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J_Edwards said:

Was Paul’s tent making a ministry? What of Peter's fishing fleet? Would we constitute these as a para-Church organizations today or just self-employment with an kingdom flair? Would we support Paul’s making of tents as a ministry? Paul himself submitted to the Church, but was his making of tents submitted?

I wouldn't call Paul's tent making a para-Church ministry. It was a trade that he knew and provided for his living expenses so he didn't have to rely on the giving of the new churches he started. Likewise Peter's work as a fisherman was a vocation that provided income for his family. However, even though I don't see these businesses as para-Church ministries we can still use our positions in the workplace as a platform to share the Gospel. We can also bring glory to God by how we work. Honesty and integrity in the way you work (as unto the Lord, not as men pleasers but as God pleasers - Eph. 6:5-9) and how you treat your employees, vendors, and customers will not go unnoticed. We can be a testimony to Christ in the workplace but in my opinion that doesn't make the workplace a para-Church ministry.


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J_Edwards said:

Our jobs should be submitted to the LORD, however, should they be submitted to the eldership of the Church? Is there a difference here? Is every member of the Church suppose to be involved in Church ministry outside the Church and thus do they operate along-side the Church to do the work of the Kingdom? Where do we draw the lines or do we?

It wouldn't be possible for most workplace situations to be ruled by the elders in the church. Not only do the elders not have the resources to oversee every member's business activity but it simply doesn't fall in line with the work they are called to do. However, if a member owned a nightclub or an adult bookstore that would be another matter.

I think the lines have to be drawn between what is the Lord's work and what is simply business activity. The Lord's work has eternal dimensions and most business activity simply produces things that are temporary.

Many para-Church organizations provide materials and services that compliment the Church. They may expand on a work that the Church simply doesn't have the resources to do or work in concert with a larger body of churches to go beyond what any one church could accomplish. I think they need to have good ties to the Church and be accountable to the Church. They should have a clear mission statement and be transparent in all their dealings.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts