230 / Development of Church Life in the Older Congregations

God, the Creation, the Fall, the Redeemer, and Sin. On another occasion the suggested topics were The Church the Body of Christ, Repentance and Conversion, Baptism, Teaching to Observe, the Devotional Covering, Christian Marriage, and Nonresistance.

There were many discussions on the problems of the Christian life. What should be the Christian attitude toward labor unions and the strikes which they called? It was agreed that as Christians there should be no participation in strikes and that membership in labor unions constitutes the unequal yoke. Membership in certain farm organizations was classified in a similar manner during the April 1936 meeting.

The problem of insurance was raised on certain occasions. There was a feeling that the spirit of neighborliness was being lost, and that it was for these reasons that commercial insurance was appealing to the church members.

The Holmes County churches were facing problems as their young people attended the local public schools. Athletics and dramatics posed difficulties for the church, since in certain cases the principles of simplicity and modesty were threatened by these activities.

Repeatedly in facing the practical problems the ministers resorted to prayer and the teaching of the Word. A mere legalistic approach to the problems was not considered a satisfactory one. More teaching and instruction was seen as necessary. It was pointed out that members are now received into the church at a younger age, and it becomes necessary to indoctrinate young people after baptism in view of the trends which face them. Temperance was cited as one of the necessary emphases. Fashions and fads of the world were being adopted, and this was a matter of concern.

There were also problems in caring for the widows of the churches. Where possible the family would support its needy ones but where this was not done the church should assume responsibility. There were negligent and straying members who called for attention, and the problem of constructive discipline was a frequent topic.

As World War II approached, the subject of military service was mentioned. In July of 1940 the question was asked, "In case there should be a draft for military purposes by our Government would the ministers be well enough informed to help our young men if they should come to them for advice?" By September 1940 the Selective