What is happening to the churches of christ

^Future of the

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Tradition

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Tradition

• Zealots– Anyone outside the CoC is lost. – The “old paths” must be defended.– Anyone who associates with the

“wrong” people are also wrong. – Interpret the bible by Command,

Example and Necessary Inference

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Tradition

• Satisfied– Like things the way they are (since

1950)– Why should we change? – Motivated by keeping the Zealots

happy

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Tradition

• Searchers– Change is helpful, but not at the cost

of our identity– Want to be spiritually vibrant

without losing relationship and tradition

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Tradition

• Cautious– Want a vibrant, exciting faith, but

don’t want to hurt people getting it– Outside of the traditional church,

but unwilling to sever ties with the people there

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Tradition

• Opens– Okay with non-traditional actions

and doctrines– Want to stay in the CoC fellowship– Think change is necessary for growth– “Change Agents”

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Tradition

• Exasperateds– On the verge of leaving the CoC– Have been hurt by the exclusive,

traditional people in the CoC– Have little or no hope for change in

the CoC

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Tradition

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Tradition

Innovative Churches

Traditional Churches

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Change

Tradition

Innovative Churches

Traditional Churches

Zealots

exasperateds

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Tradition

Innovative Churches

Traditional Churches

Zealots

exasperateds

Split

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Tradition

Innovative Churches

Traditional Churches

Zealots

12 to 36 months