Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1036
Grease And God
by Larry Ray Hafley
Yes, "Grease and God" was the title of an article in The Times Leader, Martin’s Ferry, OH. The sub-heading stated that "Mechanics resurrect cars and jump-start spirituality."
"’For the last five years, this has taken off all over the place,’ said Peter Leschuck, lead mechanic for the cars ministry at Willow Creek Community Church, in South Barrington, Ill. Fifteen years ago , the suburban megachurch opened its mechanics ministry, believed to be the first in the nation, and now advises others on how to start their own....Hundreds of religious organizations now have car ministries, he said" (5/22/04, C2).
Where Are Our Liberal Brethren?
Are there any churches of Christ who have their own "mechanics ministry"? Why not? If gymnasiums are justified (as some of our liberal brethren say they are) because they draw people who may be led to Jesus, why could not a car repair shop be justified on the very same basis? Since kitchens and cafeterias are built as part of a "community outreach program," what would be wrong with churches having "car ministries" for the same purpose? Will someone attempt to justify one but not the other?
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Philip did not take the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot in for a tune-up before he taught and baptized him. He did not take him to a brotherhood buffet, either (Acts 8:26-40). If soup and salad saves the soul, why did the apostles think it not fitting and proper to "leave the word of God and serve tables" in Acts 6? Why did they say they should not leave the word of God and serve tables since, according to some today, that would have been a perfect way to meet new prospects?
Miraculous Car Healing?
You think I am making this up? Read on. "For mechanics Craig Brandenburg and Teang Ie, praying for automotive miracles is just part of the routine at Cedar Park Assembly of God church, where every weekday the two service a steady stream of cars in their mechanics ministry....Every morning, before they pop the hood of their first car, Brandenburg and Ie sit in the shop’s office and bow their heads to pray....Ie thanked the Lord for any help he could bestow upon the day’s lineup of ailing vehicles. ’I can tell you some great stories about God healing cars,’ Brandenburg said with a chuckle, as he twirled a wrench in his grease-stained hands. ’Sometimes you just pray for a revelation.’" (Why would a man have a "wrench" and "grease-stained hands" while speaking about "God healing cars"?)
We have all seen fake healers on television. Now, they can lay hands on a Chevy. How about body work and the instant removal of dents and rust spots? If, as they claim, they miraculously can unclog arteries, why not a carburetor? It will not do for a Pentecostal to argue that miracles can be effected upon humans only, or that God’s divine power does not apply to physical things. Jesus stopped a storm and calmed tempestuous waves, did he not (Matt. 8:26)? God made the iron of an axe head to float (2 Kgs. 6). So why not work miracles on a Mercury and perform signs on a sick Subaru? If God stopped and started rain showers, can he not also stop and start a sedan (1 Kgs. 17, 18)? I promise to join any church that can work such wonders on my car!
Finally, the mechanics ministry of the Assembly of God in Bothell, WA, which prays "for automotive miracles," charges customers "an honest price." The "church charges on a sliding scale, depending on the income and circumstances of the customer." Hmm. I wonder if they charge for cars that are miraculously repaired? Why pay a man for work he did not do?
Also, I wonder if the mechanics at these churches show a lack of faith when they bring their tool boxes to work.
