A Personal Profile of Dr. G. Scott Gleaves

Important Issues

               I believe that the three most important issues facing the church are:

               1.  Pluralism (including such things as the blurring of moral standards and

                   the tolerance of religious/societal error).

  2. The Authority of Scripture (including such things as inspiration, the role of women and acceptable worship).

  3. The Identity of the church of Christ (including such things as our relationship to denominations, evangelism and unity).

View of Bible

I believe that the Bible is complete and inerrant. However, this does not mean that there are no "translation" errors. The original autographs were inspired. When studious and faithful translations are made of the original languages from ancient copies, then the will of God is contained in them. I believe what I study and read in my English translation is the inspired word of God. I also believe God has the power to preserve His will in any language. My translation of choice is the NASB.

I am not in sympathy with those who question the integrity of the Old Testament.  I cannot accept a "mythical" or "fable" interpretation of the creation when Jesus referred to it as a fact.  I'm not embarrassed to uphold the historicity of the Old Testament.

Doctrinal Views

1.   I believe that baptism is essential for salvation. One is not a Christian unless they have obeyed the command to be baptized for the remission of sins. "For the remission of sins" means that it is at baptism that past sins are forgiven, not before.

            2.   The use of mechanical instruments of music in worship is not consistent with the
                  pattern of worship revealed in the New Testament. Their use is unauthorized.

3.   Men and women are equal in the sight of God but serve in different capacities in the church. Women are not to serve as preachers, eiders, nor deacons, though they may function in various leadership roles in ministries suited for their unique talents and gifts. I do not believe the subordinate role of women in the home or in the church is a cultural issue. Paul connects the principle of male spiritual leadership to creation (1 Tim. 2:13, 14). I do believe that the church in general has not taken full advantage of the gifts, talents, and skills of her godly women. There may be a few prohibitions for women, yet there are unlimited opportunities for service. The greatest single challenge to the faith of Christian women is feministic philosophy.

4.  I do not believe that people can perform miracles today.

      5.  I believe a congregation has every scriptural right to cooperate with other
     congregations in a meaningful task, and support orphan homes, mission work, or a
    Christian college if thy choose to do so.

6.  Salvation is by grace through faith. These two items are not mutually exclusive. One
     cannot share in the blessings and promises of grace without appropriating it through
     a loving, active, and obedient faith.

7.  The trend to use choirs, quartets and solos in the worship service is a
     trend that I do not endorse. Who needs such innovations when the
     church is engaged in exiting and meaningful congregational singing?
     The arguments I have heard for their use are weak and fanciful.

8.  I do not believe in compromising the truth in favor of uniting with the Independent
     Christian Church denomination.

9. I do believe in the in the uniqueness of the church as revealed in scripture, and have
    committed my life to its defense and promotion.

Counseling Experience

I have had the opportunity to counsel many couples and individuals that have struggled with a variety of personal problems. However, I am not a "licensed" counselor. I believe the greatest book of counsel is the Bible. When it is faithfully taught and proclaimed with sensitivity, I feel I have counseled many.