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Crossroads/Boston Movement and the Home Study

The last time a saw a count mentioned, something near 175 was the total number of congregations adversely affected by the Crossroads/Boston movements. This represents the congregations wherein there was opposition expressed continual confrontation and sometimes an actual split. How many others have simply moved into the Crossroads/Boston camp!

Many have been the articles written, the warnings expressed, and none of those are out-of-date. The tactics used by these men and women are so often repeated that they are well known, but they’re not about to change the tactics, for despite the knowledge of them, they’re still successful in their endeavors. The greater attention is given to young people, and especially to young couples. It’s somewhat unpleasant, but nevertheless justified, that even “home studies” become suspect. Anyone planning such should make sure the elders know of it, the course of study, who will be doing the teaching, etc. And please know that we are not stating that any who plan home studies are thereby beginning strife. Indeed, we have just made the point on such being worked through the consent of the elders. But, the fact remains that Crossroads has used this method, and so did ant-ism, and so has liberalism. Dangers do exist.

We feel the WHY of it is important. One who is extremely faithful in his/her service to the Lord should have daily study and prayer as a part of regular Christian living (2 Timothy 2:15). Additionally, there are Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Bible classes providing other study opportunities. There are the Sunday and Sunday evening preaching services which are always occasions wherein we would hope that the individual is doing serious study. Then, if there are children in the home, we would hope parents plan and execute some study occasions with them. Beyond all of that, there are weekly opportunities for visiting, calling and otherwise giving attention to the sick and shut-ins. For those who wish to participate in visitation work, there are study sessions monthly here. For ladies desiring more study, there is the weekly Bible class. And, there are the hours to be given to the secular work involving the parents, and we would hope that some time is given just to furthering the oneness, peace and harmony in the family. All of this brings us to the point: Where is all the excess time wherein one is seeking some other type of organized study session? What is it a bout all of the above, connected with the congregation’s continual work, that leaves one so unsatisfied?

Always, two things are to be kept before us: One, a concern and the other, a warning. The concern: In such cases that have led to much disharmony in the kingdom, why were there not home studies provided for the person OUTSIDE OF CHRIST – the one who really and urgently needs to know the truth of the gospel? The early church members went forth making known the Word to the sinner (Acts 8:4). Next, the warning: One may well know that something is afoot when, in the home studies, the opportunity is then taken to criticize the local congregation, its work, its elders, etc. As soon as that begins – yea, the first time – one should know that something was in mind on the part of the teacher other than simply instructing people in regard to the truth!

Are we being an alarmist? We think not, in view of the repeated New Testament pictures of unworthies “creeping into houses” to lead the occupants astray (2 Timothy 3:6), and the same regarding men whose false words “subvert whole houses” (Tit. 1:11). Add to this the warning that one will come teaching something against the doctrine of God, and the warning is, “Receive him not into your house” (2 John 10).

Are we standing opposed to Bible study? Certainly not, and we’ve noted the many6 instances wherein study occasions are ours. But for all of it, and with all damage that has been done through the false systems we noted at the outset, the wonder is still there: Why studies arranged with those who are members of the church, when constant effort is needed to arrange teaching sessions with non-members?

THE SOUTHWESTERNER, November 7, 1990