GOOD WORD—The Rev. Keith Whitney leads Camarillo Church of Christ. IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers The Rev. Keith Whitney said the Camarillo Church of Christ has faced its share of challenges but has now healed and is ready to move forward and grow.

Whitney arrived to lead the church in spring 2007 only to find himself a few months later facing a scandal that would cripple the church for years.

The church’s youth pastor, Mark McDowell, was arrested on charges of sexually molesting multiple teenage girls over the period of approximately eight years.

A few of the victims were members of the church but others were not affiliated.

McDowell pleaded guilty to the charges, served jail time and is now a registered sex offender.

“It was a period of rapid decline and heartbreak,” Whitney said.

The incident had a detrimental effect on the church. The congregation shrunk from nearly 200 members to 50.

Whitney said he wants the public to know the crime doesn’t define the church, which has faced many struggles since its founding in 1960 but has emerged stronger and closer to God each time.

“(The scandal) hanging over us was something that affects the joy of life and community in a church and has a paling effect on the congregation,” Whitney said. “But we are finally beyond all of that. There’s a great love in this church and a hopeful attitude for growth.”

Whitney said he feels God called him to lead the church during those difficult times because he was able to help both spiritually and practically. With a background in law, Whitney scoured through the legal documents and lawsuits against the church. Through his efforts, the congregation was able to keep the church building and sanctuary.

In his 24th year as a business professor at Pepperdine University, Whitney still teaches full-time while ministering at the church. He previously was a minister for eight years at the Simi Church of Christ but had to leave due to his responsibilities at the university.

He said he’s relieved to be back at the pulpit.

“For someone who loves ministry, I would describe that period of life like when you’re a poet but you don’t have any words,” Whitney said. “You can’t write. There’s a hungering to do that.”

The congregation sings all worship songs a cappella to honor the historical roots of the Church of Christ, which began during the American Restoration Movement in the early 19th century as a means to re-create the early church of Jesus’ lifetime.

Whitney said worship music is not meant to entertain church members but is instead intended to bring an individual fully to God in body, mind and heart through peaceful praise.

“It is a defining element of what a Church of Christ is,” Whitney said. “The emphasis is the entire church singing praises to God. If we were to introduce instrumental music, we would be an independent Christian church.”

Whitney said his teachings are based predominately on Bible text. Each service consists of singing, an offering, Scripture reading and a community prayer, when any member can lead prayer requests.

The church participates in communion during each Sunday service and offers a second communion opportunity on Sunday night for those who cannot attend in the morning.

“One of the greatest privileges is looking at the faces (of those) who really love God and talking about Jesus,” Whitney said of his work as a pastor.

Whitney said the congregation looks forward to bringing in more church members, specifically children and young adults.

To accommodate the religious style of a younger generation, the church plans to add a service with contemporary music and style of teaching. Whitney said he would probably bring in a young pastor to lead the church with him as a copartner.

“A church has a life cycle, and if you don’t redefine yourself, eventually you may be terminally ill,” Whitney said.

He said the Camarillo congregation, although small in number, is a vibrant group with perseverance and hope.

“I would hope the Christian community in Camarillo lifts this church up in prayer,” Whitney said. “In my view, everybody who remains there is somewhat victimized, and we want God to bless the church for it to be a holy community for everybody. We love God, and we’ve made every effort for it to be the safest place on Earth.”

The Camarillo Church of Christ, 515 Temple Ave., has Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m.

Call (805) 482-3505 or visit www.camarillochurchofchrist.com.