For those who don’t know my history, I grew up for a large part of my life in Wynnum, a bayside suburb of Brisbane.
We settled there in 1979 after my father became the minister at the (non-denominational) Wynnum Church of Christ and I lived in the area or would hang in the area on and off until I moved to Melbourne almost 16 years ago. I would like to think that while I lived there I got to know the area and would often ride my bike around etc.
Today I discovered that there are in fact, two Wynnum Churches of Christ in Wynnum.
The one I am familiar with, and the one dad used to preach at and minister to is the Non-denominational Church of Christ on the corner of Tingal Road and Chestnut Streets in Wynnum. From my memory in was started in the 1920’s and the building etc was built with their own funds etc.
The green arrow is the Non-denominational Wynnum Church of Chrsit, and the yellow A is the other (Denominational) Wynnum Church of Christ
The other one is the Wynnum Church of Christ, part of the Churches of Christ in Australia. Very similar in many beliefs but differing to the other Wynnum Church of Christ in their use of instrumental music and denominational structures.
While I guess you could get into an argument about who was in Wynnum first, or who is having an impact on the community for the Kingdom etc — is it really worth the argument?
My point is that is no wonder the folk in the community can’t understand Christianity. When we have two churches with the same name and differing beliefs I am sure that there are more questions about why etc than there are about the Gospel. This is ridiculous!
What message does this silliness show to the local community about our faith and unity?
{ 4 comments }
Hey Neal… I get your point mate – on the whole denominational distinctives are the consequence of our inability to be Christ like, preferring our own pig-headed approach to interpretations of Scripture and history over others.
In all honesty I doubt the community cares that much… you managed to live there without knowing they'd both been there for 80 odd years, and you're a Jesus follower. Those within the churches probably care more than anyone else, and it'll give them something to debate while they wait for Jesus to turn up… at which point I think he'll piss himself laughing!!
Catchya
The Celtic One
Thanks Celtic Son! Love your perspective! Keep 'em coming!
Hey Neal… I get your point mate – on the whole denominational distinctives are the consequence of our inability to be Christ like, preferring our own pig-headed approach to interpretations of Scripture and history over others.
In all honesty I doubt the community cares that much… you managed to live there without knowing they'd both been there for 80 odd years, and you're a Jesus follower. Those within the churches probably care more than anyone else, and it'll give them something to debate while they wait for Jesus to turn up… at which point I think he'll piss himself laughing!!
Catchya
The Celtic One
Thanks Celtic Son! Love your perspective! Keep 'em coming!
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