Influential leader in the Churches of Christ, Lipscomb edited the Gospel Advocate for over 50 years. He taught Christian pacifism, opposed centralization, and emphasized congregational autonomy. Lipscomb University in Nashville bears his name.
Born in Tennessee and shaped by the chaos of the Civil War, Lipscomb developed a theology of radical nonresistance and separation from worldly government. He refused to vote, hold office, or bear arms, arguing that Christians belong to a different kingdom and must not entangle themselves in the violence and politics of earthly states. This stance shaped his entire ecclesiology: if the church is God's kingdom, it needs no human organization beyond the local congregation, no centralized boards or missionary societies, and no authority structures that mimic secular governance.
Lipscomb took over the *Gospel Advocate* in 1866, partnering with Tolbert Fanning and later his brother William. For more than five decades, the paper became the authoritative voice for conservative Churches of Christ in the South. Lipscomb opposed instrumental music in worship, missionary societies, and any form of ecclesiastical centralization. He saw these as departures from apostolic simplicity and threats to congregational freedom. His consistency and moral clarity made him a towering figure, even as the movement divided over the very innovations he resisted.
Relationships
-
Mentored by: Tolbert Fanning
Fanning's teaching shaped Lipscomb's views on congregational autonomy and simple worship.
Selected Quotes
“The church is God's kingdom on earth, distinct from the kingdoms of men. Christians owe allegiance to Christ alone.”
“All confederacies, organizations, and institutions that are not found in the New Testament are usurpations of divine authority and dangerous innovations.”
“We are citizens of heaven, pilgrims and strangers on earth. The kingdoms of this world are not our home.”