Starting

A Local
Congregation
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song
(Psalm 95:1-2).

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks
(John 4:23).

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching
(Heb 10:25).

What can brethren do when they want to fellowship with others, but
cannot find a congregation Biblically acceptable to them? Can you
establish one with no "credentials" or previous experience?

Norman Edwards
September 2001

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This booklet is a practical guide for a group of people who want to establish a new congregation--with
congregation a
weekly service as its focal point. A congregation is a group of believers that worship and work together to
serve God--a part of the greater body of Christ. This is primarily a "how to set it up" paper for people who
want to form a congregation--from two or three people (Matt 18:20) to several hundred. Methods for
evangelizing new members are covered, but not as the primary focus.

This booklet is written from biblical research, legal research, prayer and practical experience--with a fervent
desire to find the truth. It frequently departs from "traditional church practice" and may be rather amazing,
even shocking. This is not an effort to deny the good done by traditional Christianity, but an effort "to
contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

The author asks that you separately consider the various topics presented here and accept those you can
prove to yourself as true. Believers do not learn everything at once (John 16:12;
1Cor 3:2). God has not assured me that this writing is perfect, but I can honestly say it was a best
effort to be true to the Scripture and history. For more information on Biblical and historical
aspects of congregations, please ask for the following booklets by the same author: How Does the
Eternal Govern Through Humans? and Assembling on the Sabbath.



This paper may be copied and distributed free of charge.

Bible quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
Other Bible abbreviations: KJV (King James Version), NKJV (New King James Version), NLT (New
Living Translation), and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)
Within quotations, boldfacing,
boldfacing, underscoring and words enclosed in brackets [...], have been added by this
author.

For more literature, contact Shelter in the Word, PO Box 107, Perry, Michigan 48872-0107
Tel: 517-625-7480 Fax: 517-625-7481 E-mail: [email protected]

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction/ Page 4
Why is a new church needed? Teaching and encouraging
Who should start a local church? Serving physical needs
Leaving church to form another group? Helping the oppressed

Special Issues/ Page 34

Basics of Starting a New Church/Page 9
What is the role of women in church?
How to quickly start a local church
Are differences of opinion Biblical?
Finding a meeting place for services
Naming a new church Settling disagreements God's way
Setting up a schedule for services Prophesying and Speaking in Tongues
Should a dress code be enforced? Functioning without a Pastor
Music and Praise Baptizing new believers
Bible Reading and Discussion Who can perform a marriage?
Teaching and Exhortation
Creating a statement of beliefs/practices The Law and Local Churches/ Page 43
How to handle income and expenses Corporations and tax-exempt status
Tax-exempt versus Free churches
Outreach and Evangelism/Page 26 IRS taxing powers over non-profits
Developing gifts of service Resources for running a Free Church
List of common gifts of service Possible Shared-ministry Problems
How to reach out to others Help for Pastors Who Want to
Ministry suggestions Leave Large Church Organization

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 INTRODUCTION
Why is a new local church needed?

B efore we begin the details of how to establish a congregation, it is essential to think about why
anyone would consider doing it. After all, there are millions of congregations and services of all types
throughout the world. Does not the creation of each new one divide the Body of Christ a little more? It
does not have to! As long as those who create the congregation do not automatically classify those in
other groups as "unbelievers", there does not need to be division. We can see from Paul's letters to
different churches, or the letters of Christ to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3), that Christ does not
work with each group in the same way. Groups and individuals often have different problems and need
to learn different things at different times.

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the well-respected member of that group, pray about
true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit whether you should remain there to stir them up or
and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the move on. Also, consider looking for other services
Father seeks" (John 4:23). that are spiritually alive, before starting a new one.

In order to worship the Father, the spirit - the non- Reason 2

physical part of our being - has to be involved. We Existing congregations do not effectively involve the
also have to do it "in truth" - our congregation has to brethren and their spiritual gifts
be based on the principles of Bible truth that we (1Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-15; Romans
understand. In other words, both our hearts and our 12:6-8; 1Peter 4:8–11).
minds have to be fully committed. There are times
when one might attend a congregation with Unfortunately, the average congregation consists of
substantially different biblical understanding in order people simply attending service and listening and
to share with them one's own understanding. But when watching "the professionals" do everything. This is
one needs personal strength, or when one needs to not helpful for individual growth. A congregation
help others learn (including their own family), they should give everyone opportunity to be involved, ask
need a congregation with teaching that they questions and participate as they are able. A
understand to be mostly correct. Below, we list seven congregation should be active and actively serving in
reasons why you might not be able to work with an some way.
existing congregation and need to help start a new
one. Reason 3
Existing congregations are "alive" but
Seven Reasons for Starting a New denominationalism or church politics are greatly
Local Church decreasing their effectiveness.

Reason 1 The Spirit of God is often resisted by church leaders

Existing congregations seem spiritually dead. who are more concerned about their position,
doctrinal statements and programs. They may actually
try to stop effective, spirit-led worship, teaching, local
Most people simply come to the service to fulfill their
evangelism or service. Technical reasons for stopping
perceived obligation of going to a service. Little love,
them are usually given: "it is not approved by
togetherness or enthusiasm is present. If you are a
headquarters", "we may not have the budget to handle

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it", "that idea could endanger our tax-exempt status", Reason 6
"somebody might sue us" etc. But the spirit-led Existing services are too far away for you to
believer may simply see these as excuses for resisting regularly attend every week.
God.
This author knows people who have driven two or
Reason 4 more hours each week in order to attend church
Members or leaders in a group are openly sinful and services. The service may be wonderful, but much of
therefore the environment is not a fitting example the good can be undone by the exhausting drive and
for new "little ones" just learning the truth. the near impossibility of fellowship opportunities
during the rest of the week.
Paul instructed that people should be removed until
they change, so that a bad name is not brought upon Reason 7
God's people (1Corinthians 5:1–7). The principles of You believe that Christ has specifically shown you
Matthew 18:15–17 (see our section on settling that you need to serve people in a way that no one
disagreements) should be used to take care of these else is doing now.
problems, but the leaders or people in some groups
will not make the needed changes. (This point does This does not mean that you have a personal feeling
not refer to people in a group who have sinned, that you attribute to Christ, but that you have asked
repented and stopped sinning, or people who see some Him to show you in a clear unmistakable way that is
doctrines differently. It refers to habitual liars, what He wants you to do.
adulterers, perverts, thieves, etc.)
If one or more of the above applies to you, and if you
Reason 5 have seriously looked for other existing congregations
Existing services include significant doctrinal and found none that will work, then there may be
teaching that you believe to be unbiblical and you reasons for starting a new one in your area. But before
see little chance of change. you get started, please think about whether you, or
anyone wanting to start a service with you, is doing it
No two serious Bible students will probably ever for the WRONG resons.
agree on everything that the Bible teaches, but it is
difficult to worship in spirit and truth when the Five WRONG Reasons for Starting a
teaching of a congregation is limited to a doctrinal
statement written by men thousands of miles away or
New Local Church
hundreds of years ago. Other groups may teach more
psychology than the Bible. Some may teach that all or Wrong Reason #1
part of the Bible is a fable. Doctrinal disagreement is Someone believes that he has the whole truth (nearly
easier to work with if a service allows discussion or all of his doctrines are right).
the expression of multiple points of view. It is much
more difficult for a believer to keep attending a Recognizing major, continually-taught error in other
service when its leadership allows only one point of congregations is a reason to leave them. This is much
view to be expressed and the believer thinks that point different than someone making the presumptuous
of view is wrong. assumption that he knows nearly everything important
in the Bible—especially in areas he has not
This is an even greater problem for those who have thoroughly studied. Never create a congregation that
children who are learning and for those who are is essentially a collection point for people to follow
bringing new people to the service. How can one one person. That will lead to idolatry and division in
recommend a service to friends and family if one must the body of Christ.
continually tell them about corrections to the
messages given? Wrong Reason #2
Someone believes his understanding of prophecy is
inspired by God.

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This problem is similar to the above, but can appear As an example, consider "prayer position". Some
quite differently—the prophecy student may not claim scriptures mention people praying with their head
to be right in other areas of doctrine, only in prophecy. bowed, others with their eyes lifted to heaven, and
A person who has spent many hours studying others with their hands held up. Some brethren may
prophecy (either someone else's conclusions or his prefer one particular way—even believe it is the only
own) can sound like he has an impressive amount of right way. But a group can stay together with each
knowledge about the future. People are often person praying in the way they believe is best. Areas
concerned about the future and would love to follow of belief that do not affect practice are even less of a
someone who "knows it". However, you cannot know reason to divide. For example, some people believe
if a prophecy teacher is inspired of God until several Christ was the One who spoke with Abraham and
things he has predicted come to pass as he said it Moses in the Old Testament. Others believe it was the
would. It is good to teach prophecy, but it is not a Father. Both sides can find scriptures to support their
reason to start a new congregation. If God really does teaching—which usually make the other side
grant someone great prophetic understanding, should uncomfortable. Some will go as far as to say that those
not that person travel around and teach many who do not understand this point correctly are
congregations? "worshiping the wrong God". Nevertheless, a Roman
jailer with only one night's teaching came to believe in
Wrong Reason #3 God for the first time and was baptized—became a
Someone thinks he can "do a better job" than the member of the Church (Acts 16:20–40). There was
current leaders of a local group. not time to teach an in-depth understanding of God.
Furthermore, the Bible clearly shows that we will be
If someone believes the current leaders of his group judged more by how we treat our neighbors than by
are making mistakes, he should go to them about it. If how well we can explain complex doctrine. Brethren
he is not heard, but others feel the same way, then he can have different understandings of some theological
should take other witnesses with him (Matthew 18:15- ideas, and still worship and serve together.
17). If it is possible to take the problems to the
congregation, do it (some congregations may allow Hopefully, anyone starting a new congregation will
such a procedure—they may even allow the election have some of the "right reasons" above and none of
of new leaders). But until a person has exhausted the the wrong ones. It might be good to discuss these
possible parts of the above procedure—asking current points with others who are thinking of starting a new
leaders to change—he should not divide a congregation—and maybe with others who think you
congregation just so he can be a leader. should not start one. If you cannot answer their
truthful objections, then you might not want to start it.
Wrong Reason #4
Someone is tired of serving so much and never Whatever you do, please realize that starting a
getting recognized. congregation is not a "popularity contest". Do not start
a new group by attempting to recruit everyone that
People should be serving because the Holy Spirit in you think might possibly want to come. START
them motivates them to a life of service. Our Savior SMALL. Start by talking to the people that you know
gave His life for people who did not even understand share your spiritual desire for a new congregation—
that they needed a Savior. We must learn to serve probably because of issues mentioned above. If your
without human rewards. Never start a congregation study, prayer, fasting and conversations with brethren
for recognition. Most who start a new congregation lead you to start a congregation, then start a small one.
will probably be doing more work and receiving more If the Holy Spirit is working in your new group, then
complaints than they did in their previous others will hear about it and it will grow. If God is not
congregation. blessing your congregation and working in it, then it is
better if no one comes and it quietly ends.
Wrong Reason #5
Someone has doctrinal disagreements that have Nobody needs to convince any human that your
minimal effect on group practice. motives for beginning a new congregation are right—

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it is the Perfect Judge in heaven who will righteously questions and answers between Jesus, His apostles
judge what you do. If your work is of "gold, silver and and the people. Finally, there is no mention of
precious stones," God will recognize it and reward building a church building, but frequent mentions of
you (1Corinthians 3:11–15). Other brethren will meetings in homes. Notice these verses:
recognize your work by the fruit it bears (Matthew
7:16). If your work is not of God, you would be better "Jesus called them together and said, You know
off not to do it (James 3:1). that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and their high officials exercise authority over
Who should start a local church? them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to
become great among you must be your servant,
Should the person with the most knowledge of the and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—
Bible establish a congregation? Must it be established just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
by an "ordained minister" or "deacon"? Should it be a but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for
person who is a good speaker? Should it be a wealthy many" (Matthew 20:25–28)
person or a person who knows a lot of people? Should
it be the person who is most successful in planning A desire to serve God, honesty, truthfulness, love for
other events? the brethren and willingness to work hard are much
more important qualities needed to start a
Most of the above qualifications would probably be congregation. Bible knowledge and the ability to teach
helpful in starting a congregation, but none of them are important, but secondarily so. A charismatic
are necessary. Today, people expect church personality, without the above qualities, can be a
denominations to build formal seminaries to grant detriment—the congregation might grow because of a
degrees and ordain ministers to give long sermons and leader’s charisma, but lack spiritual substance.
help build church buildings. Actually, none of the
concepts behind the underlined words can be found in The individuals involved should pray and ask if it is
the Bible. Paul instructed the Corinthians not to form the Father’s will. He will likely answer in a quiet but
denominations—groups following a particular Bible discernible way. They should ask for Christ’s
teacher (1Corinthians 1:11–16; 1Corinthians 3:1–10). leadership, and ask Him to supply the necessary
While Paul did teach in a "school of Tyrannus" (Acts physical and spiritual gifts. People do not have to be
19:9), it must have been a temporary arrangement—it spotless, spiritual giants to begin a local congregation.
was not named "St. Paul's Seminary" and there is no (The Bible records sins of the prophets and apostles—
indication that anyone else ever taught there. There is yet God used them.) On the other hand, each person
no mention of degrees or "graduates". Except for this serving must meet certain qualifications (1Timothy 3,
school, the New Testament mentions believers Titus 1). He must be humble enough to recognize and
meeting primarily in homes (though sometimes repent when he makes mistakes so that the whole
synagogues or the temple). congregation can continue to grow (1Timothy 5:20).
A person who desires to oversee a congregation
The typical concept of "ordination" is NOT in the desires a good thing (1Timothy 3:1–7). But he must
Bible. Most people think of something like this: a not think that he is going to be “someone important”
person goes through a ceremony and switches from a and rule his brethren (Matthew 20:25–28). Starting a
"layman" to a "clergyman" and now has extra spiritual congregation is a commitment to serving, not a
capability until he dies or it is taken away, including "higher spiritual status".
the ability to "ordain" others. Bible translations have
no agreement on where the word "ordain" should be It is easier to start a congregation when several like-
found in the New Testament—because there is no minded individuals and/or families help do it. When
Greek word that has the meaning described above. Christ sent out disciples and apostles, he sent them out
Several Bibles have only one or zero occurrences of in pairs (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1; Acts 13:2; 15:39-40).
the word "ordain" in the New Testament. The word On the other hand, it appears that some congregations
“sermon” is not found in most Bibles and the Bible in the Bible were established by one person—both
records no half-hour long discourses—but many approaches have certainly worked throughout history.

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Leaving your current church to start a issue. Another extreme is to judge, attack and name-
new group? call people in the other group. Neither is good. Each
person should make an effort to calmly talk about
what the Bible says about the issues that are causing
New congregations usually begin from one of three the split. Everyone must be patient and realize that not
situations: everyone sees everything at the same time—we learn
differently. It is a mistake to make enemies of people
1. New congregations frequently form as the with whom you might again work in the next few
result of the preaching of someone (or a few years—or for all eternity!
people) who are "on fire" for God.
2. People with differing "church" backgrounds The major goal of a split-off congregation will be to
come together because God is showing them avoid the problems that caused the split. Decisions for
many of the same things—no single one of the new group will often not be made from the
them may be an outstanding teacher. perspective of "what should we do?" but from the
3. People who presently attend a larger group perspective of "what should we do differently from
desire to split off and meet separately. what we were doing previously?" People often want
"the same kind of congregation" with "the old
Situation 1 usually works quite harmoniously because problem" fixed.
people are learning the same things at the same time.
Situation 2 requires more effort for brethren to get to However, when problems arise and a new start is
know each other and be tolerant of beliefs that they do made, believers frequently pray and study the Bible
not share in common. Nevertheless, both of these are with a new zeal. They may see new things in the
"completely new congregations" and the major scriptures that they previously had not. Some of what
influence upon them is the people who attend and they "discover" may be a mistake. On the other hand,
what they allow God to do through them. they may discover new truth that other members of the
new group are not ready to accept. There is a limit to
However, in situation 3, when a group splits from a how many things can be changed at once. Even after
previous group, the previous group's history will still three years of training, Christ's Apostles still did not
have quite a bit of influence on the new group. There understand all they needed to know (John 16:12).
are often a lot of expectations on the part of people. (If Many times, a new group will have to start with an
your new service does not involve the splitting off agreement to "solve the problems that caused the
from a previous group, you might wish to skip the rest split", and to consider other issues later.
of this section.)
Congregation splits can be particularly difficult when
The desire to split off usually comes from perceived they are from well-established organizations that
doctrinal, moral, or financial error on the part of the claim to be "the One True Church". These groups may
previous group. There are often hard feelings that not tolerate any open criticism of their leaders and
occur when a church group breaks up. People who teachings. They may have policies of casting out
have worshipped together for years suddenly find members (excommunication, disfellowshipment) who
themselves apart. It often is a test to see if people have do such things, and forbidding all other members to
Christian love or group affiliation. It is a time to show talk to them. Splitting from groups like these can
much patience and love—and a time for each person mean the severing of lifelong friendships. That is
to realize that they may not receive similar love in difficult, but sometimes necessary: "If you want to be
return. (Christ went through the same thing—when He my follower you must love me more than your own
was about to give his life for the world, His disciples father and mother, wife and children, brothers and
were debating which of them was the greatest—Luke sisters—yes, more than your own life. Otherwise,
22:24.) you cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26, NLT).
These difficult situations are also opportunities for
In some ways church splits resemble family great service.
disagreements. There is a tendency for some people to
choose a side and then to refuse to talk about the

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There is a tendency for members of these controlling But helping others is usually not easy. One should not
church organizations to just "go away quietly" when make accusations against leaders, but simply start by
they see a scriptural problem that causes them to sharing Bible scriptures that do not fit the
realize that they must worship elsewhere. Even local organization's teaching and asking other brethren what
pastors in such groups may feel like "quietly leaving". they mean. In some cases, you may receive a good
However, it is important to realize that people in these explanation, but in others you may be told that a verse
organizations are the only ones who can reach other "does not mean what it appears to say, but that you
people in the same organization. When a group must trust that God has inspired our leaders to
considers itself "the One True Church", why should its understand it." Keeping a list of verses that people
members listen to others "outside the Church"? So cannot explain or for which they must trust their
when people in these groups see the errors of the organization's unnatural explanation is sometimes a
group, they are the ideal people to help reach others in helpful tool in showing people that they are
the group—because they still have credibility in that "following a man".
group.

BASICS OF STARTING A NEW CHURCH

How to quickly start a local church

W hen a large group splits, they may have major financial and physical issues to deal with right
away. It may be essential to start with formal documents, bank account, etc. But small new groups do
not need to start this way at all.

You can start a new congregation with a prayer of recognize each other's gifts before committing
faith, a temporary location, a time to meet, songs to everything to paper.
sing, Scripture to read and people willing to discuss
them. Do not let ANYONE convince you that you "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree
must have more than that. You can let the spending of about anything you ask for, it will be done for you
money and the development of more complex plans by my Father in heaven. For where two or three
and policies wait until you know what you need. Do come together in my name, there am I with them"
NOT start a new group by collecting money, writing a (Matthew 18:19–20).
"doctrinal statement", printing stationery, instituting
various programs or by designating people for various
"offices". If the heart and core of your congregation is The United States and most other countries do not
not spiritual group worship, praise, prayer, fellowship require a name, registration or incorporation in order
and study, no amount of documentation will produce for a religious group to meet. (A minority of countries
the fruit of the spirit. If you start by setting up a board may attempt to require some form of registration or
and officers, you may create something that will be licensing before any meetings take place. Believers
hard to undo. Even if you start by recognizing biblical should prayerfully consider the Biblical and historical
spiritual gifts, appointing elders and other biblical examples of where men of God cooperated with
concepts, you may have an "establishment of human governments and when they defied them. It is
religion", but not a group of people sharing the love of beyond the scope of this paper to cover the specifics
Christ. Let everyone get to know each other and of countries outside the U.S.A.)

9
You can start a weekly service simply by having a irresponsible person, no matter how old, would never
meeting with most of the people and deciding where be considered an elder.
and when services will be and what will be done there.
Sometimes, there is great unity in the spirit and This author highly recommends that new groups start
everything just falls into place. In other such as simply and as naturally as possible. People should
meetings, there may be one or more strong begin meeting, praising and studying together, and
personalities who want to do almost everything "their work out the details as they go (not ignore them
way". These people are well-meaning and should be a forever). If a group's beginning is centered primarily
part of the group, but they are sometimes just difficult on positions, functions and documents, Christ and the
to work with. One solution for this is to ask an elder Bible can be pushed aside.
from another established non-denominational
congregation to come help the group get started. This If one family invites three other families to their home
guest leader must understand that he is just helping the for dinner, hymn singing and a Bible study, they
new group get started—not expanding his usually do not need a set of documents explaining
congregation. Asking for help can be a difficult thing how they will eat and study together. There frequently
to do, but it is the right thing to do if it is obviously will be no difficult issues, and if there are, most
needed. people will defer to a recognized leader or the host of
the house where they are meeting.
As meetings continue, many physical and procedural
questions will be raised and they can be dealt with as The Bible contains references to Church decisions
necessary. Most people who have started being made in a variety of ways: sometimes by an
congregations in this manner are amazed at how many apostle or other single leader, sometimes by a group
things that they thought would need much attention at of leaders, sometimes by everyone. The size of a
the beginning simply never became problems. As an group DOES make a major difference when meeting
example, it is easy to spend a lot of time looking for a to form a congregation:
meeting place, but many groups meet effectively in a
member's home. Similarly, it is easy to spend a lot of • Groups of 20 and under can almost always
time scheduling and structuring all the functions of a meet and discuss issues with everyone
group, but some have worked effectively for years present. In any group, there are usually some
with volunteers for each task. elderly, young adults, women with children or
others who prefer not to take part in such
This section addresses the most fundamental issue, meetings. If they exclude themselves, there
"How does a group get started?" will be no complaints. A problem to avoid, for
small groups, is selecting a number of people
1. Where will the first service be? to attend the initial meetings that is almost as
2. What time will the service be? big as the entire group. For example, if a new
3. What will take place at the service? congregation of 16 people somehow selects
4. When will other meetings be held to further 12 people to do their initial planning—that
plan the church congregation? effectively means the whole congregation
5. Who will do which things? minus four people. Unless those four
specifically do not want to be involved in
The entire Bible makes frequent mention of the planning, it would be better to include
leadership of Elders (older, mature, capable men everyone, lest they feel left out. This writer
recognized by the people they serve). The Bible has seen small, like-minded groups
mentions elders governing in the Church very similar accomplish a lot with little formal plans.
to the way it mentions them governing the physical • Groups of 40 and larger will probably want a
Israelite nation. Exceptional people, such as John the smaller body to meet for initial planning. The
Baptist and Jesus, could be accepted as elders at age entire congregation can vote on alternatives
30. Age 40 was probably more common. An proposed by the smaller group. Plans for a
formal structure must eventually be made.

