Country Club Churches (3)

Country Club Churches (3)
Tim Haile

In our last article on this subject, we examined the principle of expediency. We observed that the authority for a church building resides in its divinely intended use. God commands us to regularly “assemble” (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7). Some types of weather require the use of a shelter in order protect the body. We cited other examples of expediency in an earlier article. And though this may seem simple to many, the fact is that “expediency” is often abused. Church members find a building with a large hall or auditorium extremely convenient for all types of social engagements. Some people will seek justification for using the building for absolutely any type of project or purpose. They will argue that it is wasteful for the building to sit unused for much of the week. I wonder what these folks would have said about the Holy Place ("Holy of Holies") under the Mosaic dispensation? This facility was entered by only one man, and at only one time a year (Heb. 9:7). Would they have complained to Moses that this was “a waste” of such an elaborate and costly facility?

What about using the church building for pet projects, entertainment and recreation, as is practiced by social organizations? Is such a use of the building authorized? May we use the Lord’s money to provide a building for exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, Boy Scout meetings, Tupperware parties, Christmas parties, Halloween parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, recreational events, sporting events, and entertainment? Many people do, but what does the Bible say? As with the baptistery and songbooks that we discussed in our last article, the church building is a lawful expedient. Thus, authority for the building resides in the passages that authorize the things for which the building may be used. Since God commands the local church to assemble for various purposes, we are allowed by God to buy, build, or rent, and maintain a church building. The command to assemble authorizes a place or facility in which to assemble (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Cor. 14:23, 26). This would include church assemblies for: teaching & preaching (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:26); singing (Ephesians 5:19); praying (Acts 2:42; 4:24-29); observing the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7); giving (1 Cor.16:1-2); evangelism (preaching and teaching to saints and sinners) (Acts 5:42; 11:26; 19:9-10); edification (spiritual development of the saints, including special teaching services and Bible studies) (Ephesians 4:13-16); benevolence (physical assistance to needy saints) (Acts 6:1-7); special meetings about church business, including reports about works in other places (Acts 14:27; 15:30).

Where is the Scripture that authorizes the use of the Lord's money in the construction of a facility for sporting and entertainment events? Can such be found? The focus of the church is not social and secular; it is spiritual (Rom. 14:17). The church is not a social institution: It is a spiritual institution. Jesus said that His kingdom was “not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). Those who make their kingdom be “of” this world plainly admit that their kingdom does not belong to Christ! Let us be careful.

If you are in our area, please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