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EATING IN THE BUILDING
There are many problems relating to issues of instiutionalism/liberalism still facing the Lord's people today. If there be “major issues,” this is not one of them. The controversy simply evolved as a result of a liberal attitude toward the scriptures and a belief that there is no pattern to establish a congregation's work.
First, let me say that the building is not a "sanctuary" so that it is no blasphemy against that which is holy to eat in it. The meeting place could be considered “holy” only in the sense that it was purchased with “holy” money;” that is, money set aside by Christians and given to the congregation to do the Lord’s work. The facilities are to accommodate the assembly of the people and the purposes for which they assemble. Second, there is a world of difference between an incidental eating and that that is planned and programmed as a congregational work. For instance, there are mothers with small children who must bring something for their children to eat during services. They understand that doing so is not a church baby feeding program -- no part of the facilities were provided for this eating -- the eating was only incidental to little ones being in the assembly. Some kids also run in the building (not a good habit) but who would dare say that this is the same as a congregation providing a racetrack for the youngsters?
Some brethren have attempted to defend their "fellowships" (that is an unscriptural use of this word) saying that the New Testament does not say how the building is to be used; therefore, it can be used in any way Christians desire. I will agree that the New Testament does not say, "Thou shalt not eat in the building," or "Thou shalt worship in the building," but I strenuously disagree with the above conclusion. That conclusion leaves the impression that there is no way of determining how such facilities are to be used.
Why did Christians of the first century assemble together? In Acts 20:7, they came together "to break bread" (a common expression used with reference to the Lord's Supper) and Paul "preached unto them." The Hebrew writer commanded that Christians nor forsake "the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is," (Hebrews 10:25). The positive counterpart of that is a command to assemble. Such a command necessitates a PLACE of assembly. If the congregation provides this place of assembly, it logically follows that it is to be used for the scriptural purposes for which the group assembles. To purpose its use otherwise is to misuse it.
As far as I have been able to determine from scripture and common sense application, these purposes involve the work and worship of the congregation -- such scriptures offer no authority for so-called fellowship halls, kitchens, kindergartens, etc. Therefore, if a congregation plans entertaining and feeding activities as church enterprises and builds facilities to accommodate such programs with the use of money given for the Lord's work, it acts without the authority of Christ. Regardless of how much of a good feeling may flow from heart to heart in such so-called "fellowships,”' it will not justify the practice -- in the same way that the pleasing notes of the organ do not justify its use in worship to God.
Now, before you jump on your soapbox and call me "anti-social” or “a stick-in-the mud that doesn’t believe in people having fun and eating together,” understand that I was a part of a softball team composed of men in the congregation this last year. And, yeah, folks were amazed that a 64 year old man could still move, catch balls and make hits – just don’t ask about pulled muscles and we will get along fine. Occasionally, one of the members will have a party for the teenagers or an outing for the whole congregation – we really enjoy each other’s company and we have as much fun as anybody else does. The ball team was not a "Church of Christ" team and the eating’s were not "Church of Christ" parties. I think that people who want to understand the difference can see it quite clearly. And, then there are others who make absurd claims about what we are supposed to believe and who don’t really want to deal with the issue! -- Jim R. Everett
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