Many of my close friends know that I grew up in the denomination known as the Church of Christ. I still have many wonderful and faithful Christian friends and family members in that church. They are all people who love Jesus dearly and attempt to serve Him in the best way that they can. I do not doubt their salvation. I do not have any issues with the ways they try to follow our Lord to the best of their ability. I want to make that clear.

I do not recall a time as a child when I was not in regular attendance with a Church of Christ. My Bible class teachers were Godly women (men once I got to the 4th or 5th grade) who did not view their role as “baby-sitters” in any way, shape, or form. These were seasoned teachers with curricula who taught Bible stories and principles during every class – both Sunday morning and Wednesday evening – 52 weeks a year. I am forever grateful for the foundation I received through their efforts.

In addition, I learned at the feet of pulpit ministers who engaged my mind with deep and thoughtful sermons that covered a myriad of important topics and doctrines. These were capable men, wise men, solid scholars of the Bible. These are the men who not only taught me, they preached to me – there is a difference. I came to a saving faith through their sermons and was baptized into Christ as a mature teenager who had chosen to “get wet” because of peer pressure years before. They showed me there was a difference. And I love them for that. Several of them are quite famous within the brotherhood of the Churches of Christ. And I know they are responsible for many men and women turning their lives over to God during the last 50-plus years.

However, due to several disagreements with some of the unwritten doctrines embraced by some within the Churches of Christ (note that I wrote SOME and not all), I decided to part ways with the Church of Christ denomination almost 15 years ago. It was a difficult decision.

No doubt, there are some within the Church of Christ who take exception to the capital “C” I’ve used in the word “Church” and of me using the word “denomination” to describe them. Those men and women are the people with which I typically have the plurality of disagreements. I certainly still consider them my brothers and sisters. I still love them. I do not doubt their salvation. I care for them deeply. However, my conscious will not allow me to forfeit my Savior’s call for unity among those who serve Him as King. I cannot ignore the importance of recognizing that the church Jesus of Nazareth established is based on recognizing Him as the Christ and the Son of the Living God. It was not established based on a collection of rules regarding what people have concluded: 1) a church service is supposed to look like, 2) a church government is supposed to look like, 3) a church budget is supposed to look like, and 4) what church doctrines are supposed to look like.

Because of that, I’ve decided to do something that many of these good men and women will instantly recognize. I’ve chosen to be a Christian only. In fact, this is what many of them claim to be. Yet many of them pick and choose who else is allowed to claim the status of being a Christian only. I believe that hurts all Christians. Its end-effect is division between those who are in the church of Christ (note the small “c” in the word “church” in that phrase). It drives a Satan-loving wedge between those who are part of the Way – those who are brothers or sisters – followers of Jesus – believers – soldiers for the King – and unworthy saints of the Lord.

I will not do that.

And so, I’ve now gotten around to making a series of videos explaining why I came to that decision. I’ve just released another video. It explains one of the tactics used by SOME Churches of Christ that is very effective (note that it is only SOME … and MANY Churches of Christ today would condemn this practice). Enjoy this playlist.