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 Dear
bro. Turner:
Please comment on the question
Dear bro. Turner:
Please
comment on the question, “Who owns the church treasury?”
Reply:
This
is a “hot potato”, and all “hot heads” are asked to skip this
section. Thinkers, read on!!
The
“church treasury” belongs to the “church” —— and of course
we are speaking of the local church, for this is the only
kind of pooled fund authorized in the New Testament.
The
church is a “company” of saints formed by mutual agreement—
(either expressed or understood) in order to work and worship together
as one. In order to function collectively these saints must accept some
common leadership, and pool their means and/or abilities. These pooled
resources no longer belong to the individuals making up the “company”,
but belong to the collective unit, the “church”.
The
fund is “at the feet” (i.e., at the disposal) of whomever these
members (in forming or joining themselves into a church) agree shall act
in this capacity. The Apostles once held this position in the Jerusalem
church (Acts 14:35, 37,; 5:1-4) and later, the elders. (Acts 11:30)
The
elders do not “own” the fund, but act as “trustees”— to use
legal terminology.
Does The
Money Belong to God?
Everything
belongs to God, including this
money — even before it was contributed to the treasury. (Isa. 66)
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How
desperately, in these days of materialism, we need to understand this.
We are but stewards. (Note Acts 17:21-f. God doesn’t need anything!)
The
church treasury is our means of operating collectively. It becomes God’s
fund to the extent that we collect and administer it according to His
divine will, and for His purpose.
Legally,
and I think logically— the fund “belongs” to the purpose
for which it was given. (See “cy pres” in unabridged
dictionary or law book) If a church is truly “scriptural” the church
treasury will be used only for the God-assigned work of the church. It
can not be used for any “good work” the elders may see fit to
approve.
When Brethren Disagree
Brethren
may disagree as to the God—assigned work of the church, and hence have
no common purpose with respect to their common fund. A
prayerful objective search of God’s word should and. will settle such
problems for all who are willing to do only that for which there is
divine authority. But if agreement can not be had, the basis for
collective action in the disputed work is destroyed.
When
brethren “part company” under such circumstances, an equitable
dissolving of company (church) resources is in order— although I blush
to admit it seldom takes place. Usually, a sectarian spirit prevails,
and the majority, or “strongest” party takes all. (We fight for “God’s”
(?) money.) Someday we may learn to “give ourselves unto God”—(2
Cor. 8:5).
(Reprint, Vol. 1, No. 14)
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