Not so fast! A straight-forward look at brotherhood Schools

Not so fast! A straight-forward look at brotherhood Schools Galatians 2:14

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, " If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? Galatians 2:14

What we expect from our brotherhood schools? 1. Sound teaching from instructors a. Instructors who have answered questions concerning their Biblical views b. Some schools do not require such c. We expect instructors to be members of the Lord’s church.

What we expect from our brotherhood schools? 2. Instill the importance of selfless praise and worship to God 3. The ability to know our children are learning the truth about Marriage, Divorce and other important topics.

What we expect from our brotherhood schools? 4. We expect our schools to make wise decisions with their money. 5. A school that would teach the proper role of women in the church.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Oklahoma Christian 1. Former students and Alumni have stated that some instructors were not members of the church. 2. This year they will host the “McGaw Lecture” with N.T. Wright, Anglican Bishop and professor at St. Andrews in Scotland.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? a. A local “Bible School” doesn’t even ask it’s teachers to answer a Q&A.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Oklahoma Christian For some brethren, this is ok, but should it be? Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Other schools that are doing or have done these types of things recently include: Heritage Christian University Harding School of Theology Freed Hardeman University Lipscomb University

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. ‘ Matthew 15:9

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Harding, Oklahoma Christian, & Freed Hardeman 1. All these schools have singing groups or choirs that hold concerts both on and off campus. Is this instilling the proper ideas concerning praise to God? a. This summer a singing group from OC appeared at a youth event in Bartlesville.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Harding, Oklahoma Christian, & Freed Hardeman b. We were invited, would you go? These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. Matthew 15:8 Sincere? Maybe, but sincerely wrong.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Sunset School of Preaching Tommy J. Hicks (A graduate of Sunset) has written a 5 page article about the teaching of marriage, divorce & remarriage at Sunset and mentions some other changing views.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Sunset School of Preaching And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.“ Matthew 19:9

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Freed Hardeman University This university has brought in secular speakers since the 80’s. The “rumored” costs have been around 100,000 for such speakers. Bill Cosby was scheduled this year, but he has since been canceled. You can find a list of their speakers on their website.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Lipscomb University This is the school that encouraged a young lady to go Franklin, TN to do an internship. The school actually called on her behalf, saying they had someone in the ministry who needed to do an internship.

What we actually get from some of our brotherhood schools? Lipscomb University Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Dangerous Trends & Our Options Dangerous Trends from our own brethren 1. Assuming a school is sound because its associated with the church of Christ. 2. Little or no research about the instructors and the school itself. 3. Overlooking or ignoring remarks about unsound teachings or unsound teachers at the school.

Dangerous Trends & Our Options Dangerous Trends from our own brethren 4. Assuming a school is sound because it was years before or when you attended the school.

Dangerous Trends & Our Options Our Options 1. The brotherhood didn’t always have schools, thus they are not essential for members, future leaders of the church or preachers. a. (Schools can be an aide, but are not essential) 2. We must not think degrees from such schools are a necessity in life. a. Some of our own brethren have helped create this belief by requiring this of those who labor with the congregation.

Dangerous Trends & Our Options Our Options 3. If a person is seeking to grow in knowledge from a school (there are other ways), one may consider a smaller, lesser known school or institution; that has been found to be sound.

Dangerous Trends & Our Options Our Options 4. Things you can do when looking into a school or university. a) Have questions prepared for the director. b) Ask to audit a few classes. c) Visit with the instructors. d) Visit with current and past students.

Conclusion 1. We must be aware of such matters and investigate before we decide where we or our children should attend or if they should at all. 2. There are options for those who want to grow in Biblical matters. Most “preaching schools” will allow someone to attend even if they do not intend on being a full time preacher.