Church Activities

 

 

Introduction

In Romans 14:17 the apostle Paul writes, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. How often is this verse violated by congregations in the world today? They want to call themselves God’s church but yet their actions speak contrary to the what’s written. In Matthew 15:9 Jesus said, “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

 

Does your Church have any Programs?

When someone is moving into the area, or visiting from out of town, how often has this question been asked of your local congregation? Do you have any programs? They are looking for activities for: children, teens, young couples, single people, seniors, etc. This is a RED FLAG question as most want to be entertained and amused more than edified.

A lot of churches out there will provide activities, and more, to bring people into the congregation. If you see the word, ‘Community’ on the church sign you can be assured that activities, aside from worship and bible study, are taking place. They’ll tell you it’s to promote fellowship and brotherly love, but did Jesus suffer six hours on the cross so you can play volleyball? Or join the church baseball team?

Paul warned of these people in Romans 16:17-18, Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. People don’t bother to read the bible to see whether certain activities are allowed. They will just assume that if a church is doing them, they are acceptable. They don’t know they are being led astray because they don’t question the validity of the activity. This is your soul on the line, if you don’t research these things you allow others to control it and the outcome will send you to Hell.

 

What about Soup Kitchens and Clothing Drives?

This seems to be a valid argument when they state that their church provides a soup kitchen to the needy as well as providing clothing to those who have none. However, the question is asked, where does the bible give authority to do such activities? The quick answer may be, “Well, it’s not in there but we should help our fellow man. We can’t expect the government to do it, so we have to.” I’ve heard this before about many things and we, as individual people should help our fellow man. To do something contrary to the scriptures (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jn. 9) is the same as saying, “I know you didn’t command it, God, but we’re going to do it and you’re going to accept it!”

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:16, If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. In other words, charity begins in the home. Family should take care of family (1 Tim. 5:8) and if one doesn’t have family then they seek the assistance of individuals. They should not seek the assistance of the church from its treasury as that is for its own members. We’ll look at this further in our next article.

No church should be held responsible to care for nonmembers regardless of the situation; it should be up to members individually. Should the church help everyone, it may not then have funds to care for its own members and that wouldn’t sit well with that congregation.

 

Conclusion

Everyone remembers JFK’s famous quote, “…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Now let’s apply it to the church, “ask not what your congregation can do for you, ask what you can do for your congregation.” This may sound corny but it is effective! Too many what something out of worship but they won’t put much in. They want be entertained, fed, and uplifted rather than to do what God asks of them (Mt. 7:21-23).

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get involved in the work of the local congregation. Remember, there is only one audience member (God); we are participants!