10
 • Groups with 200 or more will certainly want a commit yourself. A congregation should never think
smaller body for initial discussion and about buying a building until they have successfully
decisions. A formal means of structuring the met together for a number of months or even years.
group so everything can be done "decently Do not even sign a long-term rental contract until your
and in order" (1Corinthians 14:40) will be congregation is stable. A new congregation's needs
needed very soon. may change quickly, or you might not know exactly
• Sometimes, there are already natural leaders what they are, yet. You may be offered a cheaper rate
(an outstanding teacher, or maybe pastors or for a long-term commitment, but the savings is not
elders from previous groups) that nearly worth it if there is any chance that a poor hall choice
everyone trusts to start the new group. If they will divide your group. Even a facility that normally
have a real love for God and the congregation, only works with long-term contracts should let you
they can frequently do the necessary work meet there once to "try it out" or give you a short lease
very efficiently. This is one effective way to the first time.
get started. But unless these leaders have a
firm commitment to developing a "shared The type of meeting place you will need depends
ministry", with all of the brethren developing greatly on the nature of your congregation. Small
their spiritual gifts, it is easy to end up with congregations composed primarily of a small group of
another pastor-centered congregation. brethren can meet in a variety of houses or other
facilities and easily inform each other of changes in
In other instances, brethren attempting to establish a location. However, others want to visit your
new congregation may find major disagreement with congregation without much notice, or if your
leaders or issues. Adjourning the meeting to pray and congregation has begun evangelism, then a stable
consult the Scripture can often produce results. If the meeting time and place is important. Also, a building
items of difficulty appear to be dividing the group in that is centrally located, easy to find and easy to give
the initial informal setting, then the establishment of a directions to is important (for example, the Jamestown
fair formal structure of elders, voting and whatever Community Center may have a nice sign and parking
else is necessary should be the highest priority. lot, whereas room 217 of a large office building may
be difficult to find). If possible, avoid meeting in areas
The whole emphasis in leadership is to find people that are known for lack of parking, crime, racial
with the gifts of administration and service and to let animosity, or other kinds of trouble.
them serve. The Bible does not support either the idea
of elders ruling between Christ and believers Obviously, the meeting room needs to be large enough
(2Corinthians 1:24) or the modern idea that every to comfortably seat all of the brethren with a little
little interest group should "have a voice in decision- space left over for unexpected guests. If someone has
making". For example, if a congregation has several to sit on the floor once in a while, do not worry, our
left-handed people, you do not have to have a left- Savior taught people while they were sitting on the
handed elder. If left-handed brethren have special ground. Seating should be arranged so that people
needs, they should be able to go to the elders and may enter or exit during the meeting with a minimum
show them what they are. The same would be true for of disruption. If small children are present, a separate
racial and ethnic groups. Elders should be chosen room should be available for parents to take crying or
based on their gifts to serve as elders, not for their fussing children that would otherwise disrupt the
ethnic representation. Ask God to help choose people service. (If you feel that such a room is unnecessary,
who are gifted at administration and who will serve talk to someone who currently has a child under 2
others. years old.) Bathrooms should be located where people
of all ages can easily get to them.
Finding a meeting place for services
The facility should be cheerful—both inside and out.
Finding a place to worship is an important decision, It is very hard to be excited about going to a dreary
but it is not critical in the sense that any mistakes building. Ideally, the meeting room should contain a
made can be corrected—provided you do not over- piano, sound system, speaking stand, and chairs

11
already set in place. These factors should enter into Tax-exempt versus Free churches for more
your decision, but not make it since there are ways to information.
work around each of them.
Existing Church Buildings
The following paragraphs list possible meeting places,
and the pros and cons of each. When a congregation is These buildings are usually designed to do exactly
looking for a new meeting place, the first thing to do what you want to do and are available in all sizes.
is ask each potential member to check the availability Congregations that are short on money are often
and cost of facilities that they already know about. If a happy to rent their facilities when they are not using
suitable place is not found, next try asking the local them. The major difficulty with securing the use of an
chamber of commerce in each city where you might existing church building is religious animosity: people
meet. Finally, go to the yellow pages (under halls, may not want to rent to believers with different beliefs
churches, clubs, etc.) and begin making some calls. because that would “legitimize them”.

Possible Meeting Places for Church If you approach the issue like this: “We are all trying
Services to do our best to live as we understand the Scriptures
and we will not judge each other,” the chances of
sharing a building will be greater. When groups
Homes
actually work together and get to know each other, it
is much easier to see how much they have in
These are the obvious choice to get started. They are common—that they are each attempting to follow the
private, there is little cost, and bathroom, kitchen and Bible, even though they may not agree exactly how.
“mother’s room” facilities are always there.
Nevertheless, these facilities should not be taken for
It is often difficult to know which church groups
granted: it is a lot of work to clean a house, before and
would be willing to rent their facilities for weekly
after a service. The host’s cost for water, telephone,
services. Some groups may simply have too much
heat, airconditioning, paper towels, tissues, etc. will
trouble getting approval from their governing bodies.
all probably increase. If one person’s home is
Others may have too many activities to make room for
continually used for services, the congregation should
another group. When one group observes a Sunday
at least offer to help clean it or to compensate them in
Sabbath and the other a Saturday Sabbath, it can be
some way. (If the host clearly wants to contribute his
easy to share the same space. Also, this author has
home for services, let him do it.)
heard of a few cases where one group will have
morning services, another group will have afternoon
Some cities may have zoning ordinances against services on the same day, and the two share a time in
church meetings in residential areas, though the the middle— either for food and fellowship or for
government usually cannot take any action unless one singing praise.
or more neighbors complain. Obviously, brethren
should be careful not to offend the neighbors of the
Many church buildings have a “fellowship hall” or
host—not using street parking that neighbors normally
“classroom” separate from their main “sanctuary”.
use and not making excessive noise. If you live your
These rooms are frequently much better for setting up
beliefs, you will want to be a good neighbor. If your
tables and chairs and studying the Bible in an
services are creating a hardship for the host’s
interactive way. Many congregations are much more
neighbors, find a solution to the problems you are
willing to rent these rooms than they are to rent their
causing or move somewhere else. On the other hand,
“sanctuary”.
if neighbors are complaining primarily to persecute
you, you probably do not need to stop. If you state that
you meetings are private (not public), but that people Businesses
who want to worship according to your church
covenant are invited, then zoning rules for public Numerous businesses have meeting rooms,
meetings probably do not apply. See the section on classrooms or open-air office space that could be used
for a congregation’s services. Most of these

12
businesses are not using this space at all on weekends. public facilities are hard to reserve on a continuing
Their biggest concern is the security of their business: basis. Civic and school special events take priority
will everything in the same place each Monday over even a regular “renter”. If a science fair, a sports
morning that it was Friday at closing? Most tournament or some other local event occurs when
businesses will not let a group use their facilities you normally rent the facility, it may not be available.
unless someone who works at the business also
attends the meetings to make sure that nothing “goes Clubs and Societies
wrong”. Nevertheless, the people who attend your
services should think about the businesses where they There are numerous social, partly-political, and partly
or their close relatives might find a meeting room. religious organizations that build halls and may be
Sometimes, these facilities are made available without willing to rent them every week. American Legion,
charge. Whether charged or not, you will certainly Eagles, Elks, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Lions,
want to make sure that you leave the facility in the Masons, Moose, Odd-fellows, Rotary, and Veterans
same condition that you found it. are examples. Most of them rent their hall as a sideline
to defray expenses, and will always put the needs of
Residential Meeting Rooms their own group first (weddings or even parties). Some
may have a few annual events that will prevent usage
Larger apartments, condominiums, trailer parks and some weeks. Some will have non-biblical symbols
retirement homes may have a meeting room that could and paintings that you may wish to cover up during
be used for services. These facilities usually have meetings. Some of these groups have connections
parking, rest rooms and other essentials quite nearby. with occult and demonism; if brethren in your
They are inexpensive, but usually someone from your congregation are offended by them, it would be better
group must live there. Before using, be sure that the to meet somewhere else. Not all of these clubs will be
sounds from any adjacent laundry, game rooms, pools, listed in the phone book, but the local chamber of
etc. will not bother the services. Brethren need to be commerce will usually know about them. They
sensitive to the needs and rights of other tenants. If too frequently have good kitchens, mother’s rooms, and
much parking space is consumed or if adjacent game other extras. Make sure several people see the
rooms are monopolized by “children from church” facilities before agreeing to rent them—some have a
after services, the tenants will rightfully complain. permanent odor of cigarettes; some are poorly
maintained.
Community Centers, Schools and Libraries
Halls for Rent
From 20-person conference rooms to 1000-seat
auditoriums, public facilities are often very good and These facilities are usually more expensive, but
can be inexpensive. Unfortunately, the people who dealing with them is straightforward since their
schedule such rooms may have regulations forbidding owners are in business to make a profit. If you agree
their use by church groups. The regulations vary to their price and make reservations before other
greatly from one place to the other, and are often not customers, they will usually agree to rent their facility
based upon any law, or on constitutionally years in advance. There may be extra charges around
questionable laws. If one is denied use of a facility for holidays when hall demand is higher. It is generally
a Church service, it may help to ask if it is available better to pay a higher price than to go through the
for Native American, Muslim or Oriental religious confusion of changing to a different building. Realize,
use. Supreme court decisions over the last several though, that if someone else wants to book the facility
years have upheld the right for Christians to have for a solid week or more, the owner would not like to
equal access to government facilities available to other refuse them just because a congregation has booked
religions. the facility for part of a day. It is important to keep
friendly communication open and even ask if there are
On the other hand, it may not be possible to have a any fairs or other local events where the facility has
“private” meeting in a “public” facility—which can been booked solid in the past. The last thing you
open up potential problems. Also, consider that some would want is to show up to your service location,

13
find a convention in progress and a manager who better to choose a name for a group than it is to let
“forgot” that this 2-week convention and your weekly others choose a name. Furthermore you will need a
contract have a “point of collision”. A good facility, name if you want to place a phone book or newspaper
available 51 weeks of the year, is usually better than a add, write any correspondence or literature in the
poor one available 52 weeks. But the larger a name of your congregation, establish a bank account,
congregation, the more important is a consistent etc.
meeting place.
While the word "church" in the Bible sometimes
Hotel and Restaurant Meeting Rooms refers to all believers everywhere, it also sometimes
refers to a single, local congregation. The names used
These kinds of meeting rooms are easy to find, but for congregations occur many places in the Bible.
relatively difficult to book on a consistent basis. These local names start with the word "Church",
Hotels and restaurants build meeting rooms to attract frequently add "of God" or in one case "of Christ"
customers to their main business, not to specifically (Romans 16:16), and usually conclude with a
make money from rentals. A hotel may rent a meeting preposition and place name ("at Corinth" or "of the
room for $100 for one day, but they would much Thessalonians"). This formula can still be used today.
rather give it away free to a convention that uses 50 "The Church of God in Seattle", "The Vermont
rooms at $50 per night. A restaurant would rather Church of Christ" or "The Southwestern Dallas
have a room full of people ordering food and drinks, Assembly" are some examples. (The Greek word for
than just a room full of people studying. Other "church", ekklesia, is actually translated "assembly"
difficulties with these types of rooms include noise three times in Acts 19:32, 39, 41.) Unfortunately,
from other customers, lack of privacy, no “mother’s there are two reasons why this naming method does
room” and often a complete prohibition from snacks not work as well today:
or pot-luck meals (hotel/ restaurant food only). The
environment just frequently oriented toward 1. The names "Church of God", "Church of
worldliness rather than worship. These rooms may Christ", "Assemblies of God" , "Assemblies
provide a place of meeting in an emergency, but of Christ" and others that use common Bible
usually do not work well on a long-term basis. words are used (and owned) by existing
denominations. An independent group may
Naming a new church wish to avoid those names simply to avoid
being confused with those denominations.
2. Believers are much less unified than they
All believers must first and foremost recognize that
were in the first century. One independent
we are part of the one Church (from the Greek
congregation usually does not represent the
Ekklesia, meaning "assembly") made up of all people
entire Church in a particular geographic area.
with the Holy Spirit. Church congregations should not
There are many other believers in Seattle who
try to give themselves a name that describes the entire
do not attend "The Church of God in Seattle".
Church (Catholic, Universal, Global, International,
All-Inclusive, Transcontinental, etc). One humanly
devised group does not represent the entire Church— These problems can be avoided by calling the group a
they do not even know exactly who the entire Church "Fellowship", "Congregation" or "Meeting" rather
is. Churches that use such names often get mixed up than "the Church". Greatly limiting the geographic
and begin thinking that they are the "one true Church". area can also help. The Market Street Seattle
Fellowship" is more accurate. It does not claim to
define who is in the Church at all—it just declares that
The opposite reaction is to say "God knows His
certain people get together to fellowship at that place.
Church and our human congregation is nothing, so we
This kind of name may sound too local or too humble,
will not take any name." Invariably, outsiders will
but that may be exactly what you want: a local,
make up a name for a group that does not name itself,
humble group through which God can do great things.
even if it is something like "John Smith's Church",
"that former-Baptist Group", "the Town Hall
Congregation", or "those heretics". It is probably

14
You want to avoid using the same name as another The items that will go into a plan for services will
group both to avoid confusion and prevent legal depend largely upon the people and the spiritual gifts
problems. If you include a place-name in your title, it available. Most schedules will include opening and
is much easier to be sure you are not duplicating closing prayers, congregational singing, special music,
someone else's name—you need only look in your prayers for those in need, announcements and some
local phonebooks and newspaper church listings to be either Scripture reading or a message with comments
sure that you are not duplicating another group's and questions. Some include a time for people to
name. (If you do not include a place name, e.g. prophesy or speak in tongues and interpret. Some hold
"Congregation of the Almighty God", you would have a communion service (bread and wine—1Corinthians
to search your entire state or country to avoid a name 10:16; 11:17–33) every week, others only
conflict.) To be very diligent in verifying that you are occasionally. There should always be a time reserved
not using another group's name, you can check (in the for any member who believes he or she has something
United States) with your state's Secretary of State to God wants them to say to the congregation.
find if you are duplicating a corporate name. Also,
counties, cities and states keep records of DBA Activities and teachings directed at younger people
("Doing Business As") names. are necessary if they are a part of the congregation.
Find the brethren that are most gifted at teaching
This author highly recommends that congregations not young people. This author has seen much debate about
be named after leaders, dead or alive (1Corinthians whether young people should be separated from their
1:11–17; 3:1–10). Also, do not name a congregation parents during a service. Obviously, if young people
after a particular doctrine or practice (baptism, form of are separate, teaching can be tailored directly to their
government, speaking in tongues, etc.). While many level of understanding. On the other hand, it is vital
groups do this, it tends to serve as a point of division. for children to see their parents participate in the main
By placing a doctrine in the name, it may attract service and for them to understand as much as
people who already believe the doctrine, but it will possible of what actually takes place there. Lessons
discourage those who do not believe it. Yet, if the directed toward children can be presented with adults
doctrine is true, the very ones who need to hear it are present—the children can learn and the adults can
those who do not yet believe it. For example, a person frequently learn something from the children. The
who does not believe in baptism might avoid the Hill overall schedule of your services should be based
Street Baptist Church, but be willing to attend the Hill upon the congregations and its needs. Breaking the
Street Congregation and learn about baptism when service up into sections with a short break in between
someone there simply decides to teach about it. allows people to come and go for the parts of the
service most applicable to them. Some groups have
Setting up a schedule for services youth lessons before the main service. Others have a
praise service of all singing for 30 to 60 minutes. Still
others have a prayer service. People can then attend
Some groups operate quite successfully with little
those sections that are important to them. When this
more than a starting time and place for their meetings.
kind of format exists, it is important for brethren to
Other groups print a timed schedule each week and
encourage each other not to "hide" from things that
largely stick to it. In general, more scheduling is
they might actually need. If God wants someone to
needed for larger groups and less for smaller ones.
learn to sing or pray for others, that person may need
Long-time friends are comfortable with each other
to be encouraged to attend the praise or prayer service,
even if the service is delayed and they end up waiting
even though they may feel like they do not want to.
for half an hour talking. People just beginning to
attend for the first time may be uncomfortable if they
do not know what to expect or if there is nothing to When people begin a new service, especially if they
do. Nevertheless, no schedule should be so strict that are participating as they never have before, they often
it cannot be changed when the Holy Spirit provides want to stay much longer than when they just "went to
direction. hear a message". This is a very good thing, but it also
makes serving food important—either a snack or a full
meal. People simply stay at any event longer when
there is food—especially if it is good food. Groups

15
that have several different segments to their services, Should men always wear suits and ties? Should
or a service followed by a Bible study may want to women always wear dresses and high heels? Should
serve the food between events. If all of the events run people buy clothes for services that they would
one after another, it is best to serve the food at the otherwise never wear? There does not seem to be any
end—more people will stay and talk. Serving at the biblical precedent for any of these things. Paul teaches
beginning is better than not at all—this may be that services should NOT be a "style show" of
required if the meeting facilities do not have impressive clothing (1Timothy 2:9).
refrigeration. As with everything else, there will
probably be people in your congregation who are Some people take the opposite approach. They study
gifted with preparing, organizing and serving food. the history of clothes and may conclude that neckties
Let them serve in this way, and thank God for them. are patterned after ancient phallic symbols and
therefore cannot wear them in good conscience to a
Should a dress code be enforced? worship service. Other people believe that prostitutes
invented high heels and that wearing them is
Fortunately, the Scriptures clearly indicate how to physically harmful to the body. Still other people
handle the issue of dress at services: believe the Bible teaches that they should wear
fringes, hats, beards or other things. This author has
seen long papers written on all of the above subjects.
"For if there should come into your assembly a
We should not be offended at people for following
man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there
any dress custom they believe is Biblically based. We
should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,
might learn something if we ask them why they do it.
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine
We might not agree with what we hear, but at least we
clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good
will understand. Those who believe they have
place," and say to the poor man, "You stand
knowledge about the history of certain clothing should
there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not
not be offended by those who do not. Nevertheless, if
shown partiality among yourselves, and become
someone becomes offended, Matthew 18:15–17 is
judges with evil thoughts?" (James 2:2-4, NKJV).
there.
Some people will be quick to point out that priests,
Levites and others who came before God were told to Music and Praise
wear special clothes that were to be clean and in good
repair. Cleanliness and neatness are goals for us to The Bible contains hundreds of references to the use
individually strive for, but James makes clear that a of music to praise God. Angels sang at the creation
"dress code" should not be enforced. God looks at the (Job 38:4–7) and Christ and His Apostles sang just
heart more than the clothes. Even though many before He suffered (Matthew 26:30).
Christian groups have their ministry or choirs wear
special robes, there is no New Testament example of "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to
this. Indeed, the design of such robes is often not like which also you were called in one body; and be
the garments described for Old Testament priests, but thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
like clothes worn by other religions. People in the in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one
New Testament always perceived that Christ and the another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
Apostles were servants of God by what they said or singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord"
the miracles they did, not by what they wore. The (Colossians 3:15–16, NKJV).
principles of cleanliness, neatness, and modesty can
be taught without invoking a dress code or judging The book of Psalms is full of praise to God, as well as
people who attend. commands that we praise God. The last chapter of the
book is a good summary, telling us much about what
It is also important to realize that the Bible does not it should be like:
command us to dress according to "the upper class
style of the day". Would services be better if all men "Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary;
wore tuxedos and women wore formal dresses? Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him

16
for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His The Apostles continued to participate in temple
excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of services, even after the Resurrection (Acts 3:1). When
the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! the praise of some of Jesus' followers disturbed the
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him Pharisees, look at our Savior's answer:
with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him
with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing "Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of
cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the
Lord. Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150, NKJV). disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a
loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,
Many believers understand the need for music and saying: 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name
praise and have a good idea as to how they will of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the
implement it in their new congregation. They may not highest!' And some of the Pharisees called to Him
learn too much new from the rest of this section. But from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
this author knows of congregations that were started But He answered and said to them, 'I tell you that
for important doctrinal reasons, and music and praise if these should keep silent, the stones would
were simply considered an "extra"—possibly immediately cry out.' " (Luke 19:37–40, NKJV).
something that might give some people a good
feeling, attract a few visitors, or give musicians a "But when the chief priests and scribes saw the
place to perform. Any plan to start a new service wonderful things that He did, and the children
should make music an integral part of service. crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to
the Son of David!" they were indignant and said to
There are more commands in the Bible to praise God Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And
than there are to observe many of the doctrines that Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read,
Christians dispute among themselves. Praise can take 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You
on many forms: shouts, singing, clapping, playing have perfected praise'?" " (Matthew 21:15–16,
musical instruments and even dancing. NKJV).

