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This is part 2 of the study on the work of the church. Parachurch Organizations. Introduction. Men want to do good. They want to be helpful, fill a need, do a good work. They form a non-profit corporation and appoint a board of directors to see that this work is done.
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This is part 2 of the study on the work of the church Parachurch Organizations
Introduction • Men want to do good. • They want to be helpful, fill a need, do a good work. • They form a non-profit corporation and appoint a board of directors to see that this work is done. • They buy property, buildings, equipment to do the work.
Parachurch • Then they ask the churches to support and pay for the things they buy and the work they are doing. • Parachurch = “para” - beside, as in parallel • Parachurch is a work that is parallel with the church but not directly under the direction or control of any congregation or eldership.
Basic Principles to Understand • The local congregation is given the authority to give financial support to their own work, other congregations, and people in need of help.
Basic Principles to Understand • The local congregation is given the authority to give financial support to their own work, other congregations, and people in need of help. • There is a difference in supporting an organization and buying its service.
Basic Principles to Understand • The local congregation is given the authority to give financial support to their own work, other congregations, and people in need of help. • There is a difference in supporting an organization and buying its service. • Individuals may support many things the church may not support – Red Cross, Cancer Society, Boy / Girl Scouts, school fundraising, sports, social or civic clubs
Basic Principles to Understand • There are many “good works” which are outside the work of the local congregation Painting lines on the highway is good work, but not a work of the church.
Basic Principles to Understand • There are many “good works” which are outside the work of the local congegation. Painting lines on the highway is good work, but not a work of the church. • An action of an individual is not an action of the local church.
Basic Principles to Understand • There are many “good works” which are outside the work of the local congegation. Painting lines on the highway is good work, but not a work of the church. • An action of an individual is not an action of the local church. • Status as a non-profit organization does not mean that support by a church is scriptural.
Basic Principles to Understand • The financial work of the church must be approached the same way as worship is approached.
Basic Principles to Understand • The financial work of the church must be approached the same way as worship is approached. • Success in doing some good work does not mean the Lord's approval for congregations to support it.
Basic Principles to Understand • Such organizations might be expedient, but for something to be expedient it must first be lawful. • 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. • 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
Some Scenarios • People concerned about single parents, homeless women, battered women, abused women (and their children) • They form an organization to help in this area. They appoint a board of directors (not members of the Lord's church). No church or eldersip is involved in the oversight. • But they seek financial support for their work. • The Dream Center in Milan
Some Scenarios • Mission minded men want to print tracts and literature in various languages so the gospel can be taught in the native languages. • They form a corporation, have a board of Christians to oversee this work. • They appeal to churches to send funds to pay for the personnel and equipment needed. • Eastern European Missions
Some Scenarios • Parents are concerned about the situation in the public school system. • They form a private Christian school. They have a board of directors. They realize the the tuition they charge will not cover all expenses. • They ask churches to support the school. • Christian Universities do the same – seeking support for Bible faculty. • Freed-Hardeman University, Harding, etc.
Some Scenarios • Emergencies (floods, hurricanes, tornadoes) happen around the USA. • A special non-profit corporation is formed to provide assistance. Buildings, equipment and trucks are bought. A board of directors is selected. • They did not feel that any eldership could oversee this work. • They expect local congregations to support their good work. • Churches of Christ Disaster Relief
Some Scenarios • Christians wanted to spread the gospel by radio into China, Asia and Eastern Europe. • A special non-profit corporation is formed to provide assistance. They built studios, put up a tall broadcast antenna in Alaska. • But they did not want any eldership to oversee the operation of this station. • They expect local congregations to support their good work. • World Christian Broadcasting (KNLS)
Missionary Society • 140 years ago churches of Christ fought against the missionary society. • It was a group, separate from any church or eldership, but sought support for their work. • They selected mission places, workers, paid them, supplied them with mateirals. • The churches that supported them had no control or say in what was being done. • It was a parachurch organization.
Conclusion • God gave the church work to do. • He gave the church the ability to plan, organize and carry out the work. • Parachurch organizations can be supported by individual Christians, if they want to. • These organizations should NOT be supported by from the finances of the local church.
