“Meeting Needs”

Tuesday, September 04, 2018

I was reading one of your previous answers, and I came across a couple of statements that confused me.  Can you please tell me where the scripture is for the following statement: "The church is allowed to spend money on anything God commands the church to do"?

It seems that a previous argument you posted for this statement was summed up as: "Whatever is necessary to fulfill a command is automatically allowed".

I see several problems with the second statement as it relates to the first. Of course whatever is necessary is needed because it is just that… NECESSARY.  On the other hand, what we view as necessary, may very well in fact not be.  For example, if someone said, "Wash my car," should I build a car wash?  We seem to equate the command to assemble with the necessity of a building; when in fact, it is not a NECESSITY.  Which works require the use of money by necessity?

The examples we have of the early church using funds were for benevolence, benevolence to needy saints and needy preachers.  The Corinthians were commanded to take up a collection on the first day of the week for the needy saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16), and Paul received support as a preacher (2 Cor. 11:8).

I would appreciate your feedback.

Sincerely,
Needs Vs. Wants

Dear Needs Vs. Wants,

A building isn’t necessary for a congregation to assemble, but it is necessary that the local church have somewhere to assemble (Heb 10:25)… that is the crux of the issue.  We both agree that if something is necessary, it is allowed – that is basic logic.  To use your example, if someone said, “Wash my car”, you wouldn’t be required to build a car wash… but you would be required to find some sort of system for washing that car.  Any system is allowed, but not all systems would be wise.  It wouldn’t be wrong for you to build a car wash, but it would be pretty foolish.  Likewise, the church has the authority to do anything that is necessary to fulfill the work God has given it.  Read “The Purpose Driven Church” for more details on what the church is authorized to do.

However, what we can do and what we should do are not the same things.  As much as the church has the freedom to do whatever is necessary to fulfill its duties, we are also warned not to burden the church with tasks that weigh it down from its primary focuses (1 Tim 5:16).  We are also told to be wise and faithful stewards (1 Cor 4:12).  This principle is true in our individual lives, and it is also true for the local church.  Having a church building isn’t wrong.  After all, it is necessary that every congregation have a place to assemble, and the early church met in all sorts of different places.  However, each congregation must assess whether owning a building is the wisest and most expedient use of the Lord’s funds.

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