It is clear that God did not want His praise to become Notice in the above verse that young people were
old and boring; He wanted it to stay new and exciting. involved in praise—it is not something just for the
Five times we are commanded to "sing a new song" to older, mature, "converted". Young people like new
God (Psalm 33:3; 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). energetic music—and so does God! Praise does not
People can become much more excited about newly- have to be written by someone who believes every
written music than songs that are hundreds of years doctrine that you do. God accepted praise from a
old. The age-old idea that religion should be a solemn, Samaritan even though he said those people "worship
emotionless experience is simply not in Scripture. The what they do not know" (John 4:22):
Bible speaks of loud sounds and shouts of joy:
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed,
"Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
shout of joy " (Psalm 3:3). and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him
thanks. And he was a Samaritan. " (Luke 17:15–16)
"Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to
God with the voice of triumph!" (Psalm 47:1). Obviously, a service must utilize the kind of music
and praise that those who attend are capable of
"I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; Yes, producing. You must start with what is available.
I will praise Him among the multitude " (Psalm
109:30). Many congregations prefer to use overhead projectors
or computer projection to provide song words to their
"I will also clothe her priests with salvation, And congregation. Others prefer hymnals—or may have to
her saints shall shout aloud for joy" (Psalm 132:16). use them until they are able to obtain the projection
equipment. Even with projection equipment, a certain

17
number of copies of hymnals are usually needed for number of affordable options are available. This
choirs and/or musicians. author believes that live music is preferable to
recorded since it is produced by men and women with
New congregations have an important decision: what the Holy Spirit in them and can capture and express
source(s) will be used for congregational music? the inspiration of what God is doing at the moment.
Recorded music can be inspiring, but it will always be
If most of the people forming a new congregation are predictably the same, every time. The Bible
from a previous group, the simplest thing is to keep commands us to continually praise God, not to offer
using the same music. However, it can be quite a Him re-runs of old praises.
problem. When an independent group splits from a
major denomination, how are they really independent 1. A worship team with a choir and musical
and separate if they go on to use the old group's instruments is the best. Large scale musical
hymnal? Furthermore, the old denomination may productions are staged to honor all manner of
refuse to sell hymnals to independent groups. In other individuals and groups in this world; we
cases, the brethren forming a new congregation have should give our best to honor God. Make the
no common musical background. most of whatever talent you have—do not try
to imitate some other group. Accept imperfect
Musicians and leaders of the congregation will simply musicians as long as the overall effect is
have to make a decision to procure the most enjoyable for most people—musicians get
appropriate music available to begin praising God at better by doing it.
the new services. Hymnals and overhead 2. Lacking a choir or band, a piano accompanist
transparencies of all kinds can be obtained at a is probably the most flexible. Finding a piano
discount from Christian Book Distributors. Hymnals is not the problem it once was. Electronic
with modern praise and worship music can also be pianos that sound and feel much like the real
ordered from Maranatha Music and other Christian thing are in music stores for well less than
music distributors. $1000. This author has used electronic
keyboards from discount stores costing in the
Some new congregations simply make their own $100 to $300 range and all attending have had
hymnal or music collection for projection. This may a meaningful praise experience. The smaller
be done to include songs that fit their theology or even keyboards may need an external amplifier—a
to save money. Unfortunately, most modern Christian portable home stereo can work. If your
music has copyright issues attached—its publishers congregation does not have a piano player,
have an elaborate means for collecting fees for most praise and worship music can be played
making copies, whether printed or projected. by someone with a guitar, accordion or auto-
Nevertheless, many of the "old standard" hymns of the harp.
1800's have expired copyrights, so they may be freely 3. Lacking live musicians, many hymnals have
copied. Some modern composers do place their songs matching CDs and tapes—featuring either
clearly in the public domain, so they may be freely piano, small group or full orchestra
shared and copied. A few entire hymnals permit accompaniment. Tapes specifically designed
copying. Also, some hymnals, such as Maranatha's 4th for accompaniment do not have the main
edition (green), provide a modest extra cost option melody voices recorded, which is good. The
granting the right to make as many copies of words as most important part, the singing words of
necessary for one congregation. praise, must be supplied by the congregation.
There are some massive DVD-based systems
for church accompaniment that have 5000+
Possible Musical Configurations songs, options for projection of words,
transposition into any key and a host of other
What kinds of musical configurations are possible? It features for about $1000. Christian stores and
is important to understand that it is possible to praise music stores usually sell them.
God whether your congregation has a lot of musical 4. If accompaniment CDs and tapes are not
talent or a little. Thanks to inexpensive electronics, a obtained, the congregation singing along with

18
 any hymn or praise and worship tape will be used for positive, uplifting praise. Parents' and
work. children's musical tastes can often be united around an
5. Putting all technology aside, a strong singer energetic praise song with a good message.
who will stay on key and in rhythm can lead
inspiring music. This method has a many- Hand-clapping, foot stomping and rhythm instruments
thousand-year track record of success. are great ways to involve almost everyone (even 2-
6. Any group can READ Bible Psalms or other year olds). It is biblical, relaxing and fun (Psalm 47:1;
words of praise in unison. Responsive 98:8; Isaiah 55:12).
readings hold attention and can be inspiring: a
leader reads a line or two, followed by a Use wisdom in trying not to offend others with music
response from the rest of the congregation. that they are not used to. (Some people might have
Sometimes the response may be an echo of been offended by the previous paragraphs.) Music
what the leader said, sometimes it may be the should be a force for unity, not for division. If you
same thing every time (Psalm 136 is an have visitors that like only older hymns, that is not the
example). You can use existing Bible day to bring out your most energetic praise music.
passages or write your own "responsive Furthermore, Paul clearly instructs that services
readings". should be conducted "decently and in order"
(1Corinthians 14:40). People should never be wild and
Encourage everyone to get involved in music and "out of control" no matter how excited they are to
praise. Those who can play instruments should be praise God. Also, no one should be forced or talked
encouraged to do so. Since no instruments are into participating in music that they do not feel
specifically condemned in the Bible, we conclude that comfortable with. Praise should come from the heart.
we may use any of them. If someone sings or plays an Praise is not to earn salvation, to gain favor with
instrument poorly, do not shut them out, but every few others, to attract more members or to "do something
months or so encourage them to do something that different". It is to give our Creator the praise that He
they have learned well (do not let services become a asks for and deserves, and to teach His Truth to people
burden to others by often forcing them to listen to in ways that will stay with them for a long time.
poor music).
Bible Reading and Discussion
Those properly gifted should perform "special music"
on a regular basis—bringing in new songs to inspire
Scripture reading was a part of Synagogue worship
and possibly sing as a group in the future. Those
when Jesus attended (Luke 4:16–17; Acts 15:21) and
participating in special music should always be
it still is today. Synagogues have a system in place
thought of as worship leaders or helpers, not as
whereby the entire first five books, plus parts of other
performers. With some special music, it may be
books are read every year. On any given week, the
appropriate to invite the whole congregation to sing
same scriptures will be read everywhere throughout
along; other songs' erratic rhythms or melody simply
the world. However, if you use this system, you will
do not work well for congregational singing. Some
never cover large parts of the Old Testament or any of
singers who are accompanied by a piano or other
the New Testament. Some people augment this system
instrument will need a sound system to be adequately
with other readings, but most Christian congregations
heard.
simply set up another system of Bible reading that
makes sense for them.
Anyone can buy or borrow pre-recorded music, listen
to it, and bring the best to services to play as "special
It is the belief of this writer that there are not any
music"—expanding the horizons of the group. Part of
apostles (which means "one sent") of Christ alive at
the listening job is to listen for words that have an
this time. That being the case, it is much more
acceptable message. Accept a wide variety of styles.
important that we read the words of Christ and the
While some styles (e.g. "punk" and "heavy metal")
Apostles in our services.
may be too devoted to destruction and negativism to
be useful in a service, most popular music styles can

19
Scripture reading can be the main part of a new Obviously, there are few teachers who are as gifted as
service if there are few people with the gift of Christ and the Apostles. However, it is better to have a
teaching. People who are used to "being preached to teacher who is truthful and willing to admit what he
in church" may find some difficulty in going to church does not know, than it is to have a teacher who is
without a sermon, but this usually wears off after a powerful, eloquent or charismatic.
few weeks.
The goal of teaching is to ask God to use people to
If the topic is published beforehand, brethren can read teach what He wants taught at each service. Even
the scriptures ahead of time and will usually be ready poorer live speakers are often better than tapes. People
with questions and comments. Some groups have clearly pay more attention to live presentations. Also,
people stand to read, others remain seated. Some use a there is no possibility of asking the speaker questions
microphone, some do not. Some have only adults when a tape is played.
read, others see it as an important activity for children
to participate in. Most importantly, the scriptures need If your congregation progresses to the point where
to be read so that they can be heard. Some allow you are teaching many new people, experienced
questions and comments after a few verses, others teachers who can expound a topic at length are
wait until an entire chapter or section is complete. sometimes needed. One way for brethren to learn to
deliver quality live messages is to give "book reports"
No matter what format is used, the congregation will or "article reports" on truthful, inspiring literature.
learn truth—because they are reading God's words. This approach maximizes speaking opportunity and
Certainly, there will be some incorrect comments reduces the amount of research work (only one source
made, but this is a chance for the experienced person is used). Another approach is for teachers to take
to gently correct errors, and a chance for everyone to lessons from their own experience and explain them in
exercise discernment. the light of Scripture.

There is no need to have everyone read from the same Services should be edifying and encouraging to all.
translation. It is an advantage for people to silently They are probably not the best place for detailed
read along from different translations. That way, it is discussions of complex or controversial doctrines
easy to notice and discuss places where translations (such as the exact nature of Jesus Christ before His
are significantly different. human birth, the Hebrew calendar, speaking in
tongues, etc.). Such teachings are important, however,
Teaching and Encouragement and can be held after services or as a separate Bible
study.
Most people are used to extensive, one-way teaching
in services—usually called a sermon. If groups do not Exhortation (encouragement) is different than
have someone to give a sermon, they may play an teaching—a person who exhorts says little that his
audio or video taped-sermon. A large number of listeners do not already know, but encourages and
ministries produce tapes for this very purpose. motivates them to do a better job of what they already
However, taped sermons or completely planned know they should do. ("Preaching" often encompasses
presentations do not allow for the questions and both "teaching" and "exhortation".) Some people
answers so frequently found in the Bible. A speaker clearly have the gift for exhortation, and some do not.
can sound like he knows so much and cause many A person who encourages others must be able to do so
new believers to trust in his words—until someone in love—without making himself appear better than
asks good biblical questions about his teaching— others.
questions that he may not be able to answer. Christ
and the Apostles were able to answer the hardest of There is no reason why a speaker has to be introduced
questions that were asked of them. That is the sign of as either a "teacher" or an "exhorter". They can simply
a good teacher. give their message. However, they should know what
they are hoping God to accomplish through them.
Someone who does have the gift of encouraging and

20
motivating others should be very careful not to for the justification and salvation of mankind. The
introduce new teachings while he is doing it. (Aaron church is the body of Christ and that Christ is the
and his golden calf comes to mind—he was a active, living head of the Church. He works through a
powerful leader, but he led Israel into sin.) diversity of believers and groups of believers
Exhortation should be to solid, well-understood Bible according to His will. No man or group of men has
principles. jurisdiction over another's eternal salvation.

Creating a statement of beliefs and Each person is responsible for studying the Bible,
practices living by it and working out his or her own salvation
with his or her Maker. Christ gave the church the job
of helping in this process in a great many ways. This
It is a mistake to try to write an all-inclusive statement congregation is but one of many local assemblies of
of beliefs. Such statements do not have the space to believers that comprise the Church of which Christ is
explain exactly how such doctrines were derived from the Head.
the Bible. But no one should believe any doctrine
without such an explanation. Doctrinal statements
Practices
have a tendency to leave members complacent,
reasoning that their congregation has all of the
important doctrines "worked out." It would be far The writing of extensive doctrinal statements
better if each member would write for themselves a encourages people to study statements, rather than
summary of what they believe and why on each study the Bible. In order to make fellowship easier, we
important issue. list the following practices which are held by most of
those attending our congregation, but we do not insist
that these practices are essential for salvation:
Also, it is important to realize that people do not have
to believe exactly the same thing in order to
fellowship and serve Christ together. • We meet on the Sabbath at 12:00 noon for
singing and 1:00 p.m. for our main service.
• Church meetings are private, but all men,
On the other hand, there is a need to have some
women and children—whether they are
agreement on the practices that will be used in your
believers or not—are welcome to attend our
congregation. You will not be very effective if you
services as long as they are willing to conform
cannot agree on the day to worship or what constitutes
to these practices.
Scripture. A person who intends to become a member
• When a person repents and dedicates their life
of a congregation should have a written idea of what
to Christ, we baptize him/her by immersion
the group is about. Any governments or businesses
and have the hands of the brethren laid on that
that deal with the congregation should be able to see
person to ask for the imparting of the Holy
that it really does have a religious purpose and is not a
Spirit. When a person attending believes they
sham. Below is the body of a sample statement of
have a valid conversion experience by some
beliefs and practices similar to one used by one
other method or sequence, we acknowledge
independent congregation.
that the Bible does record some exceptions to
this, and that issue must be worked out
Sample Statement of Beliefs and between the believer and God.
Practices • Food described as unclean in Leviticus 11
should not be brought to any congregational
Beliefs meal nor served to other members without
their approval.
The Eternal, the Creator of the universe, gave us the • Drunkenness, theft, fighting, inappropriate
Old and New Testament Scriptures, the Bible, as His sexual contact, smoking or the use of mind-
instruction book for mankind. Each person is altering drugs at any congregation meeting or
responsible for living by the Bible as he or she other event are not permitted because they are
understands it. The Father sent His Son as a sacrifice

21
 a danger to those attending and a bad example With small groups, and groups that are just starting
to everyone. out, a very informal approach is possible. Large
• People attending services and activities of the groups, however, definitely need a formal plan.
congregation agree not to attempt to sue the
congregation or any member of it in a Tips for handling church income (tithes, offerings,
government court but will use the procedure gifts, etc.)
found in Matthew 18:15-17 and the
congregation's membership covenant. 1. Avoid using the worship service as a place
• Membership in the local congregation is to deal with monetary issues.
available to those who regularly attend more Even though it may seem convenient because
than 25 times per year and who will publicly everyone is there, Jesus was quite upset by
acknowledge that they have committed their those who were buying and selling in His
lives to God. Such membership is not a temple (Matthew 21:13). Meetings can be
"recognition of conversion", but a scheduled for other times.
commitment to serve in the local 2. Do not pass a collection vessel at services.
congregation. This may sound odd to some, but there is no
• People who are disruptive to church meetings, Biblical example of passing a collection plate
who continually attempt to teach false or box in a service. (1 Corinthians 16:2 talks
doctrine or who openly practice sin may be about "storing up" things, not putting them in
removed as members and/or barred from a collection on that day.) While a
attending according to the procedure given in congregation may receive more money by
Matthew 18:15–17 and the membership confronting people with a collection plate, the
covenant. Bible teaches that giving is not to be "of
necessity" (2Corinthians 9:7). When people
Your church or fellowship's statement of beliefs and brought money to God's temple, Jehoiada
practices should contain the congregation's name, the instructed the priests to put it in a box with a
date it was accepted and the people who accepted it. hole in the top (2Kings 12:9). A box or some
other container with a hole on top is a good
How to handle church income way to collect offerings. Other people may
(offerings) and expenses prefer to mail them in.
3. People have the right to give without others
knowing when or how much.
Many men who help to start congregations will say "But when you give to the needy, do not let
something like: "I am interested in preaching Christ, your left hand know what your right hand is
praising God and spiritually serving the brethren. I doing" (Matthew 6:3). Records should be kept
would rather leave the finances to paid in the strictest confidence—known only to the
professionals—or to someone in the congregation who people who maintain the records, and shared
likes money." Unfortunately, this does not always only with those who gave, in case there is a
work out well. Judas liked money and kept charge of question. Records should not be used by
it for the Apostles, but he also stole from it (John church leaders to check up on people or to
12:4–6). Jesus let this happen, because He needed to determine whether someone is 'worthy' to
keep one corrupt apostle who would betray Him (John perform certain church responsibilities (e.g.
6:70–71). Responsibility for collecting offerings and serving like a deacon, etc.). People have the
paying for expenses belongs to all in a congregation. right to give anonymously if they desire—so
When Paul was transporting an offering for the poor, nobody looking at records can ever be sure
the congregations chose a person to accompany him how much somebody gives.
just to make sure that the offerings were correctly 4. The congregation has a right to know how
spent (2Corinthians 8:18–21). much money is received and how it's spent.
Members whose spiritual gift is "giving" need
The approach to handling a congregation's expenses to know if their giving is bearing fruit. If they
can vary greatly based upon the size of the group. are giving to a ministry of wood, hay and

22
 stubble, they need to realize it so they may Apostles (John 13:29). Bills that must be paid by
change and build something with eternal check or credit card can be paid by a member and then
value (1Corinthians 3:12-15). They cannot reimbursed with cash. While paper records of all
know if they do not have any way to see how transactions should be kept so that members can know
the money is being spent. what their church is doing, the current assets of the
congregation can be known by simply counting the
Handling Expenses money in the box. This method avoids bank service
charges, check purchases, accidental overdrafts and
associated fees, etc.
Very small and/or very new congregations can
sometimes be run without collection money. Members
simply divide up the physical responsibilities—much The above two methods probably will not work for
like spiritual responsibilities are divided among the cases where the church needs to own property, pay a
various spiritual gifts. For example, one member will large variety of bills or pay church workers for their
pay for the music equipment, one for the hymnals and time. They work excellently for groups that are going
telephone bill, one for the refreshments, etc. Others through a certain amount of turmoil and may end up
might serve by letting the congregation use their splitting into several more groups. If a congregation
home, vehicles or other resources. If a rental hall is breaks up and the congregation owns the assets, it
used, two or three families might agree to alternate may take some time to decide how to divide the
months paying the rent on the hall. Sometimes, one or assets. Whereas, when individuals own the assets,
more individuals can buy a church building, sound they will usually take them to whatever new group
system or other assets and then lease them to the they join and use them. (This author knows of cases
church or its members. The rental terms should be where assets sat unused for months while a re-split
made known to any members—no member should be church group decided how to divide them.)
"getting rich" by renting to a congregation. Sometimes, in a church "re-split", an individual can
find himself owning assets that are not needed by his
group. He can sell them to a group that needs them, or
Still other members might agree to pay for evangelism
to anyone—this is better than trying to work with a
and other church efforts. Each member is free to
defunct church whose governing body does not agree
handle the tax aspects of their work in whatever
with its members.
manner they choose. The church can stay out of it
completely, or if necessary, write letters to members
at the end of the year acknowledging the money spent Even though these methods can work for several
on behalf of the church. This author has seen this years, it is still usually best in the long term for a
approach work well for years in some groups. If one sizeable congregation to develop a way to collect and
person leaves the group and takes his or her resources spend money in its own name.
with them, the congregation asks God to provide a
replacement or show them how to get along with out Keeping Records of Expenses
it—and it usually works.
Records can be kept manually or by computer.
Paying expenses with cash Record-keeping will be easier for someone with
accounting experience, but anyone with a good sense
Sometimes, the above method covers most needs, but for math can do it. A simple journal listing the date,
there is a need for some cash to pay for books, youth purchaser, the items purchased, the amount and how it
class supplies, evangelism needs, and other expenses. was paid (cash, check, credit card) will work. More
The people who have the time to do the work may complex systems will classify each expense into
simply not have the money to do it. If the brethren are categories or accounts: hall rental, sound system,
willing to give offerings in cash, then the church music, utilities, office supplies, food, janitorial
money can simply be kept in a box in some safe place supplies, evangelism, etc. These more complex
and expended by people who are authorized to do so. systems are much easier to do by computer. Numerous
While this method may sound primitive, it has worked home accounting or church accounting software
for thousands of years—even by our Messiah and His packages are available for $70 or less. Whatever kind

23
of system you have should be balanced every month: especially if there is a John Jones, Sr. and a
the amount on hand at the beginning of the month, John Jones, Jr. in the same congregation.
plus all offerings received that month, minus the 4. Make a fictitious person named "anonymous"
amount on hand at the end of the month should be for offerings that come from unknown
equal to the amount spent that month. If multiple sources.
people have access to the money, without some kind 5. Write down each offering on a separate page
of method of balancing, there is no good way to tell if for each person—including the date, amount,
someone is stealing it. method of payment and check or transaction
number.
Keeping Records of Offerings Received 6. Also, record each offering on another page
where all offerings are recorded—include the
name, date and amount.
If no record is kept of the total amount of offerings
7. Balance the total offerings page for each
received, it will not be possible to tell if any of it is
month with the totals for all the individual's
lost or stolen. Churches should be good stewards of
offerings for each month.
what they are given. While money is safer with an
8. If anyone is ever suspicious that these records
honest man who keeps no records than it is with a
are not being kept properly, the congregation
room full of dishonest accountants with piles of
can appoint individuals to verify that the
records, most people today expect honest churches to
individual records match what the member
keep some kind of accurate records "For we are
actually gave, and then verify that the total
taking pains to do what is right, not only in the
offerings match the amount of money
eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men"
available for church purposes.
(2Corinthians 8:21).

Groups that emphasize anonymous offerings may Operating as a Church

choose not to keep records of each individual's giving.
This increases privacy, but it can also produce some Larger and longstanding congregations often need to
difficulties: it will not be possible to give people a own property, establish bank accounts and deal with
year-end total of their offerings; if a person asks to be other institutions. The best way to do this is by
sure that a certain offering they gave was received, operating with the legal status of a CHURCH. This
there will be no way to confirm it; dealing with checks has been done since the United States of America was
lost by the bank or the church will also be much more founded—without the use of corporations,
difficult. All of these problems can be overcome. associations or trusts. We will use the term 'Free
People should be able to keep their own records of Church' to distinguish it from churches that are
their offerings, but many are simply used to corporations, associations, etc. (Please realize that our
congregations doing it—or they occasionally loose use of the term "free church" is not a reference to
their records to fires, computer failures, etc. Pray for denominations or groups that use the term "free
wisdom to know what is best for you. church" in their title—many of those groups are now
incorporated.). A free church needs a legal existence
For congregations that DO keep records of each so that its members can collect offerings, spend them,
individual's giving, a few points are in order: own property and take other actions on behalf of Jesus
Christ, rather than themselves. In order for a free
1. Assign the job to only two or three people. church to have a legal existence, it should have
This helps keep the records confidential, yet documents that answer the basic questions of: who,
provides a way to continue if one person is what, when, where, why and how:
incapacitated.
2. Keep the records in a safe place. Who are the members?
3. Create a page (or computerized account) for The names of the initial members are frequently listed
each person who might be giving. Be careful in the foundational document. These documents also
to get whatever identifying information is contain either a procedure for becoming a member or
necessary for people with similar names—

24
a reference to another document describing foundational document gives a lot of authority to a
membership. few current members to act on behalf of the church—
and then refers to other documents that will replace
What are they creating? this initial plan.
A local congregation of the one spiritual Church
headed by Jesus Christ. The church is private, not There is no standard government form or laws
public ("public" implies "government"), though all are explaining how to create a free church because
invited to attend the congregation's meetings for their governments and courts do not have authority or
stated purposes. jurisdiction over them. There is not even a standard
title for the document that creates one, but names such
When are they creating it? as Declaration of Establishment, Church Covenant,
The date that the documents were approved by the Establishment of Congregation, etc. can be used. The
members will probably be considered the starting name is not as important as the need to clearly and
point of the church for any legal purposes. The truthfully write what is being done in church and
documents can state that the congregation actually biblical terms (not business or government terms).
began at a previous date on which people began to
meet together, but establishing a legal existence prior Other documents might include procedures for
to the date the documents were written can be more fulfilling church service positions, a statement of
difficult. beliefs and practices, accounting procedures, a
description of the worship service, and procedures for
Where is it being created? handling complaints by members. (Matthew 18:15–17
It is best to name the country, state and county in should be used, but a written plan of how to "tell it to
which the church is domiciled. Without a specific the church" helps define who will attend such a
location, jurisdictional problems arise. If the church is meeting, who will moderate, when it will be held, how
to hold property, the county stated should be one in a decision will be reached, etc.)
which the property exists. Otherwise, the church can
be domiciled in a county where most members live or The details of all that could be done to establish a free
where the records are kept. A provision to amend the church would take many more pages. See our section
location should be added. on resources for operating as a Free Church for some
suggested information sources.
Why is it being created?
A clear, Biblical purpose should be stated. There is no Operating as a Corporation or
difficulty in quoting Scripture in the foundational Association
documents of a real free church. Its purposes should
be both spiritual and physical.
When I began the research for this paper, I intended to
include this as an option. After studying the issue
How is it being created?
much more thoroughly, I have concluded that this is
The foundational document must explain how people
such a significant mistake that I cannot recommend it
acquire the authority to act on behalf of the church.
at all. There is no doubt that a lot of good works have
This could be as simple as naming a pastor as having
been done and a lot of people have turned their lives
authority over all church matters (this author does not
to God because of the work of incorporated churches.
recommend using this form of hierarchical church
But the same can be said for religious cults and groups
governance). Or it could describe a detailed process of
led by evangelists who taught some false doctrines or
church functions and how to fill them (appointment or
who were addicted to various sins. The solutions to all
election). Individuals need to be authorized to collect
these problems is for all people to keep seeking God
offerings, to open a bank account, to buy things for
and keep doing their good works—but to also learn to
the church, to make agreements and other things on
stop the sins, disband the cults, correct the false
behalf of the church. The foundational document can
doctrines and terminate the corporations. These
spell this out in detail or it can refer to other
struggles sometimes take years. But then, it took
documents that contain the details. Sometimes the
centuries for churches to break free of the church-state

25
system; we cannot expect to instantly undo the slide One final thought. While the operational foundation of
back toward state-churches that incorporation has a congregation is important, the entire congregation
brought for about the past hundred years. It will take must never forget that we are the representatives of
time, but if each new church begins without Christ on earth and that we are to live as he lived and
incorporation, and existing churches began to disband walk as he walked. If our lives do not reflect Christ,
their corporations a few at a time, the progress will be the perfect procedures and methods of operation will
steady and sure. It is much easier to begin a church not make up for it.
without incorporation than it is to try to undo
incorporation later.

