Devotion defines The Bible Speaks Church of Christ. It’s a place where faith and community intertwine. This church’s story involves dedication and, at times, controversy.
The Bible Speaks Church of Christ has roots in the ministry of Carl H. Stevens Jr. He was born in West Sumner Maine in 1929. Stevens dedicated himself to learning about Jesus. He also studied the Bible intensely.
Stevens founded Northeast School of the Bible in Maine in 1972. The first graduating class was in 1975. Thomas Schaller was among those graduates. Schaller later became Presiding Elder and Pastor of Greater Grace World Outreach.
As the Bible college grew it needed more space. In 1976 The Bible Speaks World Outreach moved to Lenox Massachusetts. Stevens School of the Bible was founded there. The students helped establish New England’s largest bus ministry and Sunday School. Teams went out to various countries.
Christian Talk Radio became a staple. Pastor Stevens began appearing on the Telephone Time program in New England in the 1960s. He later became the full-time host. He continued on the Grace Hour until 2004.
In 1987 the ministry moved to Baltimore Maryland. It became Greater Grace World Outreach. This diverse urban center proved fruitful for growth. Maryland Bible College and Seminary was founded. It trained pastors missionaries and servants. They went into all the world.
Carl Stevens’ ministry faced scrutiny. The Bible Speaks Greater Grace World Outreach and Maryland Bible College were investigated. Organizations looked into cult-like practices. These included swindling people out of money. Spiritual abuse by leadership was also examined.
Critics say The Bible Speaks demanded unusual dedication to Pastor Stevens. There were instances of members taking tape-recorded vows. They vowed never to speak against the ministry or Stevens. Families were allegedly encouraged to sell their homes. They donated all proceeds to the church. They falsely assumed they could live rent-free on campus.
In the early 1980s The Bible Speaks was split by a dispute. Many members and leaders departed including Stevens’ oldest son. The focus was on “delegated authority”. Critics said this placed Stevens in the place of God. This put him beyond criticism.
Despite controversies The Bible Speaks continues. It emphasizes its adherence to biblical standards. The church says criticisms come from ex-members with grudges. They also come from Christian researchers deceived by them. The Bible Speaks contends any church exceeding traditional norms faces critics.
Today The Bible Speaks Church of Christ stands as a testament. It shows the enduring power of faith. Its history is marked by dedication controversy and transformation. It invites reflection on faith community and the complexities of religious organizations.