Unfortunately it has limited distribution, but the July/August issue of Communion (published by the Kingdom Ministry Team of Church of God Ministries) is worth reading. In particular, take note of the reprinted article from 1992 by the late R. Eugene Sterner, "The Church of God: A Lover's Quarrel with the Church".
Sterner provides valuable insight into our movement's practice in relation to our high ideal of the church. Prescriptions to address our weaknesses are also given. The article is slightly dated, and the recommendations are not as bold as what I would suggest, but this still is an important voice in a much needed discussion. Reformation movements must constantly allow themselves to be reformed. This does not mean a fixation on navel gazing or negativity, but open and honest dialogue is always necessary.
Sterner himself was very optimistic for the future of the Church of God:
"Our basic heritage of openness to the whole truth and of fellowship with all Christians, our relative flexibility as a body, our gifted and intelligent leadership, and our growing proportion of informed, concerned laymen hold promise for moving into the future with relevance and significant witness."
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I agree. I love this article, I just wish it had been published a decade ago when it was written. Makes me wonder what's being written now that we'll hear about in 10 years . . . BTW, I am converting taped conversations between Dr. Sterner and Mark Martin (Maiden Lane Church of God, OH) to CD. Dr. Sterner was Mark's mentor, and Mark was my Senior Pastor until this past January.
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