OUTREACH AND EVANGELISM

Developing Spiritual Gifts of Service

M any large congregations are like attending professional sporting events. The professionals get all
of the action and the people pay and watch. There is no doubt that in the first century the Apostles
played a major role in the expansion of the Church. But today, we do not have apostles—men who were
with Christ during his physical ministry (Acts 1:21-26). However we have the Apostles' writings. It is a
very interesting study to read through the New Testament and write down all of the points about the
operation of the church. It is interesting to see that there will be almost nothing about minister's salaries,
church buildings, doctrinal statements and many other things that typically dominate the founding of
churches today. There are no verses giving the name of a "pastor" of any church or explaining what one
did.

Yet nearly all of the activity of a modern day that pastors or ministers have a higher "spiritual
congregation centers on the "pastor". He preaches, status" and have too much respect for them, two bad
teaches, studies, prays, counsels, visits, baptizes, things usually happen: 1) The brethren accept the
makes the plans, etc., etc. Was there a "pastor" of pastor's words when they should be looking to the
every congregation in the first century biblical Bible and Holy Spirit; 2) The brethren do not believe
church? The apostles mention the names of lots of that God could carry on a major ministry through
brethren in their letters, but never give a single them.
"pastor's" name. The word "pastor" only occurs once
in most Bible translations (Ephesians 4:11). "Pastor" Nevertheless, if people are accustomed to a church
in Greek is the same word as "shepherd". It clearly pastor doing most of the work, it usually takes some
refers to a person who guides younger believers. The time to get away from that method of operation and to
terms "minister", "elder" and "overseer" (sometimes develop individual spiritual gifts. When brethren
"bishop") are used more frequently, but no verse says believe that pastors or ministers have a higher
that these were the same as a "pastor"—congregations "spiritual status" and have too much respect for them,
seemed to have multiple elders and ministers. two bad things usually happen:

The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are spread out 1. The brethren accept the pastor’s words when
among the believers—not that one man is paid to have they should be looking to the Bible and Holy
nearly all of the spiritual gifts. When brethren believe Spirit.

26
 2. The brethren do not believe that God could Pastor (1)
carry on a major ministry through them. Prophet (4)
Teacher or speaker (3)
If people are accustomed to a church pastor doing
most of the work, it usually takes some time to get The immediate question that usually occurs is:
away from that method of operation and to develop "Which gifts do I have?" Also, "Which gifts do others
individual spiritual gifts. If there is a pastor in the have?" There is a tendency to take the "spiritual gift
congregation, he should not suddenly stop preaching, list" and try to write one or more person's names from
teaching, studying, praying, counseling, visiting, one's congregation after each gift. If you can do that
baptizing and planning before other brethren assume and most of your congregation agrees on it, thank God
those responsibilities—otherwise nobody will be for the blessing!
doing them. A person who carries the title of "pastor"
usually has certain spiritual gifts, but not others. (Ask But in most congregations, that will not be the case.
anyone who has attended a church that has had several There will be many people who will wonder if they
different pastors—the pastors’ gifts vary.) The have any of the gifts. There will be some who think
"pastor" should continue in the areas where he is they have certain gifts and others who disagree. While
gifted, but the rest of the brethren should be spiritual gifts are for edification of the brethren, they
encouraged to develop their gifts as well—sharing the are also a training tool so God can see what each
work with the pastor as much as possible. person does with the abilities he or she has been
given. This is explained in detail by the parable of the
List of common gifts of service talents (Matthew 25:14-29) and can be easily
summarized by Luke 16:10:
The Bible contains several lists of spiritual gifts
(Romans 12:6-8; 1Corinthians 12:7-11,28-31; "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also
Ephesians 4:11-15, 1Peter 4:8-11). There is a lot of be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest
overlap between them, but no two lists are the same. with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Sometimes, different words are used for what appears
to be the same gift. Since no one list contains all of the A person may start by inviting another believer to
gifts, and since no statement in the Bible says that their home for a meal or an activity—maybe from
"these are all of the gifts", it is likely that Christ also simple boredom and lack of money to do anything
gives other gifts as they are needed. Here is a else. When he sees that the other was encouraged by
summary of the gifts, followed by the number of times it, he begins inviting more and larger groups. Others
they are mentioned: in the congregation begin to take note of his gift and
ask him to plan activities for the entire congregation.
Administrator (1) Later still, he may be asked to organize a several-day
Apostle (2) outing for multiple congregations. People want him to
Discerner of spirits (1) do it because he does it in a loving, caring manner—
Evangelist—Gospel preacher (1) looking out for the best interests of all. As long as the
Exhorter (1) person continues in a track record of service and
Faith-filled person (1) success, there is no need to send him to a school,
Giver (of money) (1) certify him, or have a committee "recognize" his
Healer (2) spiritual gift. What started as a simple sharing act
Helping person (1) became a gift of hospitality, then grew into a gift of
Hospitable person (1) one kind of administration.
Knowledgeable person (1)
Leader—one who leads (1) Brethren with some gift of hospitality are the ideal
Loving person (2) people to host a service in their homes (providing their
Merciful person (1) homes are suitable and not too far from most of those
Minister—one who serves others (2) who come). Kind and loving people that are not afraid
Miracle worker (2) to speak in public usually make good announcers for

27
larger services—introducing the speakers and teacher who is not inspired of God when the student
musicians, giving announcements, etc. knows a lot less about the subject than the teacher.
False teachers may be exposed through Bible study,
When you seek the advice or counsel of another through prayer, through mistakes on their part
believer, you know when you have dealt with revealing their true intent and through someone with
someone full of faith, love and mercy. It can be the gift of "discernment of spirits".
positive and uplifting. Other counselors may have a
gift of knowledge: they seem to know the right thing God has gifted some with the ability to determine the
to do. You may have spoken with other counselors motivation and "spirit" of another person simply by
and later concluded that they did not have any gifts. listening to them talk and observing the way they act.
Being honest with ourselves and honest with others is This author knew of a woman who claimed to have
the best way for everyone to learn to recognize their that gift. She visited the local congregation I attended
gifts. If you believe someone is gifted in a certain once and asked after a few minutes: "Who is that man
area, let him or her know. A humble person is often speaking and who chose him to speak?" I had told her
more concerned with overcoming their faults and nothing about this man. Most of his words sounded
needs to be told of their capabilities. If you believe good, but during two years of listening to him, I had
that someone else is trying to work with a gift that concluded that he had a hidden agenda and was a false
they do not have, let them know, in love. teacher. He later introduced a lot of heresy that caused
most of his congregation to depart. (That congregation
Some gifts are easy to recognize. Most congregations did not allow open discussion, nor did its members
will instantly recognize a person who is gifted at have any input into speaker selection.)
giving money. A person who helps—either through
his own hard work or by praying for a miracle—is The point is that my friend, with the gift of
welcome anywhere. One with the gift of healing is "discernment of spirits", was able to discern the man's
also easy to recognize: he or she prays, and people intent almost instantly. She had also been effective in
miraculously recover. Prophecy is also similar if we discernment at other times. This is a wonderful gift to
are patient enough to wait to see if some of the have in a congregation—but one of the more difficult
prophet's statements have come to pass. (Do not be gifts to recognize. If a person has a gift of
confused by someone who claims to be a prophet, discernment, it means that they can discern things that
prophesies extensively supporting himself with many others cannot—so how will others know if the
scriptures, but then fails to have even small specific discerner is discerning properly? Believers have to
prophecies come true in the present. A prophet with watch the fruit of someone who claims to have the gift
no fulfillment yet is like a healer with no healings of discernment over a period of time to see if it bears
yet.) fruit. I have met other people who claimed to have the
gift of discernment, and later facts proved them to be
Most people can recognize someone who is a good wrong—they claimed people were false teachers when
teacher—skilled at conveying the information they years of teaching showed they were not, and they
have in mind. Most people know when they are endorsed teachers who later were shown to be false.
exhorted—stirred by a powerful message. But there
are people who claim no belief in God who can do It is Christ who assigns the gifts. It is not the pastor
both of these things. The important issue is: are who hands them out like church work assignments. If
teachers, evangelists and exhorters preaching things we desire a gift in a certain area, we should ask God
inspired of God, or are they preaching their own for it (Psalm 37:4). However, we should never pretend
words? (Remember, even Satan's ministers pretend to to have a gift that we do not have, or use unbiblical
be ministers of righteousness—2Corinthians 11:15.) methods to try to "work up" spiritual gifts. (Some
teach the continual repeating of certain words,
Each person in a congregation should be like the "meditation" or various other procedures for obtaining
Bereans who "searched the Scriptures daily to find gifts. But these methods are not taught in the Bible.)
out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11,
NKJV). But it is not easy for a student to detect a

28
Each person needs to feel accountable for making the Christ told the Apostles to let their "light shine", to not
congregation successful—in whatever big or small to be overly concerned with prophetic timing, and to
way they can do that. The Apostle Paul wrote: be "My witnesses". Who should hear our witness?
Christ gives a lot of detail as to who we should serve
"How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come and teach. By analogy, the four places he mentioned
together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, still apply today.
has a tongue, has a revelation, has an
interpretation. Let all things be done for • Those in Jerusalem were local people whom
edification." (1Corinthians 14:26, NKJV). they knew. They had similar religious
backgrounds, but still needed teaching about
If the services you have attended do not operate this Jesus. This corresponds to our local
way, it does not mean that God was not there, but it congregation today.
means that we all have much more to learn in • Those in all Judea were eople with similar
returning to the "faith once delivered to the saints" backgrounds, but more distant. Today there
(Jude 1:3). Many spiritual gifts, such as love, helping are many people with a biblical understanding
and faith can be used every day of our Christian life— similar to ours, but living elsewhere. We may
for the benefit of those in our congregation, and for all be able to help them through our written or
people. Others gifts, such as teaching, exhorting and spoken word, or in some other way.
administration may be used primarily in connection • The people of Samaria had some knowledge
with a service. Later sections will cover those topics of God and the Bible, but mostly relied upon
in greater detail. their own tradition which was in error (John
4:22). Today, there are many people who call
How to reach out to others themselves Christian, but base many of their
doctrines on traditions rather than on the
Bible.
Church groups can sometimes become consumed with • The ends of the earth today are still the ends
internal issues: teaching the right doctrine, planning of the earth—they include everybody. God
the best services and programs, expounding prophecy, has set his believers in a world with more
perfecting their music, deciding who will be in charge people who need our help than we can
of what, improving their facilities, etc. All of these possibly reach in our lifetime. He wants to see
things are important and must be done, but they what we will do.
should not consume all the energies of the group. If
services are consumed by continual debate on these
A small congregation cannot do everything listed
issues, visitors will find the services difficult and not
above, but it should endeavor to do some of it. What it
come back; some current members may grow tired
does will depend upon the spiritual gifts of those in
and leave. Christ gave some great advice about this
the congregation and what God shows through prayer.
both in His Sermon on the Mount and just before He
Every congregation, no matter how small, can obtain
ascended to the Father:
an entry in their local yellow pages. They have a large
list of categories of churches and will let a church
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may chose whatever they want: Free Church, Bible
see your good works and glorify your Father in Church, Nondenominational, etc. This author has
heaven." (Matthew 5:16, NKJV). known several small congregations that have obtained
most of their new members this way.
"So when they met together, they asked him,
"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Obtaining a "business number" will include a single-
kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for line yellow page listing. [Using a "business number"
you to know the times or dates the Father has set does not make a church a business (in the USA) any
by his own authority. But you will receive power more than using a "personal number" would make a
when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be church a person. Phone companies only work with
my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and these two kinds of numbers. Using a "business
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:6–9).

29
number" may cause Dun & Bradstreet, other credit anything. Contact me at: [phone number, address, e-
firms and even local taxing authorities to attempt to mail]
treat a church like a business, but a clear explanation
to them that a church is not a business will usually An encouraging scripture or a helpful biblical teaching
cause them to stop calling.] afterwards might be appropriate. These letters and
tracts can be mailed free of charge in the business
You do not need a "church building" to do this. Most reply envelopes that come with junk mail. The
telephone companies can add a second line in purpose should be to encourage and to generate some
someone's home as a "business number". A "call other more effective communication. Longer tracts
forwarding" option would then allow incoming calls can be mailed to people who are expecting responses
to ring anywhere. Some telephone companies do not but do not open mail as a job. Such places might
even need to add a line, but can route your include chain letters sent to you, letters from small
congregation's calls to an existing phone line that will businesses or addresses from magazine or newspaper
have a "distinctive ring" so that one can tell whether classified ads. Some mail ministries send specific
each call is a home call or a congregation call. Also, tracts to people based upon the type of ad they
"distinctive ring" answering machines are available so answer: send relationship tracts to person-to-person
a different message can be played to congregation ads, send morality tracts to people advertising illicit
callers when the phone is not answered. A workable material, etc. When responses come, you do not have
arrangement can cost anywhere from $2 to $40 per to be able to answer every possible question, but
month. simply be willing to work with the people and try to
help find answers for any who respond. (Obviously,
This paper cannot begin to cover everything that could do not mail to lists that do not belong to you or to
be done to reach out to others, but here are some addresses found in places that specifically request no
ideas. Many of these ideas can be implemented as a unrelated mail.)
group, by an individual, or by a group of individuals
sharing their experience. Internet Ministry

Ministry Suggestions Creating a Bible-oriented web site is just one of the

ways to establish an Internet ministry. If you have the
Mail Ministry skills, and a Godly motivation, you can reach
thousands. But even without those skills, there are an
endless number of Internet forums, chat rooms,
Businesses and even some religious groups spend
mailing lists, etc. that one can join and help teach the
millions of dollars on direct mail advertising to
Bible to others. One can often read messages for a
mailing lists—hoping that a third of the people who
while to learn something about the people before
receive their mailings will open and read at least some
beginning to serve. A ministry can be as simple as
part of them. Individuals can achieve a much higher
sending an appropriate scripture and a personal note to
"opened and read" ratio by writing people who are
someone in need, or to sending whole articles (which
expecting them to respond. How? By responding to
you can also find on the Internet) that appear to be in
advertisements with a very short tract or hand-written
someone's area of interest. If you receive questions
note. Businesses that send out advertisements will
that you cannot answer, find people who can. It does
certainly have someone open all the responses they
not seem to be a good example to teach the Bible on
receive and at least begin to read them. Mail-reading
forums where rules specifically forbid religious
workers are generally required to work quickly, so
discussion—you will probably be removed for doing
what you send must be short. A simple message like:
so. Many forums allow it, so use those.
The Bible has helped me greatly in my life and I
The spiritually strong might consider venturing into
would like to help you. I will send you a free Bible
groups that practice witchcraft, homosexuality,
and will help find answers to any questions you might
abortion, adultery, gambling, etc. Christ was not afraid
have. I will never ask you for money or to join
to be among known sinners (Mark 2:15–17, Luke

30
7:39), but Paul warns us not to help people if we will out if there is anyone in your home who would be
hurt ourselves doing it: "Brothers, if someone is interested in attending a local Tuesday-night Bible
caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should study that is not connected with any church
restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also denomination." Most people hang up, say "no", or
may be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Prayers for Godly explain that they have a church, but a few usually ask
wisdom are obviously necessary to do this. Some questions and a very few come. The caller needs to be
brethren have started by simply asking others why ready with dates, times, study topics, directions, etc.
they do what they do—becoming their friends, then
asking them if what they do is causing problems in Speaking Ministry
their lives, then showing them the biblical solution.
Leaving sinful environments is usually very difficult Plan a Bible study that is open to everyone. The
even when people are committed to do it. Former material can be as simple as reading through books of
friends and employers may threaten, even harm, those the Bible and commenting on them, or specific
who try to leave. Finding a new job and friends can be subjects can be studied. It is best to both have a
a great challenge. The power of God can overcome all subject prepared in case those attending do not wish to
these things, but it may take as much love and talk, but it is also good to spend as much time
kindness as a Christian can give to help those answering questions or talking about whatever those
involved. Like any ministry, everyone involved will who attend want to talk about. This can be done in a
gain in skill the more they serve. church building or a rented hall—in which case it
would need to be advertised. Advertising methods
Telephone Ministry frequently include newspapers, radio announcements,
flyers posted on bulletin boards, and sometimes word-
Another ministry for the fearless and spiritually of-mouth. One way to both advertise and reach small
mature: Call "900" numbers, pay the fee to talk to towns with a message is saturation mailing. A local
them, but tell them that there is hope for them and that post office will tell you the number of addresses and
God can deliver them from what must be a fairly post office boxes to which they deliver.
disgusting job. These 900 numbers are usually
intended for talking about sex, psychics or some other It is cheaper and frequently easier to encourage a few
sin, but the advertisements often say that they will talk people to attend an in-home Bible study. Some people
about whatever the caller wants as long as they pay. feel more comfortable in a home—they will not be
This may not be a cheap ministry, but the message asked to join anything. Other people conduct a
certainly will be heard. If the person contacted really lunchtime Bible study at their place of work or school.
wants help, you can give them contact information It is much easier to feel comfortable with people
where they can reach you in off-hours. Company whom they already know to some degree. Bible
regulations frequently forbid these phone people from studies can also be started in other business places as
giving out any private numbers. Do not become long as they are wanted by the customers and
tempted to sin! (Galatians 6:1). acceptable to the management. Examples are mobile
home parks, large apartment complexes, retirement
This author has heard of other phone ministries that homes, country clubs, hotels, campgrounds, large
have met with varying degrees of success. Some try to truck stops, parks, airports and restaurants. Some of
teach the Bible to all of the telemarketers who call these places will develop a regular attendance. Many
them. (One person said they never got much teaching of the latter ones will have mostly travelers, but
done, but it did greatly reduce the telemarketing calls travelers frequently seek out a Bible study or service
he received. Apparently, some telemarketers require when they are traveling and missing the one that they
their employees to press a certain button if the person normally attend.
called changes the subject.) Others set up an organized
plan to begin dialing every number in their local It helps to have members from your congregation
phone book—or every possible number in their local attend each study so as to greet the new people and
telephone exchanges. They may say something simple provide interaction to the study. But if visitors are
like: "I am Jane Jones from Hometown calling to find

31
asking questions, the congregation should be quiet, and today believers are many. There is much they can
letting the visitors ask and say as much as possible. do by using their natural physical resources to help the
needy. There are many people in need of food,
Another modern speaking opportunity occurs on radio clothing, health-care, tools to obtain work, and other
talk programs. There are hundreds of them throughout economic necessities.
the country—some religious, some not. A person with
time to listen to the programs can call in and express a It is important to remember Matthew 5:16, quoted at
Biblical point of view to many. The guidance of God the beginning of this section. Good works should be
and some experience will be required to develop skill done so that people receiving them will glorify God.
at delivering the message without offending and being Christ did His works "in my Father's name" (John
"cut off". 10:25). Matthew 6:1–4 warns that we should not do
good works so that people will praise us. But the ones
Teaching and encouraging receiving the benefit of a believer's good works ought
to know they were done in God's name and credit God
Many people have become believers because of the for them. They should know that it is because people
personal contact with another believer. Most obey God that they have been helped, not just their
Christians know that they should be ready to explain "good luck" or getting their share of the country's
their belief if someone asks: wealth.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Jesus taught people to repent and turn to God when
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone He did good works for them (John 5:14; 8:1; Luke
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that 5:32; 13:3). The BEST way to be sure that people
you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" receive physical help in the name of God along with a
(1Peter 3:15). message of repentance and forgiveness through Christ,
is to do it oneself.
But this can be taken a bit further. One can make an
effort to gently ask friends about their spiritual beliefs. It takes a while to develop discernment as to who is
This is easy to do when one is not a member of a really needy and who is simply skilled at asking for a
denomination—others will have less fear of being handout. But that is a valuable skill to learn. It is
coerced to join a group. When the believer meets wonderful when physical help to someone can be
people who have faint religious beliefs, or who are not combined with the personal teaching and
satisfied with their present spiritual life, he or she can encouragement mentioned above.
make an effort to spend more time with the people
whom he or she may be able to help some day. There are many Christian charities that promise to
provide help in the name of God, but one ought to
Some people go through this process of seeking check and be sure that they are really doing it. The
people to help in their normal daily work and Bible warns of false brethren—"tares among the
recreation, others make special trips to places just to wheat" (Matthew 13:24–30) and that "the love of
find people they can befriend and help. Places they money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1Timothy 6:10).
might go to include economically poor areas, We should not be surprised when some people who
hospitals, nursing homes, parks, college campuses, handle a lot of other's money become corrupt, that
vacation spots, prisons, etc. they give it to the needy in a less than Christ-like
manner, or that they keep too much of it for
Serving the physical needs of others themselves.

