About this Debate

About the Debaters

David Garner attended the Brown Trail School of Preaching from 1999 until 2001. Upon graduating from preaching school, David moved to California to marry his wife, Amy, and work with the Oildale Church of Christ in Bakersfield.  After serving two separate congregations in Bakersfield, for a sum total of five years, David moved to Vacaville, CA—where he is currently serving the Lord’s church. He and Amy have one son, Derek (6). You may contact David by email at dgarner74@hotmail.com

David Garner & Family

Kurt G. Jones

Kurt G. Jones was baptized into Christ in July of 1993.  He grew up attending an institutional church.  In 1996 Kurt’s parents left the institutional church.  Kurt struggled with these issues for a number years and finally came to the conclusion that the church is not authorized to participate in the error of institutionalism.  Since this decision he has dedicated himself to the study and application of God’s truth. Kurt enlisted in the army in 1997, served in the Army Reserves, seperated from his service in 2001, and  was honorably discharged in 2005.  Kurt began his first work as a full-time evangelist in 2001.  He has worked with congregations in Borger, Rosenberg, and Dumas, TX.  Kurt has held numerous gospel meetings and recently completed a preaching trip, visiting numerous congregations in numerous cities, in the Philippines.  Kurt is currently the evangelist at the 9th and Bliss church of Christ in Dumas, TX. Kurt has been happily married to his beloved wife, Amber, for nearly 5 years.  They have one son, Caleb, who is 2 years old.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from  West Texas A&M University. You may contact Kurt by email at kurtgjones@gmail.com

The Propositions

1. The Scriptures do not authorize the local church to pay for a meal (from the treasury) for its members which is for social, rather than benevolent, purposes.

Affirm: Kurt G. Jones
Deny: David Garner

2. The Scriptures do authorize the local church to pay for a meal (from the treasury) for its members which is for social, rather than benevolent, purposes.

Affirm: David Garner
Deny: Kurt G. Jones