches", 1 Corinthian 16:1, I don't think international is much of a stretch.

The body of Jesus shouldn't be divided so why wouldn't you choose to remove that division?

I don't think unity hinges on a name change. Both mainlines and ICOC are already making cooperation efforts.

[notreligus]

notreligus,

I'm just a member. I speak from my own understanding. I'm no official spokesperson.

Why does the ICOC feel the need to define itself distinctly from the rest of the body of Christ?

I think that's historical. I think that was Kip's idea. We wanted to do was take the gospel to the world. It wasn't for the purpose of making ourselves different,  but to be able to work together toward this goal.

if indeed you do see any outside the ICOC as saved and in the body)

Of course we do. The body of Christ is determined by God's word, not membership in ICOC.

Do you view International as a New Testament word for describing the church? (ie one of the historic reason for using Church of Christ was that it was a NT descriptor for the church of Jesus).

Good question. Not necessarily, unless you consider Matt. 28:19 "All nations" a synonym. Since Paul referred to the "Galatian churches", 1 Corinthian 16:1, I don't think international is much of a stretch.

The body of Jesus shouldn't be divided so why wouldn't you choose to remove that division?

I don't think unity hinges on a name change. Both mainlines and ICOC are already making cooperation efforts.

You must think that I am the ONLY person who might disagree with you.

Your answers should have been directed to Anthony since he is the one who raised these questions.

[Nevertheless]

I've never heard of any ICOC member attending that convention. I've never even heard of that convention.  That's not to say ICOC members don't attend. I don't think any objection would be made if one of our members attended that convention, but being that it is unfamiliar, I'm sure questions will be raised as to what it's about and counsel would be given by a friend if there are any false doctrines adhered to there. The questions would be about Independent Christian Church.

Here is some info: NACC

[e.r.m.]

notreligus,
                   Sorry, I carelessly did not read. I fixed the post. No, I know you're not the only one who disagrees with me.

[e.r.m.]

Thank you, Nevertheless.

[Nevertheless]

You're welcome.

[AnthonyB]

e.r.m.,

Thanks for the replies.

[e.r.m.]

AnthonyB,
                  YW. Did they answer your questions and what are your thoughts?

[AnthonyB]

e.r.m.,

Yes they did answer my questions.

I'm glad your cooperating with the mainline groups but why not move to remove the division altogether? Is there anything that keeps you separate?

[e.r.m.]

AnthonyB,
Well again, I'm no official spokesperson. I speak from my own understanding and memory. When the ICOC was formed, we (I use the term loosely, because I was not a part of ICOC when it was first formed), wanted to accomplish something globally, which the mainline Church of Christ were not doing at the time. many main lines were invited to join the ICOC who shared the same vision, my congregation was amongst them. From my memory, the main lines disassociated themselves from the ICOC around that time. Over the years a new culture developed out of more radical convictions and we were no longer the same culturally as the mainline churches. When I speak of the mainline churches, I do not speak of one single entity. I am aware that there is a tremendous spectrum, with one end of the spectrum being very similar to us. There are sadly also some Churches of Christ which are dead in the water, stagnant, and even adopting baptist type salvation doctrines. If all manliness were one single culture, I think it would be easier, but they're not. The reconciliation definitely open the doors to reverse course and draw closer together, but we must also respect the differences. It will take time to work through things. Among such are, instrumental music. Some CoCs would be willing to worship with our instruments, and others would not. Some CoCs would join us in evangelistic work, others just want to maintain their status quo. My friend and I ran into a couple from a mainline CoC and we got along great, and wished each other the best. Complete unity is not done overnight. Changing the name would accomplish little.

Let me know if you need more.