The exact methods of helping people in need vary so

Christ healed people and fed thousands of people— much that we will not try to cover them here. They
before they became believers. Many of them did not can range from one person helping another needy
even seem to understand His message. If someone is person to a congregation that pays the expenses of one
given a miraculous gift to do this today, it would of their members to go feed the poor and preach the
certainly be a great ministry. But Christ was only one

32
gospel in another country. Wading through In some countries, especially in dictatorships, there
government bureaucracy can be the most difficult part may be little that individuals can peacefully do to help
of this operation—but thousands of people may get the oppressed. But the United States of America was
their only view of what God and the Bible is like from founded on the basis of the citizen being the highest
such missionaries. level of government. Much of the Declaration of
Independence is a complaint about injustice by the
Helping the oppressed English King. While many freedoms in the United
States have been lost, most citizens still have the right
to "petition the government for redress of grievances",
This subject may not seem like a Christian activity to
to vote, to be juries, to write letters to publications, to
some, but it is found throughout the Bible. Some
gather information for the oppressed and to visit and
scriptures are included here:
encourage them.
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of
The most common thing believers will say is, "I
the poor and needy. " (Proverbs 31:9).
cannot get involved with the government, it does not
accept the Bible and it is corrupt." This is exactly why
"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the the USA has its current problems: people who
oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the believed the Bible gradually got out of government,
widow…. Your princes are rebellious, And and have been replaced, in many cases, by the greedy
companions of thieves; Everyone loves bribes, And and the corrupt.
follows after rewards. They do not defend the
fatherless, Nor does the cause of the widow come
The other common thing people will say is, "What can
before them." (Isaiah 1:17,23, NKJV).
one person or one little group do?" That question has
been answered by what many "one persons" and "little
"This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and groups" have done. Those who are evil do not like the
right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the light shown on them and sometimes one or a few
one who has been robbed." (Jeremiah 22:3). letters to them—or to the press—will cause them to
change. People boycotting businesses have caused
"For I know how many are your offenses and how them to change. Local elections, in some places, have
great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take such a poor voter turnout that one local congregation,
bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the convicted that they should act together, can change the
courts." (Amos 5:12). outcome.

"I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick Examples of people who need help abound. Here are a
and you looked after me, I was in prison and you few: pre-born babies (over a million killed every
came to visit me. " (Matthew 25:36). year), abused children of bad parents, abused children
in government programs (sometimes taken away from
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so bad parents, sometimes taken away from good ones),
doing some people have entertained angels without mistreated prisoners (private studies indicate half
knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you probably should not be there to begin with), people
were their fellow prisoners, and those who are unnecessarily in mental institutions against their will
mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (they frequently have no legal way to get out by
(Hebrews 13:2-3). themselves), victims of crimes of all types, etc.

"May the Lord show mercy to the household of This is not everyone's ministry, but it should not be no
Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and one's ministry. Obviously, those with legal and
was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, government expertise can probably help in the biggest
when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me way. But many of us could do a lot more to help
until he found me." (1Timothy 1:16-17). individuals whom we know. We can pray for them.
We can befriend them and talk to them rather than

33
ignore them, as is usually most convenient. We can There are many other ways to reach out to serve
help them do simple things. We can spend a few hours others. The ones listed here do not represent an
to find out something about elected officials to extensive study of the best ways, but simply methods
determine which is the most just—according to the that most individuals or groups could do if they so
Bible. Our discernment might not be perfect, but years decided. Group projects have a way of brining joy and
of Bible instruction and the Holy Spirit should allow a a feeling of oneness to a group—to work together for
believer to do a better job than the "average voter" of a righteous goal and to achieve it.
finding the most righteous candidate. God did
command His people to appoint just officials in all But if a group's outreach consists primarily of
their localities (Deuteronomy 16:18–20). individual ministries, it is still very important that the
members share what happens in those ministries and
The principle of Galatians 6:1 should certainly apply encourage each other. Encouragement is the main
to this service. If someone is becoming like the reason stated for assembling together in the book of
corrupt politicians, prisoners or others that they Hebrews:
encounter in their efforts to help the oppressed, they
should stop their efforts to help in order to get their "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are
own life in order. in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another— and all the more as you see the Day
Summary of Reaching Out to Others approaching. " (Hebrews 10:25).

SPECIAL ISSUES in
Starting a Local Church

Role of women in church

F or some congregations, this is a non-issue—both men and women are content with whatever
functions they have. Other congregations argue and split over this issue. This author's caution is that
church groups should deal with this issue ONLY as it is a real problem for them. One local congregation
in Texas spent months debating whether or not the Bible permits women to teach in services. They could
not agree, so they split. After the dust settled, it turned out that there were no women in either group that
wanted to teach in their services—some just disagreed about whether it was Biblical. The split was
needless.

The advice to "leave the subject alone" if possible manuscripts said. Indeed, some manuscripts differ in
does not come from a fear of knowing the mind of important areas. The Bible was copied and translated
Christ on the matter, but from an understanding of the for hundreds of years by men who lived in societies
difficulty in determining what the original Bible where women were not educated and were not

34
perceived as being capable of doing anything more Many books and articles are available on both sides of
than housework, farm work and raising children. With the issue. One book is What Paul Really Said About
this thinking rampant, it is easy to understand how Women by John Temple Bristow.
some men might have attempted to "clarify" the
manuscripts—making them more restrictive of If this is a major question of some people in the
women. fellowship, then encourage everyone to study it. But if
it is not a question, it might be better left alone.
An example of the difficulty can be found in the book
of 1 Corinthians where the New International Version Are differences of opinion Biblical?
(NIV) Bible translation reads:
When a congregation is not controlled by a
"women should remain silent in the churches. They denomination or local pastor, some people are
are not allowed to speak, but must be in concerned that there will be too many "unpleasant
submission, as the Law says" (1Corinthians 14:34), differences of opinion". There is good reason for these
concerns. "Unpleasant differences" can take away the
yet only three chapters earlier he said: joy that God wants for us. But differences of opinion
do not have to be unpleasant—that is an important
"And every woman who prays or prophesies with lesson to learn.
her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just
as though her head were shaved" (1Corinthians
Numbers 14:11–20 contains a difference of opinion
11:5).
between God and Moses. God wanted to destroy the
nation of Israel, but Moses wanted Him to keep them
This verse is obviously referring to praying and alive. Moses did not curse God and God did not strike
prophesying in a service, as 1 Corinthians 11:1 starts Moses with lightning. Nobody became unpleasant and
by encouraging the brethren to keep the traditions that God listened to Moses. Micah's vision of God's throne
Paul gave to them—these traditions continue all the shows us that God sometimes seeks multiple opinions
way through chapter 14. Referring to praying and of ways to accomplish his plans:
prophesying,
"Micah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the
"If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with
have no other practice—nor do the churches of all the host of heaven standing around him on his
God" (1Corinthians 11:16). right and on his left. And the LORD said, ‘Who
will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and
How could anyone be contentious about the head going to his death there?' One suggested this, and
coverings used by people who were praying or another that. Finally, a spirit came forward, stood
prophesying in their own home? They could contend before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.' ‘By
with others only if it was being done in their presence. what means?' the LORD asked. ‘I will go out and
be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,'
This is the nature of the study involved with he said. ‘You will succeed in enticing him,' said the
determining exactly what the Bible says about the role LORD. ‘‘Go and do it'"" (1Kings 22:19–22).
of women in services. How can women be told to pray
and prophesy in services in one chapter, then be told Acts 15 gives the story of a great difference of
to be "silent" only three chapters later? There are opinion: Was it necessary to circumcise Gentiles who
additional scriptures that seem to support both views. were becoming believers in Jesus? "After much
It requires much digging into original manuscripts and discussion, Peter got up and addressed them…"
trying to understand the precise context in which the (Acts 15:7). Later in the same chapter, Paul and
scriptures were written. Barnabas were planning to make another trip together,
but they could not agree on whether or not to take
Mark with them, so they agreed to go on completely
separate trips. (Acts 15:36–41).

35
Romans 14 is another great chapter showing that should. Others have a tendency to confront nearly
brethren have different opinions. everyone, whether they are right or wrong. But part of
becoming like Christ (Romans 8:29) is learning to
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing peacefully help people when they are wrong. Christ
judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith was bold and fearless, yet humble and loving at the
allows him to eat everything, but another man, same time.
whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables . . ."
(Romans 14:2–3). Settling disagreements God's way
Paul certainly knew whether or not it was permissible Hopefully, all Christians would like to resolve all
to eat meat, but he took this opportunity to teach the disagreements in the way that God would resolve
bigger lesson that people do not all have the same them. Indeed, many times Christians will pray
understanding and are accountable for what they together and when they feel that they have received an
personally know, not the complete facts that may be answer from God, they abide by it. But when God
understood by somebody else. does not give an answer (sometimes He lets us
decide), then we need a godly method to solve the
"But the man who has doubts is condemned if he issue. How can a "method" produce a right decision?
eats, because his eating is not from faith; and Do not one or both people have to make the right
everything that does not come from faith is sin" decision? The answer to that is "yes", but a right
(Romans 14:23). method can increase the chances of making a "right
decision" and provide peace to the individuals
As mentioned previously in this writing, the Bible involved—even when a wrong decision is made. This
gives a very effective procedure for peacefully method works for personal problems, other's
resolving disagreements—even if the people making misbehaved children, doctrinal problems, church
the decisions do not always make the right decisions. organization issues and even some serious crimes.
This procedure is found in Matthew 18:15–17 (see
section below). Many people do not want to confront This is a fictional example of what might happen if
others with whom they disagree—even when they Paul went to Peter about an offense:

Matthew 18: 15-17 Result if Paul Is Right Result if Peter is Right

If your brother sins against you, Paul must take he first step and go to A great many problems are solved by
go and show him his fault, just Peter if he expects any kind of communication. If Peter listens to
between the two of you. If he resolution. If Peter listens and agrees Paul, but then shows Paul how his
listens to you, you have won your to change, the problem is solved. complaint was wrong, then the
brother over. (verse 15) Otherwise, they will proceed to the problem is over. Otherwise, they will
next step. go on to the next step

The prospect of other people becoming involved in a disagreement

often causes people to think again about whether they are right or not.

But if he will not listen, take one Hopefully, the "others" will see the Since Paul chose the "others", it is
or two others along, so that ‘every truth of the issue and be able to more likely that they will agree with
matter may be established by the convince Peter to change. If Peter him. But if they are believers, they
testimony of two or three does not listen, or if the "others" should hear both sides and try to be
witnesses.' (verse 16) cannot see that Paul is right, even just. If Peter can show the "others"
though they should, then they will go that he is right, the disagreement will
to the next step. be ended.

The possibility of an entire congregation becoming involved and the

embarrassment of many seeing one's mistakes makes everyone think.

36
 If he refuses to listen to them, tell This is the third time that Peter has Hopefully, the congregation will be
it to the church; and if he refuses been shown his fault. If he finally able to see that Peter is right. They
to listen even to the church, treat understands it, he can confess it to might also decide that the issue is not
him as you would a pagan or a tax the congregation, be forgiven and worth dividing over and advise both
collector. (verse 17) continue in peace. If he still Paul and Peter to let it rest. If they
disagrees, he will have to leave the erroneously decide that Peter must
congregation and will hopefully not either give in to Paul's demands or
cause trouble any more. If necessary, leave, then, even though it is unjust, it
Paul can treat him like an unbeliever may be best that Peter does leave
and take him to a civil court. this group that so poorly judged him.

Even if this process is misused by unrighteous people, a person who goes

through with it all can feel confident that he has done what God has
commanded and that God will reward him for his works.

Prophesying and Speaking in Tongues "Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in
tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring
There are numerous references to prophets, you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or
prophesying and "speaking in tongues" in the New word of instruction? . . .
Testament. Generally, if people followed only the
instruction there, they would not have much difficulty. "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible
It is various other teachings in addition to the Bible— words with your tongue, how will anyone know
no matter how well meaning—that cause trouble. what you are saying? . . .

Some people believe that everyone should either "For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue
prophesy or "speak in tongues" at a worship service. should pray that he may interpret what he says. . . .
To them, it is a vital part of the spiritual experience of
the service. To an outsider (and sometimes to an "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all
insider), it can appear to be just so much nonsense or of you. But in the church I would rather speak
even the manifestation of an evil spirit. At the five intelligible words to instruct others than ten
opposite extreme, some groups do not make any thousand words in a tongue.
allowance for speaking in tongues or for members
sharing a revelation from God. Notice these verses "Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for
taken from 1Corinthians 14: unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers,
not for unbelievers. . . .
"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual
gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone "What then shall we say, brothers? When you
who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of
to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an
mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who interpretation. All of these must be done for the
prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a
encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak,
tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies one at a time, and someone must interpret. If
edifies the church. I would like every one of you to there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep
speak in tongues, but I would rather have you quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one
who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that "Two or three prophets should speak, and the
the church may be edified. others should weigh carefully what is said. And if
a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down,

37
the first speaker should stop. For you can all righteous brethren in a congregation, whomever they
prophesy in turn so that everyone may be are, can pray for the sick and anoint them.
instructed and encouraged. . . .
Appointing other leaders
"Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and
do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything A vital function of "ordained" church leaders is
should be done in a fitting and orderly way." "ordaining" other church leaders so that the cycle may
continue. However, when one realizes that the Bible
From the above verses, it is easy to see a few points does not teach a chain of human ordination, then the
very clearly: need "to have an ordained person to ordain more
people" goes away. God continues to give spiritual
1. Prophesying and speaking in tongues are both gifts and congregations choose people to become their
appropriate parts of a service (though not leaders (Acts 1:23; 6:3; 11:22; 15:2, 22, 25, 40; 16:1–
mandatory). 2; 1Corinthians 16:3; 2Corinthians 8:19; 1Timothy 3;
2. Prophesying and speaking in tongues should Titus 1). A system where God or the people choose
not monopolize a service—only two or three each leader often is not "stable", but it is far better
of each. than systems where bad church leaders pick future
3. Prophesying is greater than speaking in leaders and the bad system continues for hundreds of
tongues. years, as happened during the Dark Ages.
4. Speaking in tongues should not be done
unless somebody can interpret. Counseling
5. Everything should be done for the edification
of OTHERS (not the self) in a fitting and
orderly way. There are no scriptures which say that brethren must
go to a "pastor" or "elder" for counsel. There are none
that say the advice of church leaders is God's advice.
Functioning without a Pastor There are numerous scriptures that promise answer to
humble prayers seeking God's will. The Bible also
When people hear of the concept of a congregation says: "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the
without a pastor, they frequently ask, "But who would multitude of counselors they are established"
do…?" and go on to name some function that only (Proverbs 15:22). People need to listen to a variety of
pastors typically do. We will cover those functions wise advice and pray to make a wise choice. It can be
one at a time below with separate sections for the dangerous if someone believes that all they need to do
major issues of marriage and baptism. is counsel with any one "minister" and they will
"receive God's will". They will tend to look around for
Anointing and prayer for the sick a "minister" who will agree with what they want to do.
Many bad marriages have begun because one
James 5:14–16 states that "the elders of the Church" "minister" approved them and the couple did not make
should pray for the sick and anoint them with oil. Who themselves responsible to obtain a multitude of
are these elders? How does a person become one? The advice. Rather than blindly following one counselor,
Bible does not spell out a specific procedure, but the people must realize that they are responsible for
historical meaning of the word is simply older, wiser, finding multiple good counselors and then making the
people who helped to govern the affairs of a civil or best decision from their advice.
religious group. The Bible never mentions a ceremony
whereby someone "becomes an elder". While there are Funerals
examples of laying on of hands to give people special
responsibilities within a congregation, no scripture The Bible does not record anyone preaching a funeral
says "an elder must have hands laid upon him". Also message. It mentions burial customs, people mourning
notice that James writes, "The prayer of a righteous for the dead, and people gathering together after a
man is powerful and effective." The older, mature, death, but does not mention a specific "funeral

38
message" or who must preach it. The Bible contains congregation—no matter how small—it is covered
many verses on the resurrection of the dead, the here in a little more detail.
rewards given to believers and God's great love and
mercy. Mature believers should be able to read these It is important to realize that baptism was not a new
scriptures to comfort those gathering after a death. In thing introduced by John the Baptist. Immersion in
the United States, an "ordained minister" does not water for cleansing one's sin is a practice among Jews
perform any legal function in connection with a death today and was apparently used well before John. Our
or a funeral. Savior's disciples baptized people long before His
death and resurrection (John 3:22; 4:1–2).
Removal of sinful or disruptive
members Three thousand people were baptized on the Pentecost
after Jesus' resurrection. If only the 12 Apostles did
the baptizing and laying on of hands, each one would
There are times when the congregation must ask a
have had to baptize and lay hands on 250 people. That
member to leave (1Corinthians 5:1-5). Paul makes it
would give them less than 2 minutes for each person if
clear that this should be done when the congregation
they did it for eight hours. If all 120 disciples (Acts
is assembled (1Corinthians 5:4). The whole procedure
1:15) participated in the baptism and laying on of
for doing this is described in Matthew 18:15-17 (see
hands, they could devote 15 minutes to each person
our section on handling disagreements in the church).
and finish in 6¼ hours.
A pastor is not required for this, only a concerned
believer empowered by the Holy Spirit to start the
process and a congregation willing to carry out their There is NO command in the Scripture that requires
duty. people to be of a certain status or "rank" to baptize
others or lay on hands. God commanded Ananias to
baptize Paul, and even though we have much
Representing the congregation to description about Ananias, he is not called a prophet,
others minister, elder, or any such thing (Acts 9:10–18;
22:12–16). Paul clearly explains that who baptizes a
When a congregation works with other groups on a person is not very important—even though he
joint evangelistic project, or when it negotiates a lease preached in many places, he rarely ever baptized
for a building in which to meet, its pastor usually anyone, and he could not remember for certain how
represents it. He also usually writes on behalf of many people he baptized! (1Corinthians 1:13–17).
members who may want to home school their
children, avoid vaccines, miss school or work for Some have taught that a certain "rank" is required to
religious reasons, and other issues. What happens lay on hands based on Acts 8. Philip baptized some
when a congregation does not have a pastor? Either people in Samaria (v 12), but they did not receive the
the whole congregation, or the elders can authorize Holy Spirit until Peter and John came (verses 14–17).
someone on behalf of the church to act in whatever The chapter says nothing about why they did not
way is needed. One person may be good at negotiating receive the Holy Spirit. However, it is unlikely that it
leases, another may be good at evangelizing, and was due to a "lack of spiritual power" on the part of
another may be good at dealing with state laws. Most Philip—great miracles were performed through him
governments and individuals will accept the written or (verses 6–7) and he made a 70-mile evangelistic trip
oral representation of an individual who has a (verse 40). This author believes that God withheld His
document signed by the church members or elders spirit so Peter and John could refute Simon the
authorizing him or her to represent the church Sorcerer (verses 18–23), a false leader credited with
congregation. much evil by third century church historians.

Baptizing new believers Finally, there is no mention of baptizing or laying on

of hands in any of the Biblical lists of spiritual gifts
This is another function typically performed by church (Romans 12:6–8; 1Corinthians 12:7–11, 28–31;
pastors. Since it is very important to an active Ephesians 4:11–15, 1Peter 4:8–11). Rather, they are

39
listed as basic doctrines that mature believers should believer's spiritual life." Whereas, self-immersion
have mastered (Hebrews 6:1–2). symbolizes a person laying down their own life to
Christ, rising up by the power of Christ in them and
A new believer must understand that baptism is an relying on other brethren to point out mistakes that
outward action signifying an individual's desire to they cannot see for themselves. This symbolism seems
repent and follow Christ. It is not a "sacrament" or much better.
benefit of belonging to a church group. The fact that a
mature believer agrees to baptize a new believer does Since no baptism method is described in detail in the
not guarantee that the new believer has repented. A Bible, but much is said about the need to understand
mature believer laying hands on a new believer does the nature of sin and to repent of it, we must conclude
not guarantee that the Holy Spirit will be given. Jesus that the repenting is the most important part. The
Christ guarantees that a repentant person will be family of Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before
forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit. One should not they were baptized (Acts 10:47).
baptize people who appear obviously insincere or
unrepentant; but it is possible that someone may The laying on of hands normally occurs immediately
pretend to be repenting when they really are not after baptism. Several scriptures mention "elders" or
(especially if they need to "be baptized" to marry, multiple people laying on hands, so the baptizer(s) as
qualify for a church position, etc.). Christ looks on the well as other elders (mature brethren) can participate.
heart of the individual—He is not bound by the Obviously, it is God who gives the Holy Spirit, not the
possibly erroneous decisions of those who baptize or elders. If he wants to do it, He can, even through the
lay on hands. prayer of unconverted elders. On the other hand, He
can withhold it even though the elders may be
The Bible does not spell out rules for the place of righteous men with the best of intentions. But in any
baptism, but the examples seem to be lakes and rivers, case, we should endeavor to do what the Bible
places with a lot of water. The Jewish teaching of the teaches.
times was that it needed to be done in "living water"—
water that was flowing. Lacking a river or lake, the A person should not live a life of fear wondering if
Jews frequently constructed a Mikveh—a large stone God counts them as a believer because they were not
tub with at least a small source of water coming in and sure that their baptism or laying on of hands was done
a place for it to flow out. Many of these have been "correctly". The Bible emphasizes ongoing SELF-
discovered by archeologists—dating back to the time examination (1Corinthians 11:27–28), not
of Christ. A bath tub with water flowing in and the examination of one's baptism method. A person in
drain partly open would be similar to this. We should doubt should pray and ask God to restore their faith
try to follow the Bible example as closely as possible, and confidence in what He has done, or else to redo
but adjustments may be necessary when all outside their baptism and laying on of hands. Obviously, if a
water is frozen—or for a disabled person who cannot person comes to realize that they had not personally
get under the water at all. repented before their first baptism, but were just doing
it because others did, and wish to really repent, they
All of the examples in the Bible and even the Greek should be baptized and receive the laying on of hands
words used for baptism indicate that it was a total again.
immersion. History indicates that the person being
baptized went under the water themselves—the person Who can perform a marriage?
baptizing watched to be sure that he or she went
completely under water. If they left a part out, the
Without marriages, there is no future to human
person baptizing would tell them to do it again. (The
existence. Social systems of raising children outside
baptize might also assist a person who needed help
of families are not supported by Scripture and have
getting in and out of the water.) A more common
consistently failed throughout history. Marriages are
method today is for a "minister" to physically push the
the major remaining place where church and state still
person under the water and then to pull them up. This
work together in a significant way in western
seems to symbolize that a minister "controls a
societies. The state has its own administrative network

