Bible Question:
I have been attending the International Church of Christ; I have since left and started going to another one. The International Church of Christ still calls me and is trying to convince me to return. They claim that any other church is not following the Bible like their church., especially the part about discipleship. I do not believe that you should be accountable to anyone but God. The International Church of Christ assigns a person to disciple you. My question is: Have you ever heard of this; and if it is in the Bible, why isn't every church doing this?
Bible Answer:
The International Church of Christ is a cult. A cult is a group of people who have an unusually strong devotion to a single person or philosophy and seeks to control its members through various techniques. It often denies its members access to their families, or their community. There is an excellent website about the International Church of Christ .
Jesus & Discipleship
Yes, the Bible teaches that we are to follow the spiritual lifestyle or example of other mature Christians. During Jesus time, discipleship took many different forms. Some people were disciples of Philo (philosophy), the Pharisees (religion), the Zealots (revolution), and even someone like Pythagoras (mathematics). The disciple selected his master and followed him. The master then determined the nature of the discipleship. Jesus did the same thing. A person was no longer a disciple when he became like his master. Jesus made this clear when He said,
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher . . . (NASB) Matt. 10:24-25
A disciple was more than just a learner. He/she was one who was committed to his/her teacher.
Choosing Your Discipler
Every Christian follows someone; perhaps if it is a pastor. Many of us do not realize that we are following someone, but we do. The Bible does not teach what the International Church of Christ practices. In Hebrews 13:7 we are told to select our discipler. We are responsible to carefully and wisely chose someone to imitate. The Bible teaches that discipleship is to be voluntary and not forced.
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. (NASB) Hebrews 13:7
You may want to read a study about this passage of scripture. It is entitled “Imitating Great Faith.”
Conclusion:
The International Church of Christ is a cult. It is not biblical, and I would advise you to flee it. May I provide some guidance about how to select a good church? It comes from a previous Question and Answer. May the Lord bless you.