The Church Firebrands - Bob Turner - Lectureship
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Brother Bob Turner opened the class by presenting sobering statistics about the state of Church of Christ congregations nationwide. He explained that between 11,000 and 12,000 churches exist, but about 65% operate without elders, and many of the remaining congregations have only two elders, making them vulnerable to collapse. Over the past sixteen years, an average of 111 churches have closed each year, a trend that persists despite intensive evangelism efforts based on the Great Commission (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24). Turner argued that the emphasis on evangelism alone had become a cart placed before the horse of leadership development, leading to dwindling membership and closures. Turning to Scripture, Turner used the life of Jesus as the ultimate leadership model. He highlighted Jesus’ inclusive selection of disciples—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—demonstrating that true leadership begins with inclusion, giving every voice a seat at the table. He also stressed the importance of prayer, noting that Jesus prayed all night before appointing the twelve. Turner concluded that churches must become "firebrands" by inviting and training the next generation, relying on prayerful discernment to raise passionate leaders who will sustain and grow the body of Christ.