Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 6, 1991 TAG: 9102060473
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CODY LOWE RELIGION WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Northside" was fine, the Rev. Dr. Glenn Tabor said, but the "Church of Christ" part was confusing.
People who didn't know the congregation would assume it was one of those churches where no musical instruments may accompany song, he thought. More than that, he feared that some would associate it with what he perceived as a strict doctrinal legalism at some other churches with the same name.
Many members had come around to his point of view, he says, but a recent newspaper story prompted them into action.
The story told of a young couple who had been expelled from membership and shunned by a Church of Christ congregation in Salem after they had missed some Sunday services.
The day the article appeared, Northside members started calling, said Tabor and his wife, Joani. They wanted "to make clear we don't kick people out for missing a Sunday service," Glenn Tabor said.
In less than two weeks, the congregation voted to change its name to Northside Christian Church and this week, the new signs were erected.
Tabor said the name is important because of the distinctions in practice and philosophy among the three main branches of an American religious tradition that began in the early 1800s.
The movement can be traced to two Presbyterian ministers - Barton W. Stone and Thomas Campbell - who insisted that the church limit worship practices specifically to those described in the New Testament.
Consequently, the tradition espouses the unity of all believers in Christ and denies the imposition of denominational distinctions. The branches also continue to hold common beliefs about the Trinity, baptism by immersion, the Bible as the inspired word of God and the weekly service of Communion or Lord's Supper.
There are important differences, however, that Tabor describes more as matters of philosophy than theology.
The Disciples of Christ are probably the most liberal theologically, stressing the inclusiveness of the Gospel message and allowing the most latitude in the interpretation of Scripture.
The non-instrumental congregations calling themselves Churches of Christ are considered the most conservative. No musical instruments are allowed in worship. Precise formulas are propounded based on their interpretation of New Testament examples for worship practice, church structure and religious living. There is no denominational structure, and they eschew participation in ecumenical associations.
Many view themselves as the only true Christians and believe that anyone who leaves the Church of Christ will be "lost forever."
In between, theologically, are what are commonly called the Christian Churches, although some still use the title Church of Christ. While Tabor would describe his church and others like it as "ultraconservative" theologically, they allow instrumental music and don't believe they are the only true Christians.
Tabor teaches that abortion is wrong, that the Bible is the infallible word of God and that baptism should be by immersion.
But, he said, "we want to be know as a free, open church. We're not anti-anybody. . . . We are concerned that the church be perceived as a loving, caring community."
"We're not hung up on man's title" for the church, Joani Tabor said, "but on love and ministering. If the name is divisive or brings reproach, it ought to be put aside.
"Glenn and I figure God knows who his children are, and we don't have to point them out to him. We accept all those who proclaim Christ as their savior."
The Tabors said their religious upbringing was "pharisaical" - based on strict doctrine and rigid observance of form and ceremony. They rejected the most exclusive aspects of that, they said, as they studied the Scriptures more closely for themselves and thought about the needs of the people they were ministering to.
Some of the churches "are out of touch with reality," Glenn Tabor said, "answering questions no one is asking." An unmarried pregnant girl "is not concerned about whether we use a piano in church, but, `What am I going to do'?"
Likewise, while he'd like to see more members in church at every service, Glenn Tabor is quick to point out that "going to church won't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage will make you a car."
Ultimately, participation in church services and other Christian behavior should be done "because you want to, because you love God, not because you have to do it," Joani Tabor said. "When you really, truly fall in love with Jesus, all the other things fall into place."
by CNB