Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1055
Church Bulletin–Personality & Perception
by Larry Ray Hafley
A bulletin reflects the stance and stand of a congregation. Generally, the strength or weakness of the leadership and the pulpit is reflected in a church’s bulletin (Matt. 7:20). We will not see a sound, solid bulletin with weak elders and a weak preacher. Likewise, where there is strong oversight and sound preaching, we will not find a "soft" bulletin. Bulletins filled with "feel good" articles, or dominated with social and secular activities, usually emanate from churches seeking popularity rather than soundness in the faith. Bulletins that are not distinctive, that do not contrast the faith of Christ with the doctrines of men, often are published by weak churches with compromising elders and a, "I don’t want to rock the boat," preacher. As proof, note the principle expressed by the Lord in Matthew 12:35-"The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil." The same is true of church bulletins. You have but to think of bulletins you have received over the years which demonstrate the truth of that assessment.
In a private letter to a brother in another area, one of our elders recently wrote the following words of admonition and exhortation.
I’m hesitant to address an issue with you, but I feel your influence might be used to address a potential problem of perception. For several issues of the bulletin there, there have been social announcements that give the impression to those receiving the bulletin outside of the local church, that you are endorsing the social gospel. This might not be the case but the perception is there. Examples are notes such as a "flower fund" "family get together" and "bible class and singing" at an individual’s home.
Is this the church’s flower fund? Does the church also make public announcements of these social functions? Will refreshments be served after the bible study and singing at that individual’s house? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the perception of those receiving the bulletin is confirmed. This is the exact way liberalism entered the church in the 40’s and continued digressing until now. The line between what the church can do, versus what the individual can do becomes obscured until no distinction is seen at all. (Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Timothy 5:16 show a clear distinction between the work of an individual and of the church.) I remember as a young boy having "dinner on the ground" (church grounds behind the building). There was nothing wrong with eating together, but when it rained the party was moved inside the back rooms of the building. Still nothing sinful, perhaps, but what about the influence and perception of those in the world? We left that congregation in 1952 and moved to Baytown where this was not the practice. Today, that church we left has gone the way of denominationalism in accepting anything and everything! The same can happen where you live. It may not occur in your generation, but it may be done in subsequent generations because the gate is open for digression.
There is nothing wrong with any of these social events if carried out by individuals. They can even be viewed as personal obligations by each of us (Rom. 12:10-13). The problem is when elders start allowing these activities to be blended into the worship and bulletins of the church. What does the outsider or non-Christian come to think? He believes this is the work of the church because the elders endorse such things.
This week the bulletin had no articles of teaching and used one scripture as filler on the back page. Last week two articles appeared, one having one verse and the other no verses at all. Is this bible based teaching? It is evident that the positive mental attitude concept of using few verses has pervaded the editorship of your bulletin. I have no objection to the noting of those needing prayers because of sickness, announcements of those needing special attention, and schedules to make the worship more orderly. All this is proper and a wise use of the Lord’s money when accompanied by solid bible teaching in a paper mailed around the country.
I close by thanking you for being a man of conviction and having high morals. Please use your influence to make the church there better than it is now. Don’t allow weakness to overcome good.
