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 Bro.
Turner:
On
what scriptural basis do some teach that churches must function
"according to their ability"; and how may this
"ability" be determined? GS
Reply:
2
Cor. 8:12 reads, "For if there be first a willing mind, it
is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to
that he hath not." This principle concerning the individual
illustrates the same principle which is, in the
preceding verse applied to the church in Corinth.
Paul
writes of "churches" and liberality that caused them
to give more than he expected of them. He then reminded the
Corinthians that Titus is coming to finish in you the pledge
made one year previous; an obvious reference to an earlier
promise or plan of the church in Corinth. 2 Cor. 8:11 reads,
"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a
readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of
that which ye have."
The
real basis for contending that each church should operate
according to its ability (and the reason Paul could show the
church and individual operate under a common principle in this
matter) is the independence each unit has in common. Each
individual saint is treated as an independent unit, hence the
individual's performance is measured in the light of his
capabilities. First there is ability; then response to ability;
and finally we give account of our response to our
ability. (Matt. 25:14-30) When the collective action of
saints is considered, a plurality of
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saints acting as one, this "one"
must also be expected to operate "according to
ability" if it is in truth an independent unit.
If
God intended each local church to be an independent functional
unit; if "organizational structure of the church begins and
ends with the local congregation"; if each church is indeed
"independent and autonomous"; then each church must
operate in keeping with its own ability.
"Independent"
means "having a competency"
"self-sufficient", "not dependent on
others." When there were more needy saints in Jerusalem
than could be cared for with their own resources, this unit
became dependent with respect to material things; and
"alms" were given -- to restore their independence.
(2 Cor. 8:13-14; Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:25-f)
We
understand that each saint is independent, judged as an
individual; hence, judged according to his own ability. We
determine his "want" or "need" on the basis
of that which is his own responsibility -- and the extent of his
own resources. When one's basic needs (for survival) exceed his
resources, we give "alms" to restore him to a position
of self-sufficiency. WHY CAN'T WE SEE THIS SAME PRINCIPLE WITH
REFERENCE TO AN "INDEPENDENT" CHURCH?? We can, or we could,
if we were not so conditioned by "brotherhood" (in
reality, "churchhood") projects that congregational
independence has become more traditional terminology than actual
Bible teaching, firmly believed and practiced.
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