40
to process births, deaths, illnesses, child custody, etc. inheritance, and many day-to-day financial
If a church representative becomes involved in any of agreements will be affected greatly by the presence or
the above events, it is irrelevant to the state. Baptism, absence of a license. If someone thinks about
church membership and other church positions are foregoing a marriage license because it will be easier
also irrelevant to the state. But in marriages, ministers to split up if "it doesn't work out," they are foolish and
frequently act on behalf of civil governments when should not marry.
they "perform weddings". Civil governments will
accept almost any "minister" who has "ordination What constitutes a marriage in the sight of God? All
papers" or even a written statement from his that is necessary is the clear intent to marry (Genesis
congregation that he is their minister. 24:51) and sexual intercourse consummating the
marriage.
But what does the Bible say about who should
perform a wedding? Actually, there is no mention of "Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother
any minister performing any wedding or marriage in Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his
the Bible. Weddings were a public affair and there wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted
were certainly wedding feasts with many guests after his mother's death" (Genesis 24:67).
invited. But histories of weddings show that the
practice of ministers officiating at weddings is only A couple that has sexual intercourse, but no intent to
about 600 years old. Before that, weddings were marry has committed fornication, not marriage. A
handled by a contract between the married couple's person who intends to marry, but has not
parents (or the couple themselves if they were older). consummated the marriage, could potentially have any
A marriage was seen as a contract between the ceremony or contract annulled.
husband, wife and God; neither the "Church" nor the
"State" had a part in it. It has only been during the past "For this reason a man will leave his father and
150 years that local governments in the United States mother and be united to his wife, and they will
have issued marriage licenses. Marriage contracts and become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
common law marriages are still recognized by most
states. The high divorce rate over the past 50 years
God is flexible. If a single man and woman are the
should not be surprising since both the "State" and only two survivors of a shipwreck, and they beach
most church groups—the entities that "authorize" upon some deserted tropical island, they can write a
marriages—have also begun "authorizing" divorces,
marriage agreement on a piece of bark, read it to God
assuring couples that their divorce is "approved". If in prayer and "make love" in the sunshine. That
couples were utterly convinced that they were marriage is just as valid as the biggest ceremony,
responsible to God for their marriages, they might planned for years, with thousands of witnesses.
work harder to keep them together.
But most marriages should be shared with families,
It is not in the scope of this paper to go into all the extended families and the entire community.
reasons why a couple getting married should or should Marriages are not secrets! How does one conduct a
not obtain a state marriage license. As with any life- marriage without either the Church or State
affecting undertaking, people should find out as much pronouncing the couple man and wife? What
as they can before making a decision that cannot be ceremony does a couple use? The idea of following
easily undone. This author has read several sources traditions for marriages is good in that those who
that indicate there is no procedure for rescinding a marry are continuing the process of their parents,
marriage license once it has been obtained (a divorce bringing forth a new generation into the world just as
still leaves the state as a party to the arrangement). A they were brought forth into the world. However,
state-licensed marriage is an agreement between when traditions stray from the teaching of the Bible,
husband, wife and the state. Whereas, a contract- then some generation must recognize that and make a
marriage is between husband, wife and God. On the new tradition in keeping with the Scriptures.
other hand, marrying without a license and without
detailed legal knowledge of how that will affect you is
a big mistake. Property ownership, child custody,

41
The reciting of vows in front of witnesses (or the speeches or prayers, ask the guests if anyone knows
reading of the marriage contract) is an ancient practice why this marriage should not take place, and ask the
and biblically sound. The Bible mentions feasts and parents if they agree to this marriage. The couple can
ceremonies following a marriage—seven days long be standing in front or seated for this part.
sometimes (probably not practical in our day). Jesus
turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Yet the Then the announcer would draw attention to the focal
Scriptures never state that any of these things are point of the ceremony. The couple should read their
required for marriages. The following are suggestions marriage agreement (or give speeches if they desire)
that a couple might want to use in their own plan for a and affirm them in front of the entire group.
wedding ceremony—suggestions that this writer (Repeating a token "I do" does not well represent the
hopes to make to his sons someday. kind of conviction that is required to keep a marriage
together through the storms of life.) The couple may
Set a date and place, and invite all the relatives and then sign the copy of the marriage agreement that they
friends—as is common in our day. A "church have written. Various symbolic things could also be
building" is a possibility, but not at all a necessity. done: exchange rings or other items, jointly light a
With all of the thousands of dollars and hundreds of large candle from their individual candles and then
hours that typically go into preparing a wedding, a blow their individual candles out, etc. The ceremony
much higher priority ought to be placed on the should culminate with a very brief prayer to God—
purpose of the celebration. If couples are going to face kneeling if they desire. "God in Heaven, Creator of
the many decisions of property ownership, health, and the Universe, we ask you at this moment, in the
child-rearing together, they need to be able to write presence of these witnesses, to bind the marriage of
down their commitment and goals for marriage. If John Jones and Susan Smith as husband and wife for
they need help in writing, then they can get it, but just the rest of their lives, in the name of Jesus Christ,
like all of the other marriage decisions, by the grace Amen." This can be recited or read by the couple, the
and inspiration of God, they need to make the final couple and their families, or printed for the entire
decisions themselves. The purpose of the wedding group to read. Then the announcer can say: "I now
guests is to encourage the couple and help them get a present to you, John and Susan Jones." A kiss, another
good start. Practical presents are a good part of this. song, or a receiving line, and many of the usual
But the guests should be able to verbally express a wedding festivities may follow.
positive message to the two who are about to wed—
whether these be in the form of speeches or prayers. If the couple desires to obtain a state marriage license,
they can simply obtain one from a court in just a few
A person should be chosen to announce the ceremony minutes sometime before or after the ceremony. This
planned by the groom and bride. This could possibly way, they can remember the speaking of their vows
be a parent of one of the two, a relative, a close friend, before friends, relatives and fellow-believers as their
or just someone who speaks well and will do what is marriage before God and by the authority of God.
requested. He can introduce the music, introduce They can view their trip to the court as the
parents, relatives and guests, introduce any short bureaucratic procedure that it is.

THE LAW AND LOCAL CHURCHES

Corporations and tax-exempt status

42
T he most common approach to forming almost any sizeable congregation is to consult a lawyer to
incorporate and obtain "IRS tax-exempt status" (IRS stands for Internal Revenue Service, the taxing
authority in the U.S.A.) . A small congregation might use an inexpensive service or even do it
themselves. Why?

Before going any further, let us make sure we he acting on behalf of a Michigan Corporation (or
understand the exact nature of a "corporation" and some other state) created and regulated by the State of
"tax-exempt status". Michigan? When a church is incorporated, all of the
acts done in the name of the corporation or with
A corporation is an artificial person that can do many corporate funds or property are presumed by law to be
of the things that an individual can do (own property, acts of the corporation—unless the church members
own copyrights, enter into contracts, enter into are acting contrary to the corporation's bylaws or
lawsuits, etc.). Nearly all corporations are chartered government laws. Furthermore, are church members
by state governments—they come into existence by responsible to those laws or to the Bible? What
the approval of the government, they are regulated by happens when they conflict? Who decides what is the
the government and they can only be terminated by right course of action, the church or the state? We will
the government. Corporations are controlled by one or go into more detail later, but in a few words, the state
more directors and officers (real people) who act on creates the corporation, so the state is the ultimate
behalf of the corporation—in manners authorized by arbiter of any decisions or judgments that must be
the corporate documents. made.

To illustrate in practical terms, if John Doe crashes As an example, suppose the pastor of a corporate
into you while driving to the store to buy a light bulb church gives a member marriage counsel from the
for his home, he is responsible as an individual and Bible, but the member's spouse does not like it and
you could sue him for injuring you. If he was driving hires an attorney to sue the pastor. The attorney might
to buy a light bulb on behalf of his corporation cite a state law that requires corporations to employ
(maybe filling a corporate purchase order), then you only state-approved counselors. While courts once
would probably be unable to sue John Doe, and would were slow to enforce corporate laws upon church
have to sue the corporation—because he was acting corporations, they have always had the right to do so
on behalf of the corporation at the time. If John Doe and the practice is becoming more common all of the
were acting in violation of his corporation's rules (they time. The suing spouse might well prevail in the
might have a rule against using a cell phone while lawsuit against both the corporation and the pastor
driving), then his corporation might be able to because the pastor "failed" to follow corporate law
convince a judge or jury that this rule violation is his and hire a state-approved counselor.
fault and that the corporation is not liable—so then
you could sue John again. You might be able to sue English law recognized special rights for
both, John because he violated the corporate rules, and "ecclesiastical corporations" as compared to "lay
the corporation for not doing a better job of enforcing corporations", but in the United States, all
its rules. Yes, we can conclude that John may have corporations are considered "lay corporations" (see
been acting partly on behalf of the corporation and Black's Law Dictionary, article Corporation). The
partly on behalf of himself. These kinds of cases keep reason is that American colonists wanted to get away
courts busy, but please realize that they are very from "state churches" and virtually no churches were
relevant for deciding how a church should operate. incorporated in the 1700s and 1800s. They were
recognized as responsible directly to God—a higher
The issue of corporations and who acts for whom can status than the English, state-chartered, ecclesiastical
become very confusing when applied to churches. Is a corporation.
church minister acting on behalf of Jesus Christ? Or is

43
Tax-exempt the spiritual part?" Nevertheless, I found that the IRS
insisted on a statement in the corporate certificate
IRS tax-exempt status is something completely saying:
separate from a corporation. It is possible to obtain
either one of these, both of them or neither. The …the corporation shall not carry on any other
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows corporations, activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a
associations, trusts, and other entities to apply for corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under
"tax-exempt" status by filling out IRS form 1023, Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of
regulated by the Internal Revenue Code section 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United
501(c)3. Hence, the term 501(c)3-organization is often States Internal Revenue Law)…
used. Individuals are not eligible for 501(c)3 status. If
501(c)3 status were available in the first century, Not only would completing my application for a
Christ could receive it only by forming some kind of 501(c)3 require me to promise to obey the current
state-recognized group. To let our imagination run complex IRS code which I did not understand, it
wild a moment, suppose that Christ decided to do would be a promise to obey all future IRS code
what some churches do today and create the most sections, which I cannot possibly predict.
minimal organization that the state would accept for a Furthermore, the required dissolution clause says that
501(c)3: an Association with himself as president and remaining assets must be given to another 501(c)3
maybe Judas as the secretary-treasurer. Then, when organization. At the time, I did not know how to
Christ died, Judas might not have decided to kill transfer assets out, so I thought that once something
himself, realizing that the Association Bylaws now was acquired by a 501(c)3 organization, that it would
made him president. He would need to choose a new have to remain under IRS control forever. This was
secretary-treasurer—perhaps a charismatic and further complicated by the IRS's request that
wealthy man like Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9–10, copyrights to my writings be held in the name of the
18). (I hope this sounds ridiculous to you, but a corporation, not in my personal name. It became clear
similar scene is played out in many church that I could easily lose control of my writings, mailing
associations and corporations throughout the world— lists, etc.—as I have seen happen to other groups.
they continue on, but with a completely different
character than that of the one who founded them.) Incorporating can cause "big problems": I have copies
of many of the legal documents of a court case that
Back to 501(c)3 status, there are a number of often- began in the late 70's where the Attorney General of a
repeated "economic benefits" to obtaining it: federal state took over a church and placed their own receiver
and state income taxes are eliminated, tax in charge of all that church's money. Some time after
deductibility of members' contributions is less likely this action it was found that much of the information
to be challenged, various Federal taxes and fees are in the complaint used to install the receiver was later
reduced, and many states will grant a sales tax found to be false. But all it took for the Attorney
exemption to 501(c)3 groups. There are also a number General to obtain a court order placing all assets of the
of major problems created by 501(c) 3 status—which church corporation under his control was the
are not often-repeated. testimony of former members of the church who
claimed that this church was not following its
It was while I was in the process of filling out form corporate bylaws and that money was being spent
1023 and applying for 501(c)3 status that I personally inappropriately. While the receiver was in charge, he
discovered some of those problems and realized how paid the bills that he wanted to pay—including those
significant they were. I could not find much of attorneys and advisers whom he hired at nearly
information summarizing both sides at the time, so I $200 per hour. Evangelism, legal defense of the
made the time to read and learn about it myself. But I church and other activities he considered non-essential
remember the feeling I had at the time, "Can't I just were not funded.
leave the physical and legal part of our ministry to
professionals who will work with government and The church tried to strike a compromise to avoid a
business? Will not I still have complete control over long legal fight. The church was a registered non-

44
profit corporation and the state's corporation code There are more cases, but it is probably better to
gave the Attorney General the right to investigate and answer a few basic questions first. Please realize that
"institute proceedings" against non-profit corporations this section is written for the U.S.A. Readers in other
that strayed from their bylaws. The receivership ended countries will need to investigate their own country's
only when the state's legislature passed a bill limiting laws. Nearly all countries have corporations—some
investigations of church corporations. The Attorney recognize free churches, some do not. (For example,
General never paid back the millions of church money Canada has a specific Religious Organization Lands
that they wasted. Act that applies only to free churches.). Below are the
five common questions.
I hope this got your attention. Laws protecting church
corporations could be repealed by the legislature at Five common questions regarding
any time. There is nothing stopping most state church incorporation
attorney generals from taking control of any church
corporation about which they have received a
complaint. Question 1
"Our congregation never plans to do anything that
would upset the government, so why might
This is not the only case where this has happened.
incorporation cause trouble for us?"
Notice this Florida judge's opinion when an
incorporated church tried to challenge the jurisdiction
of the court: A reading of the New Testament will show that the
preaching of the true Gospel did upset the
government—both Jewish and Roman—on many
Appellants [the church] appeal on the basis that the
occasions. We also see that Paul used his legal status
circuit court had no authority over them because they
to avoid punishment (Acts 22:25). We have also seen
are a recognized religious organization, a church. On
federal and state governments pass or attempt to pass
first reflection they appeared to be correct but upon a
legislation that would prevent non-profit corporations
closer study of the complaint and the judgment we
from firing employees because they are practicing
[the court] are of the opinion that this is not an
homosexuals, because they have had abortions,
improper interference by the government into a
committed adultery, etc. Churches have a duty to
church, or ecclesiastical, matter. When the members
officially support their members in doctrinal matters
of the church decided to incorporate their body under
that sometimes involve the state.
the laws of the state of Florida they submitted
themselves to the jurisdiction of the state courts in all
matters of a corporate nature, such as accounting for Such matters might include: supporting the rights of
funds (Matthews v. Adams, 520 So. 2d 334) (1988). the pre-born, home schooling, refusing unjust military
service, refusing vaccines, loving corporal punishment
of children, scheduled absences from work or public
In 1991, the Texas Attorney General began
school to attend church events, prisoner's religious
investigating Word of Faith Ministries, a Texas
rights, teaching against interracial marriage, barring a
nonprofit corporation, based upon information from
contentious member from services, etc. This paper is
ABC's TV program Prime Time Live. The Attorney
not trying to determine your doctrine; churches should
General was defeated in court only because he did not
teach the doctrines God reveals through His Spirit and
have any substantive complaints or evidence—the
Scriptures. This paper is trying to tell you that your
judge of the case agreed that he had authority to
doctrines should not simply be determined by the
investigate non-profit corporations. Later, the
state.
Attorney General started another investigation based
upon the Texas Corporations Act. He was
unsuccessful this time because the Word of Faith However, when the state considers an issue to be a
Ministries corporations had wisely been dissolved, "political issue", then they consider their rules to take
and the group began legally operating simply as a free precedence over any church corporation's "doctrine".
church. Government intrusion into non-profit corporations,
including churches, has been steadily increasing.

45
Churches have been penalized for speaking out on corporation now, and then just dissolve it if a major
political issues. issue comes up where it clearly prevents us from
following Christ?"
Hitting closer to your wallet, incorporated churches
are becoming more frequently viewed as a place for This is a very good question, but unfortunately, it has
lawyers and governments to pick up money: "But both very bad answers. Once a corporation is sued or under
the IRS and lawyers are looking at churches and investigation, laws governing corporations prevent its
seeing a gold mine because of their careless lack of dissolution and sometimes the transferring out of
compliance to rules and regulations" (Rex Frieze, assets. Some laws prevent resignation of directors and
former chief business and financial officer for the officers in these cases. A 501(c)3 organization has
First Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida, now a tax law particular trouble. The corporate papers of all such
specialist and church management consultant—for the organizations must include the language right out of
full article, see www.wtp.net/MSBF/irs.htm). IRC 501(c)3 where the corporation promises to abide
Congregations whose plan is to avoid controversy by all IRS rules both past and future. There are
with the government need to realize that the already a number of restrictions on what 501(c)3
government and lawyers may not be planning to avoid churches can do and every such church has already
controversy with them. agreed to abide by all of the new ones that will be
coming. When the IRS investigates a church and
Question 2 decides to remove its tax-exempt status, they usually
"If it is a mistake for churches to incorporate and revoke it retroactive to some date in the past—making
obtain tax-exempt status, then why do nearly all the organization responsible for years of back taxes
lawyers recommend that churches do?" that they may not have money to pay. If the
organization is dissolved or goes bankrupt, it must
The simplest answer is probably that incorporation of pass all of its assets on to another 501(c)3
churches is all that has been taught in law schools and organization. This includes physical assets as well as
seminaries for decades. This is compounded by the intellectual property such as copyrights and mailing
overall trend of nearly all education which teaches lists. A church may have to "start over from scratch".
that people should be represented by a lawyer, rather There is no doubt that any church that loses its tax-
than the constitutional right for which our forefathers exempt status would have been better off to have
fought: to represent themselves. Lawyers make lots of never applied to begin with.
money doing corporate paperwork for churches, then
suing them and/or defending them in court. Question 4
Corporations, by law, must be represented by licensed How can a church function if it is not a tax-exempt
attorneys. A free church can be represented by any corporation or association?"
authorized representative. Furthermore, courts do not
have jurisdiction over free churches, whereas they As already mentioned on page 29, it can function as a
automatically have jurisdiction over corporations. A church—the way most churches functioned for the
free church may never spend a dime on lawyers, first 150 years of the USA's existence. Thousands of
whereas an incorporated church may spend thousands churches have never been incorporated and as of this
or even millions (especially if it has a court battle). As writing, hundreds of others are in the process of
the mass of legislation affecting church corporations terminating their corporations and 501(c)3 status. This
grows ever larger (many congressmen are lawyers), is not an illegal action, antigovernment radicalism, tax
church corporations must either retain expensive protesting or anything of that nature. It is simply
extensive legal services to comply with them, or run relying on the Constitution of the USA, existing
the risk of expensive lawsuits or government national and state laws, and long-established legal
investigations. Either way, the churches lose and the precedent. Some common practices, such as owning
lawyers win. property and avoiding certain taxes may work
differently and may vary from state to state. Churches
Question 3 that function this way will certainly meet people—
Why can't we form a tax-exempt non-profit even government and business officials—that are

46
unfamiliar with free churches. The reason is that the For example, the FBI cannot decide: if a package of
old churches that have never been incorporated over drugs is found in a car, then the car owner is guilty of
the last 50 to 200 years have worked out all of their drug possession and is sentenced to five years in jail.
operational methods (whether they are legal, biblical This would cause innocent people to go to jail when
or not) so long ago that virtually nobody questions someone else plants drugs in their car. The police
them any more. The new churches that are terminating must charge the person with a crime. The accused
their corporations and 501(c)3 status are few enough does not have to answer a set of bureaucratic
that they have not yet made a major impact on questions to prove their innocence, but may present to
business and government—but that is changing. a jury any applicable witnesses and evidence that may
be available to them. Similarly, individuals claiming
Question 5 to be a church should not have to prove the church's
If a church can form without any government scrutiny, right to exist by answering a set of IRS bureaucratic
what will stop criminals and tax cheats from claiming questions, but prove the existence of their church by
to be churches and avoiding prosecution?" whatever evidence it has of its functioning, and then
let a jury weigh the evidence. Juries are not perfect,
First of all, realize that people in churches of any kind but they tend to do much better than government
are not immune from prosecution for crimes. If a agencies.
minister standing in a building owned by a free church
throws a rock out the window and injures a passerby Summary
on a public road, the County Sheriff can come onto
that church property, charge the minister with a crime When planning to start a local congregation, the legal
and arrest him. Similarly, if a taxing entity believes a status used will make a big difference in what the
person is violating tax laws by pretending to be a congregation can do and how it will operate. While
church when they are not, they can accuse them of the the future is not completely predictable, very few of
relevant crime, take them to court, and let a jury the people who help start churches have much
decide whether or not they are really a church. The knowledge at all about the history of church
government does not have the right to set up rules incorporation, why it was not done in the past and
determining what is and is not a church any more than how it affects churches today. The table on the
it has a right to set up rules determining who is guilty following pages should answer most of the questions
of a crime. about these issues. Some effort was made to document
sources of this information, but this paper only
scratches the surface of what is available.

47
 Tax-exempt versus Free churches

The Issue Tax-exempt Corporations Free Churches

What does the Bible Most people who establish "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are
say about establishing churches profess Christ as their Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's"
a church? Master, but they no difficulty in (Matthew 22:21, NKJV).
deferring to the state economic and
legal issues—especially they Jesus was answering whether individuals should pay
believe there is a major economic tribute money or not. People have responsibilities both
advantage through reduced taxes to God and the state. The church is not responsible to
by doing so. Most do not think to the state—the Apostles never incorporated the church
apply this scripture: (which was legally possible at that time), nor did they
ask the state for permission to preach or hold meetings.
No one can serve two masters.
Either he will hate the one and "…Christ is the head of the church…" (Ephesians
love the other, or he will be 5:23).
devoted to the one and despise
the other. You cannot serve both "Do not be unequally yoked together with
God and Money " (Matthew 6:24). unbelievers" (2Corinthians 6:14, NKJV).

What kinds of leaders Corporation rules vary throughout "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be
will a church have? the 50 states, but most must have prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be
a president, secretary, treasurer pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works
and a board of directors. One of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up"
person can hold multiple offices. (Ephesians 4:11–12).
These are the offices that have
power in the corporation. Biblically "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are
recognized leaders do not have worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is
any decision-making power in an preaching and teaching" (1Timothy 5:17).
incorporated church unless they
also hold a corporate office.

Can the state tell Internal Revenue Service Code Many Old Testament prophets spoke against the
church what to teach? sec. 501(c)3 says: political leaders of their day. So did John the Baptist
(Matthew 14:3-4), Jesus (Matthew 23; Mark 8:5) and the
"List of exempt organizations - Apostle Paul (Acts 24:25). When the state told the
(3) Corporations... organized and Church what to teach, this happened:
operated exclusively for religious, "‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he
charitable, scientific, testing for said. ‘Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching
public safety, literary, or and are determined to make us guilty of this man's
educational purposes… no blood.' Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must
substantial part of the activities of obey God rather than men!'" (Acts 5:27-28).
which is carrying on propaganda, The New Testament Church followed Christ, not the
or otherwise attempting to state. Today, if we do not promise obedience to the
influence legislation and which state in corporate documents, we can still follow Christ.
does not participate in, or intervene It is possible that the state may someday persecute free
in (including the publishing or churches, but it will be persecution for righteousness'
distributing of statements), any sake, not persecution for making corporate promises to
political campaign on behalf of (or the state that we do not intend to keep.
in opposition to) any candidate for
public office. "
Nearly all church corporations
include these very words in their
corporate documents—they have
agreed not to be involved in
anything that the IRS decides is
political. They also agree not to

48
 "carry on propaganda". See
meaning at right:

Can the state tell a When a church is incorporated, it While most free churches try to cooperate with
church what to do? must follow thousands of reasonable requests of governments and neighbors,
regulations for corporations—even they have been quite successful at avoiding regulations
if they bankrupt the church. like the one described at left.
For example, a zoning ordinance One city attempted to get a church to add a $20,000
may require buildings to have one handicapped elevator to reach its balcony—even though
parking spot for every four chairs all of its handicapped members were perfectly happy
inside. They may try to enforce this sitting in their reserved section on the main floor. These
even if a church has three sets of things can cripple the operation of a church for years.
chairs for everyone who attends Most government agencies may still ask free churches
(worship hall, fellowship hall and to do these things, but they realize that courts do not
classrooms) or if most of its have jurisdiction over them and do not try to enforce
members are brought in by bus. these rules upon them.
Does God want a church to buy
land for unneeded parking spaces
and not have enough to support its
missionaries?

