The Madison Elders have sent Frank Scott to Saddleback to learn from them. Tom Haddon has been to Saddleback and has taught the Homebuilders Class about their methods. Tom has prophesied that the church as we know it will be changed completely and our songbooks with their old songs will be taken away. A tape of Tom’s teachings on February 25, 2001 has been transcribed and studied in depth. Church division was taught at Madison on February 25, 2001 by Tom Haddon.

Larry Sullivan who was brought to Madison by Buck Dozier and the Elders promotes a book titled, "Leading Congregational Change". Larry is also the Assistant Director of the Pepperdine annual Seminar of the same name, "Leading Congregational Change". The above book promoted by Larry Sullivan is reviewed by Rick Warren (Saddleback Valley Community Church founder) at the Straus Institute website. Mr. Sullivan of course is directly connected with Straus Institute.

Now with all of that said, I ask you; if you allow Madison Church of Christ to continue on the present course, do you think that there may be, possibly, just possibly, a COVENANT in your future somewhere at some time?

We have to agree that this covenant has not been given to us ------- yet! But you must admit how worldly Buck Dozier, the Elder is in his view of what he perceives his authority to be, whether this was his idea alone or in concert with others.

What does God’s Word say about what we refer to as covenants?

Matthew 5:37 "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." (Jesus’ words)

Titus 1:9 "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (gainsayers => those who oppose it)

II Corinthians 2:17 "For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

I Peter 5:12 "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."

II Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage."

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ teaches us that we should say "yes" or "no", but not vow or take an oath! Christians should not make covenants that require vows, oaths, or sacred promises. When we speak we are to speak as sincere men and women of God, whose word is honorable, so we do not bind ourselves in any way with vows or oaths or sacred promises. Do not sign or make any covenants, oaths, promises, or vows in any Christian context. Jesus Christ came to deal with the human heart. The Law of Moses allowed oaths as safeguards against the dishonesty of men under the Law, who had not experienced the new birth into the new creation of Jesus Christ. He, Jesus Christ, forbids oaths and vows altogether in the New Testament. By doing this He accomplished the real purpose of God’s Law.

We must compare the undisputable actions of each Elder with Scriptures and determine if what Buck was working on was what an Elder should consider as teaching and leading and watching over the flock. Seems like an Elder should, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:22. Why don’t you ask brother Dozier about this? See what his personal opinion is.

This is simply what I have found in the Word of God regarding things that are perceived as covenants.

Bobby M. Johnson, member Madison Church of Christ