Thanks for prompting me to be clear on one point: although what we do violates the First Century pattern, the cure requires much more than attending the nearest Church of Christ! We can't get to the proper end by that route.

Nor is the First Century pattern to be taken as holy writ. Just because we can read between the lines and discern a certain pattern of conduct hardly means that we've been commanded to do the same by our inferences. God makes the important things quite plain. After all, the doctrine that's between the lines is doctrine that hasn't been written.

The short answer is: until the Churches of Christ begin teaching and living the grace of God, unity and cooperation can't happen. But if we ever sort this grace thing out … if we ever truly believe it in our bones … then everything will change.

Lipscomb indeed wrote that, considering it deep sin to ride past one church to attend another. And this is truly the biblical pattern. We seem to prefer to unite around having our views affirmed by a preacher who teaches what we already believe rather than uniting by working hard to bridge the gulfs that divide us.

There are elements about it that aren't my favorite, but He talks to me about those, too. The second week we visited, He told me to see the church as a recipe – don't judge it until all the ingredients have been mixed, the batter has been baked, and you've actually tasted it. And since He's just now adding my family, there is some mixing that has to be done next.

"God told me to go there" is why I pass by three other churches – in a town of 3800 – to go there. I would encourage others to do the same.

In another post a few months ago, I also gave the advice of going where Jesus is. If you don't know what church to go to, and God didn't pick one for you, I still stand by that idea: find out where Jesus is active, and go there. That would be the church that is known for helping the helpless, the hurting, etc. One shouldn't have to ask around town too much to find it.

Regardless of who said it, it makes a scary amount of sense when you think about it. How godly are our reasons for doing otherwise? I suppose there are exceptions. But many of us would have a hard time coming up with a convincing reason for our choices.

You said: This is what many a white Church of Christ has said to its black converts.

To be fair, I think that sentiment has been expressed both directions. I've known several newcomers to Miami who first visited predominantly black churches who were told they would probably be more comfortable over at the white congregation.

Thanks,
Brian B.