Is a church exempt Church organizations that receive A church does not need to ask the IRS for tax-
from paying taxes on an IRS 501(c)3 exemption do not exemption because the IRS does not have authority
the money it receives? need to pay taxes on money over it in the first place. The IRS recognizes that it does
received (except for the cases not have authority to tax churches that are not
where the IRS withdraws their tax- incorporated. The Internal Revenue Code, Sec. 508
exempt status retroactively—then Special Rules with Respect to Section 501(c)3
they might have to pay years of Organizations states in 508(c)1:
back taxes).
"Mandatory exceptions.—subsections (a) and (b) shall
not apply to (A) churches, their integrated auxiliaries,
and conventions or associations of churches…"

Are tithes and In the vast majority of cases, a tax Church offerings are tax deductible without 501(c)3
offerings deductible deduction to an organization with status. IRS publication 526, Charitable Contributions,
from the income tax of 501(c)3 status will not be page 2 says:
the people who give challenged. IRS Publication 78 lists
them to the church? all of the 501(c)3 organizations, "Organizations That Qualify To Receive Deductible
and most IRS auditors would have Contributions: You can deduct your contributions only if
the ability to check it if they wanted you make them to a qualified organization. To become a
to. However, in practice, many qualified organization, most organizations other than
auditors do not check. Church churches and governments, as described below, must
deductions are frequently apply to the IRS."
disallowed by the IRS because the Notice that churches are treated like governments. Your
giver does not have cancelled public school or city hall probably does not have a
checks or if the amount is much 501(c)3, but the IRS would not challenge deductions for
larger than previous years. Getting them. Reminding an IRS examiner of the above facts
the deduction reinstated is nearly will frequently (but not always) cause them to accept
always possible, but requires the free church deductions.
individual to pay the tax, file an
amended return, and then sue the
IRS (which will probably not
contest this kind of suit).

Can a church receive The Post Office offers mail rate Post Office Publication 417 says:
postal discounts for discounts to "nonprofit
Periodicals and organizations". It has its own "Alternatively, you may use a complete financial
Standard Mail? qualification standards for such statement from an independent auditor—such as a

49
 discounts, but readily accepts a certified public accountant—substantiating that your
copy of the IRS 501(c)3 letter as organization is a nonprofit organization."
proof of being nonprofit. It is questionable if the legal definition of "organization"
It is important to realize that the would include a free church. This author wonders what
Post office can change these would happen if a CPA wrote a letter to the post office
discounts at any time. This paper is assuring them that a free church did not operate for
accurate only as of the date of this profit, but that its finances were confidential and would
writing. The nonprofit periodical not be shared with the Post Office. If the Post Office
discount used to be much greater. refused to grant the lower rates, the church must simply
accept it.

Is a church exempt Becoming incorporated or When a church voluntarily purchases an item and pays
from state and local obtaining 501(c)3 status does not sales tax, the state gains no authority over it. A church is
sales taxes? automatically make a church free to buy taxed items or to mail-order from states
exempt from sales tax in any state. without sales tax. Some people believe that asking the
(Note: Sales tax is a However, most states grant a sales state to be exempt from sales tax makes the church
tax on the seller, not tax exemption—complete with a indebted to the state. Others take the approach that a
the buyer (it is not state ID number—to organizations church should be able to ask the state not to tax stores
"buyer's tax"). If the based upon their own internal for selling to it. If the state agrees without asking for
tax is not collected, forms. IRS 501(c)3 status is the authority or favors in return, Christ is not displaced as
the seller will be held primary means they use as proof head of that church. When Paul discovered a plot to kill
liable for it and that an exemption should be him, he did not place himself under the state by asking a
possibly penalized for granted. centurion to tell his plight to the Roman commander
deliberately not (Acts 23:18).
collecting it. ) In practical fact, churches with Another approach: some churches have submitted their
501(c)3 status routinely receive own forms to retailers asserting that their purchases are
sales tax-exempt numbers from the not taxable and the retailers have agreed not to collect
50 states. tax on items they sell them. Churches using this
approach usually promise to reimburse the retailer if the
state tries to collect the tax from them.

Are the rights of a The Declaration of Independence The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states:
church protected by states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an
the Constitution? "All men are created equal, that establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
they are endowed by their Creator thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
with certain unalienable Rights." press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
The Constitution is similar. It and to petition the Government for a redress of
recognizes rights, but does not grievances. "
claim to grant them. God, our This is not a group of unrelated rights thrown together,
Creator, grants people rights. The but related items requested by many of the free
state is the corporation's creator churches in the 1700s. Free churches have all of these
and grants it rights. rights. IRS Code section 501(c)3, quoted in the
"A corporation is not deemed a foundational documents of most churches, says:
person within the clause of the " no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying
Constitution of the United States on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence
protecting the privileges and legislation."
immunities of citizens of the United If a church were to exercise its right to "petition the
States from being abridged or Government for redress of grievances", a remedy in the
impaired by the law of a State…" form of legislation is a likely possibility. Yet corporate
(Bouvier's Law Dictionary, 8th ed., churches, when they are formed, agree not to "influence
Corporations Not a Person). legislation". They clearly do not have the same rights
Courts sometimes apply that a free church has.
constitutional protections to church
corporations even though they do
not have to. The application is
inconsistent and more likely to
happen when an individual or
business sues a church. Church
corporations have a very difficult
time asserting any rights against

50
 the federal or state government
that created them.

Can a church sue in A corporation can sue, but it must A free church cannot sue in its own name. If there is
court? use licensed attorneys. Even some righteous need to sue in court, a member of the
ministries whose primary function congregation can sue—representing himself if desirable,
is filing lawsuits may find that with assistance from other members if necessary.
corporation restrictions do not help
them serve Christ any better.

Can a church be sued A church can be sued in its When a free church has a written internal dispute
in court? How can it corporate name. About 80% of resolution process, courts virtually always decline
defend itself? suits against church organizations jurisdiction in favor of that process. Attempted suits
are from disgruntled members or against free churches must either try to assert that the
former members of the group. church actually is an unincorporated association (hard to
Courts will often reject a case if the do when it has documents declaring otherwise) or name
plaintiff has not used a church's individual church members.
own written internal dispute- A free church does not have to turn over its membership
resolution process, but they do not list. Individuals (as opposed to corporations) can avoid
have to do so. Corporations must being served to appear in frivolous suits by refusing to
have a licensed attorney appear in sign for registered letters or accept papers in person.
court for any suit, no matter how Named members can decline to represent the church in
frivolous. If the officers of a court, explaining that the court has no jurisdiction or they
corporation fail to send an attorney, can specifically state they are making a "special
the state government can respond appearance" on behalf of the church. (A "special
for it. appearance" means that they volunteered to be there—
This is a definite disadvantage. that they are not required to be.) If an individual in a
Nevertheless, it is easy to see why church is accused of a crime or tort (a civil wrong
attorneys like corporations—they against someone), he should defend himself and leave
provide much income. the church out of it.

Is liability protection Some protection is offered. If a Suits against entire church memberships for an action
available for church person had an accident at a church by the church are almost non-existent. The plaintiff
members? service that was not the fault of any would have to serve every member individually—which
specific people there, he would can be very difficult to do if the church refuses to provide
(Note: These answers most certainly sue the corporation a membership list. They would have to prove that all the
are about frivolous rather than individual church members are at fault. Juries and even some judges are
claims. If a church members. Even if one church much less likely to make individuals pay for some trivial
really hurts someone member caused the problem, the complaint. If a complaint is against individual church
or accumulates debts, offended might sue just the members, they can be sued in the same manner as if
its liability should not corporation—but he could sue they were not church members.
be limited—it should both. Some personal protection
"fix what it broke"!) comes from the fact that
corporations are better targets for
lawsuits. Juries and judges
frequently award money to
plaintiffs for questionable
complaints because corporations
"have money to pay". They are
less likely to take away the life
savings of an individual because
someone "slipped on their
sidewalk".

Is liability protection The personal assets of leaders will Since courts have no jurisdiction over free churches,
available for church be protected in certain cases there are no laws regarding responsibilities of pastors,
leaders? against a church corporation. elders, teachers or any other church leaders. They
However, becoming a corporate cannot be sued for "failure to carry out their duties",

51
(Note: These answers officer or board member makes whereas corporate officers can be. They must be sued
assume that claims each one personally liable for as individuals under laws that apply to individuals—no
are frivolous. If a following tens of thousands of different than suits against church members. They
church leader hurts corporate laws and government cannot be held liable for breaking the massive body of
someone, liability regulations. Indeed, there are code sections that govern corporations and their
should not be limited.) numerous laws that assess officers.
penalties directly against the Stories of people being injured at a church social and
officers of corporations. suing the church member who planned it or who signed
About 40% of lawsuits against the check to lease the facility are greatly exaggerated.
corporations "pierce the corporate These stories are told mainly by lawyers and insurance
veil"—obtain judgments against salesmen. Who should the Church look to as its
people as well as the corporation. protector? God or the state?
All that is usually necessary is to
prove a man negligent in one of his
vast number of legal corporate
duties.

Can a church obtain Most insurance companies are An insurance policy or documented wealth are two main
liability insurance for very happy to provide policies to things for which lawyers look for before they consider
accidents during cover the corporation. These filing a suit. An uninsured free church is a poor target for
church services and policies are not cheap because so litigation. Many insurance companies do not know how
activities? many people sue corporations— to work with free churches, and a free church could not
many over frivolous issues— sue the company if it failed to pay an insurance claim.
hoping to get some money even if However, leaders and individuals who work on behalf of
they just "settle out of court". a church can obtain personal or some kind of group
insurance policies.

Can the church have a Yes, almost every bank will offer a With patience, a free church can establish a non-
bank account? corporation an account. The interest-bearing account without a government EIN
corporation must use a federal (Employer Identification Number)—without the need to
government issued EIN (employer file any kind of tax return. Church documents will need
identifier number—the corporate to be drafted authorizing certain members to sign
equivalent of an SSN, Social checks.
Security Number). Bank laws require banks to ask customers for an EIN or
SSN to open an account, but they can open it without
one if they keep special records of such accounts. The
internal procedures of some banks—especially branch
banks will prevent this. Presidents of small banks are
often willing to do it.

Can a church own real Corporations can own real estate Free churches have owned real estate for hundreds of
estate? in their own name. Judgments years, but the methods vary among the 50 states. Some
against a corporation can force the permit title to be held in the name of Jesus Christ with
sale of that property much easier church members acting on His behalf. Other states will
than those against individuals or accept property held as a trust. Other methods are also
free churches. possible.

Can a church lease Corporations can lease real estate Property owners will often lease to a free church. If a
real estate? in their own name. All of the dispute arises, going to court will be difficult. But, much
standard landlord-tenant laws goodwill often exists on both sides of such leases. The
apply. congregation wants to represent God well and keep the
building they use, so they take care of it and pay their
rent. Owners usually do not want to "gouge God". They
realize that church leaders talk to each other—if a
congregation stops renting because of high rent or poor
repairs, finding another renter will be difficult.

52
Can a church borrow Corporations can do this easily. A free church cannot do this. What a blessing! Banks
money from a bank to Also, if they find themselves unable would have no good way to enforce collection of the
buy real estate (or for to pay off their loans, they can file loan or repossess the building if the church did not pay.
other purposes)? for bankruptcy and the church If a church cannot afford to buy its property, it should
membership or leaders will not lease it until it can accumulate money.
have to pay the bad loans. What
kind of way is this to represent
God?

Can a church continue With corporations, the state Free Churches also can continue to exist as long as
to exist perpetually - reminds the corporation of its there are members continuing to abide by its
beyond the life of existence by collecting fees every documents. However, if the members stop meeting and
individual members? year. Unfortunately, members acting in the name of the congregation, it dies a natural
almost always accept the legal death. When churches or ministries are primarily the
continuance of the corporation as work of one man or a few men, it is probably better that
equivalent to the spiritual the group ends when its leaders die. There is little point
continuation of the congregation— in continuing to use the name, teachings and techniques
which is often not true. of former leader when the successors do not have the
In spite of efforts to solidify a same spiritual gifts or calling from God.
church's mission and doctrines in
its corporate documents,
incorporated churches frequently
undergo major changes in purpose
over decades. Groups founded by
Bible-believing, spirit-filled men can
end up supporting secular
humanism.

Does a church need to If a corporate church uses multiple Free churches do not need to register DBA names
use a DBA? (Doing names (its congregation name, because they are not businesses. Some banks or other
Business As) name of an evangelistic project, businesses may insist that a church must have a
name of a publication, name of a registered DBA name, but when asked what law
youth ministry, etc), some laws requires a church to use a DBA name, they will readily
may require the corporation to admit that there is no such law. A free church does not
have a DBA for each name need a registered DBA name for the name of the church
registered with the county or state. or any of its ministries.
Banks and other businesses may
justifiably refuse to do business
with a corporation that does not
follow the applicable laws.

Can people feel People feel comfortable with a The history of God's people is often not stable. They
comfortable with a stable corporate structure were persecuted, moved about and sometimes led by
stable, ongoing supported by the state (Numbers the Spirit of God on a moment's notice (Matthew 8:20;
structure? 11:4-5, Hebrews 11:24-25, Mark Acts 8:1; 16:7; Hebrews 11:37).
13:1-2).

Will one method make While many people consider a A few groups that claim to be free churches are frauds—
a church look 501(c)3 corporation "respectable", not engaged in a significant ministry, but using church
"respectable" and the the vast majority of phony constitutional protection to avoid taxes. Such instances
other like a "fraud"? churches created for a tax benefit are less common and usually much smaller in scope
only are 501(c)3 corporations— than corporate frauds, because a free church has less
because they want to "look business capability than a corporation. A few free
respectable", too. Keeping this churches teach false anti-government ideas or teach
status is just a matter of satisfying that some races are not eligible for salvation. Free
the paperwork-mill, at which many churches should clearly state that they do not agree with
"frauds" are skilled. all other free churches, but it is not possible to avoid all
The Church of Satan, witches "bad associations" in people's minds.

53
 groups, occultists, homosexual Christ's Apostles included Matthew, a former tax
churches, abortion groups and collector (Matthew 10:3), and Simon, a former Zealot
other unbiblical groups all form (Acts 1:13). Zealots were an anti-government group of
501(c)3 corporations with the that time.
blessing of the state. The existence
of evil examples does not mean
that all other 501(c)3 churches are
evil, but one should never think
that the state is a good judge of
God-approved religion.

Which method of
This is a relevant question, but accurate information on it is difficult to get. The government
operation is more
keeps no statistics on how much "undeserved trouble" it causes. Governments keep records to
likely to attract
show that their causes are just and right—indeed, many actually are. Yet many times over the
"undeserved
years, state government and IRS employees have testified that they launched extensive
trouble" from the
investigations that nearly or completely ruined certain groups, essentially for political purposes.
government?

When a minor complaint is received against an The Indianapolis Baptist Temple, which had
incorporated 501(c)3 church, a government some of its property seized by the IRS, is
agency may simply check that its paperwork is sometimes cited as an example of what
in order and if so, let the complaint go. But for happens to unincorporated churches. What
major complaints, government agencies do not is seldom explained is that the Indianapolis
automatically assume that a group is legitimate Baptist Temple formed several corporations
just because they are a 501(c)3 corporation. years ago and then one day simply stopped
They realize that the state corporation responding to all of its corporate paperwork.
departments and the IRS do not have time to They did not use established methods to
check the truth of most statements made to terminate their corporations so the state still
them and criminal groups have been 501(c)3 had clear jurisdiction. They did not terminate
corporations for years. their employer agreements with the IRS, so it
continued trying to enforce them.
Once a major investigation begins (whether just
or unjust), incorporation and 501(c)3 status give God teaches that we should keep our
the government a lot of power over the group. agreements, even when they are to our
disadvantage (Psalm 15:4, Joshua 9:3–19).
Any group that has corporations or 501(c)3
status should use the proper procedure to
end them.

How much time is Ten hours to 200 hours. The more About 150 to 300 hours, depending upon
required to get the professionals used, the less time for the church. how much one spends. Much of what one
church started? The IRS estimate just to keep records and file learns will be useful for the rest of one's life.
form 1023 for 501(c)3 status is 76 hours (page Learning to restore freedom to churches is
7, form 1023). far more uplifting than following a complex,
changing bureaucracy.

What is the cost to A few hundred dollars to a few thousand One to several hundred dollars for
get the church dollars—the more professionals used, the more educational materials (which you might be
started? expensive. able to borrow from a friend) and a few
dollars for documents.

What method will Corporations are clearly more standardized The Scriptures do not teach standardization
provide the most because the state imposes thousands of of methods, but following God's direction for
standardization of operation regulations on corporations. This is each situation. Christ told His disciples to
operation? more of an advantage to the state in take nothing with them at times, and later
supervising them than to the churches—unless told them to make preparations (Luke 22:35–
church workers are changing churches 36). Paul accepted money from some

54
 frequently. churches, and not from others (2Corinthians
11:7–8). Ezekiel was a captive of Babylon
(Ezekiel 1:1) at the same time Daniel served
in the palace of the king of Babylon (Daniel
1:19).

Which method Governments continue to add regulations and A free church must maintain its own internal
provides the paperwork to corporations of all types—setting documents authorizing members to act on its
greatest ease of their own timetables and deadlines. About 75% behalf when Christ so directs. It must look to
long-term of small businesses choose not to be the needs of its members. It must make time
operation? incorporated for this reason. to hear a member who goes through the
Matthew 18:15-17 process. These are the
very things that Christ commanded

Which method is
best for a
hierarchical church The author of this paper believes that hierarchical, denominational church organizations are
denomination? contrary to Scripture, but included this question to help show why incorporated churches are
now common.

A centralized denominational "headquarters" The free church is not well suited to

can efficiently control local congregations hierarchical control. Anything that happens in
throughout the world using the same corporate a local congregation must be approved by
structures and laws as multi-national the members or by someone they have
corporations. A central "legal department" can authorized. While it is possible for local
keep up with government paperwork much members to give authority to a
better than individual congregations. When denominational headquarters, the members
international standardization, control and could take it away at any time. The
budget are important considerations, the headquarters has no legal way to enforce
advantages of incorporation may outweigh the anything against a local free church. All the
disadvantages. headquarters could do is threaten to remove
them from the denomination. (One would
have simply a system of voluntary
cooperation—exactly what Christ wants in
His church!)

Which method is This method creates numerous burdens of A free church seems to be what Christ had in
best for local responsibility to the state, which God clearly mind, from the original churches of the first
congregations instructs us to avoid. Even the highly touted century, to the free churches during the
directly responsible economic benefits do not outweigh the risks Protestant Reformation, to those that worked
to Christ? involved with incorporation and 501(c)3 status. for American independence and religious
freedom, to the free churches we
desperately need today—to call people to
repent and turn, not to corporate religion, but
to God and His Word!

55
 IRS Documents Show Powers
Over Non-profit Church Groups

When people read papers like this that advocate Handbook 7.8.2 Exempt Organizations Technical
something different from mainstream thought, there is Guidelines Handbook. Please do not be "scared off"
a tendency to say, "How do we know it is true?" Or, by the legal case citations (consisting of a name,
"If it is true, why doesn't everyone else know about it followed by "v.", then followed by another name, then
and do it?" These questions are good. People need to followed by a bunch of letters). These provide a way
study and think about uncommon ideas before for people to actually look up the court case in a law
implementing them. They need to see proof. But they library and know that they are dealing with a real
must also ask, whose job is it to make positive decision and not just someone's idea.
changes that go against the mainstream of society?
[7.8.2] 3.6.2 (02-23-1999) Compliance with
Let us think about an example. For almost 1,200 Statutory Requirements
years, it was considered dangerous to let the common 1. Any religious organization, including a church,
man read the Bible. Should not such a large, complex must satisfy the statutory requirements to be exempt
and holy book be taught only by the trained, under IRC 501(c)(3). As explained by the court in
professional priests? That was the thinking of that Christian Echoes National Ministry, Inc. v. United
time. So how did the idea that everyone should read States, 470 F.2d 849 (10th Cir. 1972), cert . den., 414
the Bible become common today? Existing heads of U.S. 864 (1973), in which the court upheld denial of
state and churches rarely ever implement changes of tax exemption to a religious organization engaged in
this magnitude on their own. These changes usually substantial legislative activity, "[i]n light of the fact
take someone to start them, then many more others to that tax exemption is a matter of grace rather than
realize their importance and diligently pursue them. right, we hold that the limitations contained in
John Wycliffe translated the Bible from Latin to Section 501(c)(3) withholding exemption from
English in the 1300s. The idea stayed alive for 200 nonprofit corporations [that engage in substantial
years and finally burst out all over with the invention lobbying] do not deprive Christian Echoes of its
of printing and the many Bible translations in the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech. The
1500s. The preface of Wycliffe's 1388 Bible said: taxpayer may engage in all such activities without
"Scripture must become the common property of all; a restraint, subject, however, to withholding of the
government of the people, by the people, and for the exemption, or, in the alternative, the taxpayer may
people." This latter idea took about 400 hundred years refrain from such activities and obtain the privilege of
to catch on—in the United States! exemption."

Free churches are a good idea that has worked before Notice that for religious organizations (which would
and needs to be widely implemented again. But big include non-profit corporations and associations),
government, big business, big religion or big 501(c)3 tax exemption is not considered a right; it is a
education will not promote them. A few individuals privilege.
and independent church congregations are promoting
free churches. Someday there may be hundreds of [7.8.2] 3.6.6 (02-23-1999) Actions Distinguished
books, web sites and services helping local from Beliefs
congregations form this way. 1. The constitutional protections afforded religious
beliefs do not prevent government from regulating
But for now, individuals forming congregations will conduct or actions when it has a compelling interest to
have to make their decisions based upon the evidence do so. Thus, the First Amendment does not prevent
that they acquire from those who research the issue the government from requiring compliance with
and their own studies and experience. Some of this general laws designed to effectuate an important
evidence comes right out of government publications. governmental policy or objective even though
Notice the following quotes from the IRS (Internal compliance may be contrary to an individual's
Revenue Service - the taxing authority in the U.S.A.) sincerely-held religious beliefs.

