Winter Workshop. A brief summary.

“Whatever Happened to the Family? Where Are the Leaders?” This was the theme of our annual Winter Workshop and Revival Meeting. It is always refreshing to begin each year with intelligent and stimulating discussion designed to affect change in the hearts and minds of believers. In previous years we have hosted seminars dealing with finances, grief & depression, relationship issues, evangelism, and aging to name a few. This year we invited one of the nation’s foremost scholars and historians with an expertise in church leadership and administration as well as the dynamic of the African American family. Dr. Jefferson R. Caruthers, the evangelist of the Carver Road Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, NC, addressed the above mentioned topics with the professionalism, adeptness, and dedication to the “text” as he has been noted for in the churches of Christ for many years. He presents a thorough and keen insight into many of the historical and practical issues that we have come to be familiar with in our fellowship. One such issue is “Faith after 18 years” i.e. how & why many in our churches make a mass exodus from the church after they reach the age of 18. In speaking with Dr. Caruthers it became clear to me that many of us have been guilty of spiritual sabotage by saying things like “As long as you are in my house you will do as I say” or “Until your 18^th birthday you are my responsibility and then you can do what you want”! Both of those statements as well as others have been used in the family context for many years among many in our number. However, he brought out the fact (biblically) that our faith should be passed down from generation to generation whether the child is 18, 48 or 108! In his piece on administration and leadership, he dealt with the leaders in the bible from a biblical historical context i.e. how God prepares his leaders for the functions they undertake. He also dealt with many of the historical positions “brethren” have taken on a leaders qualifications. In his presentations, which are immersed in scripture, he brings out the “meat” of the passage and allows those in attendance to arrive at the biblical and logical conclusion based on the present and surrounding context staying true to the un-prejudicial and original meaning. My congregation as well as many others in our fellowship must come to grips individually with the many issues of our day, and in doing so must remain faithful to the written word of God. Our lives at the “Well” have been richly blessed! Our families are stronger; our leaders (in the home and church) have been strengthened and challenged as well.

You have the CLUE!