The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum When Was the Last Time ...

Question here: Do the Scriptures ever say that you are forbidden to support xyz ministry even if it is not a ministry of your local Church? I am thinking of Paul's ministry again here ... and today, seminaries, hospitals, all which are worthy endeavors and do in some way support the Kingdom ...

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.



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

Well for me I look at our work in secular employment as a “broad” notion of a para-church organization—especially when the person owns the business. As members of the Church everything we do is a ministry “beside” the Church. It is either hurting or helping the Kingdom. Though Paul had a tent ministry, when he was in Thessalonica, Philippi, I believe it was, gave to his necessity … Now of course Paul was an Apostle, but apparently here his secular employment was not going too well. I may stand alone here, however supporting worthy seminaries, hospitals, and other charities seems ok too me and even biblical—as nothing commands us not too and it does advance the Kingdom.

As far as accountability I have wrestled with this issue. In many cases this may be possible and in others not. Accounting statements are expensive business if done right. Sometimes a ministry is just to small and it would not be feasible for it to even continue if it had to do such. Take the Highway for instance. It could become a 501-C3 (or whatever they call it in Canada), hire an accountant (an independent auditor with no association to the Highway), publish yearly statements, give us a clear accountability of all the “funds” at the Highway and then we would have a paperwork trail to say “we trust the Highway.” Or, we could just “trust the Highway” and give and in doing so all these funds that would have been spent on this paperwork trail could be used in a different way for the glory of God. In some instances I think accountability may be necessary, however in others I see it as a waste of funds. Things IMO need to be done on a case by case basis and decisions prayerfully made based on all the facts …

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doulos,

If you've been ransomed from sin by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ then you've been blood bought and you are no longer your own but belong body and soul to Him. Giving is not optional. It's just part of being good stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted to our care while we are here.

The problem with many of us Americans is that we haven't surrendered our lives and possessions to the Lord. We live in such a self centered consumer environment. Uncle Sam doesn't allow us to pay him what's left over. He takes the first portion of our income. I believe that before we determine how to spend the rest we give the Lord his share. I also believe 10% off the top (gross income) is only a starting point for a Christian who wants to honor the Lord with his substance. IMHO we should support our local church first and then if we are able we should consider other opportunities.

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudingly or of necessity; for the Lord loves a cheerful giver." (II Cor. 9:7)


Wes

Well stated <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bravo.gif" alt="" />

Wes,

Yes, thats exactly right. But I can't say that para-church ministries fall into the category of a tithe which is what I was mostly posting about.