56
4. A notable recent application of this doctrine is Bob homosexuality or even against sex between any two
Jones University v. United States, and Goldsboro consenting individuals could someday find themselves
Christian Schools v. United States, 461 U.S. 574 losing their tax-exempt status for violating "public
(1983), in which the Supreme Court upheld revocation policy"—without the passing of any new laws.
of the exemption under IRC 501(c)(3) of religious and
educational institutions on the grounds that its To demonstrate how far public policy is from law,
religiously motivated policy forbidding interracial consider this: The IRS removed the tax-exempt status
dating violated a fundamental public policy against of the Landmark Church, in Binghamton, New York
racial discrimination. The Court concluded that on May 12, 2000 because they took out full page ads
educational institutions that practice racial stating that presidential candidate Bill Clinton's views
discrimination based on religious beliefs are not on abortion, homosexuality and condom distribution
charitable in the generally accepted legal sense and in schools were unbiblical (a concept similar to John
thus do not qualify for federal tax exemption. the Baptist's message to Herod—Mark 16:18). The
Landmark Church had solicited and received many
Please note the IRS removed tax-exempt status from tax-deductible donations from that ad. But during the
this church school organized as a non-profit same political campaign, Bill Clinton and many other
corporation not because it broke a law that people are liberal candidates made announced appearances in
required to follow, but because it acted against "an churches, which caused many additional people to
important governmental policy or objective". There is attend and place tax-deductible contributions in the
no law against parents teaching their children not to churches' collection plates. It is completely up to the
date interracially—there are only laws against public IRS to decide upon which churches they will enforce
corporations forbidding it. Bob Jones University their public policy and upon which they will not.
accepted students of all races, but had a policy against Appeals courts frequently reverse all convictions
interracial dating. Whether you or I agree that this is when a law is being "selectively enforced". (For
the teaching of the Bible is not the issue. The issue is example, if a city requires a fire escape for 3-story
that the IRS can remove tax-exempt status because a houses, but only enforces the law against a few
church has a doctrine that is not illegal, but contrary to "enemies" of the mayor, a court is likely to reject
"public policy". It should be obvious that a tax-exempt convictions as "selective enforcement".) The
church organization is being treated like an extension Landmark Church raised the "selective enforcement"
of the government, not like an extension of the family issue in court and was essentially told that it does not
and as a work of Christ. apply to bureaucracies like the IRS.

There is no official definition or legal limit to "public Before concluding, it would be good to expose one
policy". Black's Law Dictionary (6th ed.) defines it like more "bomb waiting to go off" that is in the
this: foundational documents of nearly every 501(c)3
organization. The wording from IRC section 501(c)3
PUBLIC POLICY. Community common sense and which is included in the founding documents of most
common conscience, extended and applied throughout tax-exempt churches says:
the state to matters of public morals, health, safety,
welfare, and the like; it is that general and well-settled " no substantial part of the activities of which is
public opinion relating to man's plain, palpable duty to carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to
his fellowmen, having due regard to all circumstances influence legislation"
of each particular relation and situation.
What does "carrying on propaganda" mean?
Governments should act according to law. Christians "Propaganda" is a word not typically used in law.
should act according to the Scriptures. Black's Law Dictionary does not have any definition
of this term. It appears only five times in Title 26, the
But "public policy" seems to be "situation ethics"— Internal Revenue Code, none of which define it. Each
doing whatever seems right to the government at the time, it is used in a clause almost identical to the
moment. Church organizations that teach against above with the phrase "or otherwise attempting to

57
influence legislation". These words are used to define Gospel that puts God above the state "in a derogatory
the term "lobbying expenditures" in section 4912(d). sense, connoting deception or distortion".
From this, we can deduce that "carrying on
propaganda" is something that would influence If the IRS has ever challenged an organization for
legislation or the thinking of people in general, but we "carrying on propaganda", it is not known to this
still do not know exactly what it means. The term writer. There are not a huge number of organizations
"communist propaganda" was typically used in the that have lost their tax-exempt status for "attempting
1960s and it meant essentially the publishing of lies to to influence legislation", but the frequency of such
achieve communist political ends. But this is not the events is increasing. Numerous complaints have been
point of the 501(c)3 wording, since the cross reference sent to the IRS (some published on the Internet)
at the end of section 501 (currently 501(p)) against all kinds of 501(c)3 organizations for
specifically says that communist organizations are not attempting to influence legislation contrary to IRS
tax-exempt: rules. Pro-abortionists turn in pro-lifers and vice versa,
liberals turn in conservatives, conservatives turn in
For non-exemption of Communist-controlled liberals, etc. It seems that many are trying to use the
organizations, see section 11(b) of the Internal IRS as a weapon against "enemy" 501(c)3 groups.
Security Act of 1950 (64 Stat. 997; 50 U.S.C. 790(b)). Most of these complaints, if pursued, would probably
result in the denial of an exemption. It is up to the IRS
The word "propaganda" is a noun form of the verb which exemptions they will deny. Almost no
"propagate", which means "to cause something to be organizations that have challenged the IRS removal of
distributed". Here are all four definitions of their tax-exempt status have had the decision reversed
"propaganda" from the 1966 edition of Webster's New by a court.
Twentieth Century Dictionary Unabridged:
The potential of the IRS to raise money by denying
1. Propaganda in the Roman Catholic Church, a the tax-exempt status of numerous organizations,
committee of cardinals, the Congregation for including churches, is vast. Not only can they take
the Propagation of the Faith, in charge of the away tax-exemption retroactively for years, making
foreign missions. organizations liable for back income tax, they can also
2. any organization or movement working for charge both the organization and its management
the propagation of particular ideas, doctrines, each a 5% excise tax on all "lobbying expenditures"
practices, etc. for those tax years (IRC section 4912). (This is one of
3. the ideas, doctrines, practices, etc. spread in many examples where corporate laws do not protect
this way. the people—the IRS can assess penalties directly to
4. any systematic, widespread, deliberate corporate management.) "Lobbying expenditures", for
indoctrination or plan for such indoctrination: purposes of this 5% excise tax, are defined as
now often used in a derogatory sense, "carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to
connoting deception or distortion. influence legislation".

The above definitions were very close to those that Christians should be preaching that the solution to
were in effect when the IRS code was written. Until national and global problems will come when people
researching this, I had never thought that the have the Bible in their heads and Christ in their
preaching of the Gospel could be considered hearts—not from more and more massive national and
"propaganda". But would not most churches like to global human governments.
have a "systematic, widespread, deliberate" plan for
propagating biblical "ideas, doctrines, practices"? The Will the IRS classify the preaching of that message as
first definition usage by the Catholic Church shows "propaganda" at some time in the future?
that the word has a long history of usage for religious
evangelizing. Only definition four has a negative Everything they need is ready for them to do it. In
connotation. Unfortunately, many government other areas, decades sometimes pass between the
employees and judges would consider a Bible-based addition of a code section and the first time the IRS

58
enforces it. The only thing that would seem to stop churches of all the liabilities of agreeing to follow all
them is a public outcry. If history is a clue, the IRS present and future IRS rules when their meaning is not
would likely move against the most despicable cults clearly known?
and church organizations first. That will not upset
many people. Once they have precedents established The whole issue boils down to this: Why should the
for defining Bible preaching as propaganda, they can Church, under Jesus Christ, entangle itself with an
move against more "normal" church organizations. All incredible mass of rules which are not based on the
501(c)3 church organizations have already agreed to it Bible and can be interpreted by a human bureaucracy
in their foundational documents. almost any way they want? This is doubly true when a
country, such as the USA, still allows churches to
Do any church organizations ever ask the IRS what operate in one of the freest environments possible.
they mean by "carrying on propaganda" when they Even if the IRS never threatens one church for
include that phrase in their foundational documents? "carrying on propaganda", the cases where they have
The ones I helped start did not, and I do not know of removed tax-exempt status from sincere church
any that ever have. (The IRS usually will not give a organizations that went against "public policy" or
legally binding answer to questions like this, anyway.) attempted to "influence legislation" show that 501(c)3
Do the attorneys that incorporate churches advise churches are serving "two masters".

Resources for running a Free Church

Most of the churches that are not presently corporate church to it in some way, then terminate the
incorporated never have been. They have simply old organizations. Talk to someone who has done it
existed since before incorporation was common. In before.
some cases, church leaders do not even know whether
they are incorporated or have 501(c)3 status. Some 1. Heal Our Land Ministries
have such long-standing relationships with Web site: www.hushmoney.org
governments and local vendors that nobody ever asks
about them. Someone from a church may have applied This is the most thorough, though the most expensive
for various tax-exempt numbers years ago, the source I found. This laborer is definitely worth his
government and the church's vendors may have them, hire. Some of the quotes and ideas for this paper came
but the church has long forgotten them. Or, everyone from their writings and from notes of their conference
may simply be making an exception for these well- that I attended (now available on video tape). Peter
known, well-loved churches. A long-time church may Kershaw and his family are the driving force behind
be able to effectively operate this way, but they will Heal Our Land Ministries. They have an excellent
not be helpful to brethren starting a new free church. 150-page full-size book entitled In Caesar's Grip. I
Other long-time free churches do have members who have studied it from cover to cover and agree with
can explain their operating methods quite well and nearly all of it. I found only a dozen statements with
who would be very helpful to new congregations. which I had some disagreement—none of which
negate the overall message of the book. It contains
If you are starting a new congregation, try to get help much information on the history of religious freedom
from someone experienced with starting new and free churches and why we need them today. The
congregations—especially someone from your state. forward was written by three knowledgeable people:
George Hansen, a USA senator from Idaho (1965–
If you have an existing congregation, but would like 1969, 1975–1985), Howard Philips, the Constitution
to begin operating as a free church, it is vital that you Party presidential candidate, and Steve Nestor, a
properly terminate the previous corporations and tax retired IRS Senior Review Officer. The Heal Our
exemptions. The basic sequence is to start the new Land Ministries web site is quite small. The best
free church, transfer all of the assets from the information is the set of videotapes and conference

59
syllabus. It is expensive but very reasonable compared organization "believable", so people will believe in it,
with the cost of an attorney setting up a corporate 2) Some churches miss out on million-dollar
church. The syllabus has many sample documents for donations because they can't prove they are 501(c)3 to
establishing a church, obtaining sales tax exemptions, the donor, 3) Incorporating early will save many
how to terminate a corporate church, etc. It explains thousands later (though they did not say how), 4)
why such documents should use Biblical terms, not "every possible measure needs to be taken to ensure
corporate legal jargon. that the Constitution and Bylaws agree with the
corporate documents", 5) Sales Tax exemption saves
2. Linden Baptist Church money. The many important biblical and legal issues
Web site: http://www.biblicalexaminer.org/corp.htm raised by this paper are rarely ever mentioned in this
site or ones like it.
This group offers a 16-page article, Church, Inc., by
Ovid Need free on their web site. It contains a lot of 4. Legal Information Institute Cornell Law School
worthwhile background information on incorporation Web site:
from the Bible and legal sources. assembler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_
sup_01_26.html
3. Startchurch.com
Web site: www.startchurch.com This web site has the entire Internal Revenue Code
(Title 26) online with search capabilities. Many other
This is one of the many companies that promotes laws and cases can be found through
church incorporation, 501(c)3 and other government www.findlaw.com. Obviously, not everyone is going
processes for churches. For a fee they claim to send all to become an expert in finding and understanding
the necessary information to start an incorporated laws. But if you ever read other literature and wonder,
church recognized by the state. What are their reasons "Does the law really say that?" this is one easy way to
for so doing? 1) State recognition makes an read the law for yourself.

Perceived and Actual

Shared-Ministry Problems
Perceived Shared-Ministry Problems

1. When untrained, unprofessional people are allowed to say whatever they want in a service, false doctrine
will be taught.

False doctrine is taught by trained, professional theologians, too. Their training just enables them to make
the false doctrine sound a lot more "true". Learning to discern between false and true teaching is a very
important part in the growth of every believer. We all have had practice in doing this—watching
television. Many things presented on television are true; but many other things, especially commercials
are deceptive or complete lies. Some things we are not sure about. Hopefully, we have learned to extract
the good, and ignore the bad. It should be the same way with religious teachers—we should not blindly
trust a man, believing that everything he teaches is from God, but listen and test and prove each thing that
he says.
2. Small congregations are "fish-bowls"—everyone knows what everyone else is doing.

Paul instructed:

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than

60
 yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of
others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:3).

The environment of a local congregation should be such that when one goes astray, another sees it and
helps him out (Galatians 6:1). Confessing sin to others helps in the process of healing (James 5:16).
Christians must know that their Father in Heaven knows everything they do. If they are going to dwell
with Him and other believers for all eternity, they must value a close relationship with other believers as a
help, not as a hindrance.

3. People want to identify with something that is greater and bigger than themselves.

This is a good desire, but the answer is that we can identify with the spiritual church of God! The middle
verse of the Bible is: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:8).
People should be able to identify with the larger body of believers who have obeyed God rather than
followed men throughout history. Some of those who obeyed God had less knowledge than we do (they
taught doctrines we know are wrong); some probably had more (the Apostles taught by Christ certainly
did). It has not been human organizations that God has worked with throughout history, but individuals.
We can identify the New Testament church, with the many early Christians who where persecuted by the
Romans, with those who fled a state church to maintain their faith, with those who translated the Bible
into English and other languages and with those who fought to establish nations where people were free
to worship as they best understood.
4. Local, unaffiliated congregations are unstable and frequently break up.

This is sometimes true. In other cases, they remain stable and grow—sometimes for many decades. Even
congregation divisions occur, the long-term effect of a congregation breakup is almost always positive
spiritually. People are forced to examine exactly what they believe and why. The stakes are real—they are
going to lose some friends. They need to be able to say why they are doing what they are doing. If they
make the right decision, they can be joyful that they are suffering for righteousness (Matthew 5:10–12;
Acts 5:41, 1Peter 4:13–16). When people make the wrong decision and later realize it, it is a great
opportunity to learn repentance and to seek the forgiveness of those whom they have wronged.
5. Young people see small groups as a dead end—with no prospects of finding a spouse within their own
local congregation, parents fear that they will eventually marry outside the group and leave it.

This problem only occurs when people treat their small fellowship like it is the "one true church". Young
people should be encouraged to visit a variety of groups and to seek a prospective spouse with a desire to
follow God and the Bible, not one who is committed to an organization of men or a doctrinal statement
written by them. This approach opens up the possibility of a great many more prospective spouses
compared to joining one of the many denominations. Local congregations should take part in larger,
nondenominational Christian activities.

Actual Problems of Shared-Ministry Congregations

1. Some people come and want to teach, but they have little to say that edifies anyone.

It may take a number of meetings to clearly recognize this problem, but it certainly occurs. Some people
will try to dogmatically teach a different doctrine every week. Others will want to talk too much about
themselves or largely irrelevant ideas. This is an opportunity to make Christ's instructions in Matthew
18:15–17 (see our section on handling disagreements) and Galatians 6:1 work. Anyone noticing the
problem can solve it. If it cannot be solved privately, it can eventually be brought up in the congregation.

61
 Very few people will continue to take up time in a congregation where they are being openly, but lovingly
rebuked for doing it.
2. A person continually tries to teach a doctrine to the congregation which most have studied and rejected.

This is worse than the previous case because he is on a "mission" to teach his doctrine and may continue
trying to teach it even when everyone else is obviously opposed to it. "If someone disputes what you
teach, then after a first and a second warning, have no more to do with him" (Titus 3:10, NJB). The
congregation may simply have to get together and tell the person that if they are going to continue to try
to teach their doctrine, that they are not welcome. (I know of an opposite example where a group failed to
do this and one by one all of the members dropped out, leaving only the objectionable teacher. They later
got back together to form a new group. It would have been much better if they had restrained the
unwanted teacher from the first group.)
3. Services turn into doctrinal arguments, and the unpleasantness outweighs the value of the teaching.

Paul taught:

"How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching,
has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification"
(1Corinthians 14:26).

Teaching edifies. Questions and "reading scriptures that appear to disagree with the teaching" edify. But
if people are simply repeating the same words over and over—just louder and more emphatically, then it
is an argument. Arguments do not edify much. If necessary, they should be continued outside of services.
Learning how to gracefully do this is an important part of being a part of a local congregation.
4. A congregation drifts into eccentricity.

This danger is the opposite of the previous one. It occurs when people agree too much! This is a
congregation that has been together for a long time and comes to draw a lot of very precise conclusions
about exactly what the Bible says on numerous topics and becomes intolerant to others who understand
anything differently. These conclusions may be erroneous or true, but the danger is an emphasis on
knowledge rather than bearing fruit. A common cause is a congregation with a few teachers who are
largely in agreement and other members who accept almost anything those teachers teach. This is usually
coupled with the lack of visitors and new believers attending. A congregation in this state needs a wake-
up message to begin concentrating on serving others, rather than their own personal knowledge.
5. A congregation becomes lukewarm.

This problem occurs when people are getting along well and agreeing. They feel good about their service
and enjoy the teaching, music and fellowship there. But they are also tolerant of other's beliefs.
Unfortunately, they are not stirred to share what they have. There are many scriptures about this issue.
Anyone who recognizes this condition in their congregation can search them out and read them in the
Bible.

Help for Pastors Who Want to Leave

Large Church Organizations
Most pastors who work for big church organizations rely on them for both their paychecks and various
are very loyal to those organizations. They support services for their congregation. They may

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also rely on them for new members who come either talk to them. Some people may have a personal
as a result of their denominational affiliation or disagreement with the pastor and are looking for
through their denomination's evangelism efforts. an excuse to "get him", or they may be staunch
Pastors usually do not look for doctrinal errors or believers in their church's hierarchy and headquarters.
flagrant sins in their headquarters leadership--and If they see clear evidence that their pastor is disloyal,
often do not know what to do about them if they do they will probably call their headquarters and ask
find them. them to investigate. A congregation can quickly
become polarized between those who
Nevertheless, there are "corporate pastors" who decide know about the pastor's plans to become independent,
to follow God rather than continue reaping the and those who do not. Most pastors would like to
benefits of being a paid pastor in a large church avoid this and keep their congregation intact as much
organization. They realize that Paul taught it was as possible when
wrong to align oneself with a particular religious they depart from an organization. The motivation for
teacher (1Cor 1:11-15; 3:1-11). In nearly all cases, such can be threefold: (1) so that all can under-
these denominational pastors are the most effective stand the truth of why a change is necessary, (2) so
people to help their congregations out of long-time friends will not be separated, and (3) to
denominational groups. People in those groups maintain a large number of contributors so there will
frequently will not listen to anyone outside their be money for needed expenses, including his
denomination unless their pastor approves. An salary. The first reason is good, the second and third
outsider trying to help the membership would have can have elements of good and bad. Christ said that
little chance of being heard. we should not offend "little ones" (Matt 18:6), but also
that His teaching would cause division--even
When a pastor realizes that he has been pointing in families (Matt 10:3438). Similarly, Paul said that
people too much to an organization rather than people can obtain their living by preaching the
to Christ for many years, I believe the best thing he Gospel (1Cor 9:14), but condemned people who
can do is to restore that which he has taken simply saw ministry as a way to make a living (Ti-
from Christ--just as a repentant thief would tus 1:11; 6:5). Church splits frequently produce
restore what he has taken (Luke 19:8). He is the accusations of bad motives from both sides--whether
ideal person to show those in the congregation where they are correct or not. It can be difficult for an
he and they have been wrong. He can bring individual to determine which is true--but can rest
up examples from the past with which they are all assured that God looks on the hearts.
familiar A few members in the congregation may be
unwilling to change, but any outsider's efforts to A leader must realize that it may not be possible to
change the congregation are even more likely to honestly keep all of a congregation together. People
produce division. should leave an organization because they understand
the problems with it and are seeking to give Christ a
In church organizations that forbid any open criticism more active role in their spiritual growth. One should
of their leaders and policies, even the church pastor never threaten people with loss of God's blessing or
may have a difficult time helping his congregation. He loss of their friends if they do not attend a certain
is not free to speak in services about the problems of congregation. Possible steps that a pastor might take
denominations or teach the biblical solutions. If he to remove himself and most of his congregation from
does, his organization's leaders will probably remove a centrally controlled church organization include:
him from his congregation and replace him with
someone "loyal"--in only a few days. 1) Privately write a paper or make a tape explaining
why a separation is necessary. If a leader cannot
When a pastor first begins to see the need for a new logically explain it to himself, he probably cannot
congregation, he usually privately shares his explain it to others--and probably should not be doing
understanding with a few trusted friends in his group it. Share this paper/tape only with a few trusted
to help determine the best course of action. friends who already think in the same way. It may
There are usually other members whom he knows need to be refined based on these brethren's counsel.
cannot accept his new understanding, so he cannot

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Pray, fast and ask God if it is His will that they where he will pass out the paper (or tape) mentioned
separate from the others. in point #1 and give a message explaining the issues.
Some denominations may take a few weeks to re-
2) Begin teaching from the Bible in your services move a pastor, so he may have several weeks to
about the relevant issues. Do not draw conclusions explain it--but he must be ready to go at any time.
that will clearly contradict the denomination's There is a great need to pray for love and compassion
"headquarters teaching", but let the Bible speak for for others, even though some will probably be angry
itself. at this time.

3) After this teaching has gone on a few weeks, the 6) Mail the paper (or tape) mentioned in point #1 to
church leader must realize that he could be fired by other members and leaders in your denomination who
his denomination at any time. Some "loyalists" will might be interested. This is not to "attract a following"
complain about anti-headquarters teaching even if it is and create a new denomination, but to properly state
from the Bible. The leader needs the faith in God or a your reasons, which are not likely to be explained
plan to physically take care of his family if he should accurately by your former denomination. Members of
lose his job. denominations often will only listen to one of their
own ministers--so there is a narrow window of
4) The leader can then begin privately teaching why a opportunity. Most people will probably discard the
split appears necessary to as many in his congregation paper, but if you are able to help even one, it is
as he thinks will listen. This must be done in a probably worth it.
discerning manner, so as not to stir up those who will
not listen to the reasons for splitting, but simply call 7) Start your new congregation in the most peaceable
their headquarters. and humble manner possible. Immediately begin to
get more of the membership involved in all aspects of
5) If the leader is not dismissed first, he must ministry so that they will not slip back into the trap of
eventually plan to leave. This should be done as soon "letting the denomination do it".
as he realizes that little additional progress is being
made in teaching anyone else about the need for a new May God bless your honest efforts.
congregation. The leader should plan a "last day"

Legal Status of This Paper

This paper is written by the command of Jesus that His followers be witnesses of Him "to the ends of the Earth"
(Acts 1:8). The author asserts his right to produce this paper according to the rights of freedom of religion,
freedom of speech and freedom of the press, which are upheld by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the
United States of America.

The purpose of this publication is to provide useful teaching and information that the author believes to be
accurate. The author grants permission for this paper to be copied in whole or in part, as long as it is distributed
free of charge. This paper is not professional or legal advice. Anyone making a decision based upon this paper
should seek God in prayer first, and must realize that they are making their own decision and that the author of
this paper or those who distribute it are not liable for the results of their decision. Individuals not capable of
making their own decision or wanting "legal advice" should seek a "licensed professional". This is a private
publication, not public.

May God bless all who read it.

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