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Brother Turner:
 I
have been attending a relatively new church, and love these fine
people. I have great respect for newly appointed elders. But now
I learn we support from our treasury a brotherhood orphanage;
and our elders plan to put a kitchen in our new building, for
use in social functions. I don't want to be a troublemaker, but
I can not conscientiously take part in the support of
denominational type institutions, or of activities that are not
the work of the church.
My
husband is not a member so I have no voice in the business
meeting. Should I go to the elders, explain my position, and
send my contribution elsewhere? I have discussed this with a few
members, and some see my point, while others just become quiet.
There is a so-called "Anti" church about an hour's
drive from here; should I go there? I do not want to cause
dissension, but neither do I want to go along with something
unscriptural. Thanks for any advice you can give to help me in
these matters. —————————
Dear---------:
Your
letter (abbreviated above) indicates a basically sound concept
of God's will and a desire to serve Him. What is best, under
difficult circumstances, involves fallible human judgment. But
God reads the heart. Make certain whatever you do is done in an
honest effort to serve God, not self.
As
you evidently know, each local church should be independent,
i.e., NOT dependent upon other churches for any part of its
oversight, funds, etc.
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When
a church plans a work that is beyond its own ability to perform
— even plans to be the overseeing medium through which other
churches will support and function — it clearly violates the
N.T. principle of organization. The basic issue here is not what
is done (as preaching, or caring for needy) but a departure from
God's plan for congregational independence. A church which has
become dependent through no fault of its own may be given
"alms" (Acts 24:17), its "want" supplied (2
Cor. 8:14) by other churches; as you no doubt understand.
The
obligations and functions of a local church are not determined
by what we think is "good work," but by what
God authorizes saints to do collectively, or as a team (2 Tim.3:
17). In the N.T., the church out of its treasury supported its
own needy members (1Tim.5: 16, Acts 4:34-f), assisted churches
that had become dependent (above, Rom. 15:25-f), supported the
preaching of the gospel, at home (1 Cor.9: 11-14) and abroad
(Phil.4: 15 -16). There is nothing in the N.T. to suggest that
the work of the church included social parties, recreation,
secular education, etc.
When
funds from the treasury are used for such all contributors are
forced either to participate or cease to supply funds to that
treasury. We may differ on various things and continue to
worship together. Many differences will be removed by our mutual
study and "striving" to be one in Christ (Phil.1:
27-f). But when the public worship is corrupted (as by use of
piano) or our common fund is put to unscriptural use — when
our (continued next page)
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