1 Timothy 5:16 (nkjv)  If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

“Fellowship Halls, Kitchens, Social Meals…and the Church” (Part 2)

The question we are trying to answer Is there N.T. authority for a local church to plan and provide resources for social activities in its program of work? Is there a command? Is there an example? Is there a passage that implies that it should be done?  

some Believe they have found Scriptures that authorize these things… Let us study these passages to see if you can find authority in them for fellowship halls and kitchens.

passages that some use to justify “fellowship halls” and kitchens 2 Peter 2:13; Jude, Verse 12: “they feast with you”; “These are spots in your love feasts” Some insist that the “feasts” mentioned in this verse are equivalent to “fellowship meals” today. Can we be certain about what these “feasts” were? What we do know is that Jude 12 does not even mention the church, nor does it in any way imply that the church planned or provided this feast. We simply do not have enough information concerning love feasts for them to serve as authority for kitchens and dining rooms in our buildings.

passages that some use to justify “fellowship halls” and kitchens 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; The church at Corinth was not observing the Lord’s Supper as Jesus had instructed. Their division was certainly a problem (Verse 18). The fact that some were eating while others had nothing to eat was shameful (Verse 21). This problem was a result of the fact that they had turned the Lord’s Supper in a common meal (Verse 20). Notice how the problem was corrected (Verses 22 and 34). We must see from this passage that “home” activities must be separated from “church” activities.

passages that some use to justify “fellowship halls” and kitchens Acts 2:42-27; The term “breaking bread” may sometimes refer to the Lord’s Supper, while sometimes it may refer to eating a common meal. (Let the context determine) It seems that two different types of meals are discussed in this passage (just as we noted earlier in 1 Corinthians 11). “The breaking of bread” in verse 42 seems to refer to the Lord’s Supper (consider context). “Breaking bread” is also mentioned in Verse 46, but this time it specifies that it was done “from house to house.” Most would agree that this refers to a regular meal. What we have here is Christians being hospitable (1 Peter 4:9), inviting others into their home to share a meal.

passages that some use to justify “fellowship halls” and kitchens Acts 6:1-4; The widows and the daily distribution. The “daily distribution” refers to something that was begun back in Acts 2:44-45 and is also discussed in Acts 4:32-37. (The church provided for its needy members, which included the widows discussed here.) This passage does authorize the church to provide food, clothing, money, for its own needy members, but it in no way authorizes the “fellowship meals” that we’ve been discussing.

passages that some use to justify “fellowship halls” and kitchens Ephesians 4:11-12; The edifying of the body. The following verses clearly indicate that it has reference to building people up spiritually by teaching them the word of God. This type of edification is described in 1 Timothy 1:4, “godly edification which is in faith.” Acts 20:32 “…I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up…” . These three passages all share the same root form of the Greek word that points to a spiritual building up of individuals... A spiritual building up that comes from the teaching of God’s Word.  

Additional Thoughts Some use “fellowship meals” to attract new members, giving them incentive to come. We need to remember Jesus’ lesson concerning improper motives for seeking after Him (John 6:26- 27). The Bible is filled with examples of people who changed God’s plan, sometimes even in the “slightest way,” and had to suffer the consequences for it. Let us always be reverent when drawing conclusions based on our study of God’s Word. If an activity for what disciples do together as a work and/or function of the local church is without authority, then we must abstain from it.

“Fellowship Halls, Kitchens, Social Meals…and the Church” Next week we will look again at this issue. What we have not addressed yet is that there are some who center their arguments on the word “fellowship.” Since the church is supposed to have fellowship, and since the eating of meals together constitutes fellowship, then the Lord must approve of them (that’s the argument made by some).

Our Problem: Sin God’s Solution: Jesus Christ Sin is explained and identified in the Bible (1 John 3:4; 5:17; James 4:17; Romans 14:5,23). Sin separates you from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and dooms you to eternal separation in hell (Matthew 25:41). You cannot save yourself from sin by your own efforts (Matthew 19:23-26; Titus 3:4-7). God's amazing grace makes salvation from sin possible for you – but only through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 2:9; Ephesians 1:7).

Only those sinners who obey God will receive salvation from sin (Mt Only those sinners who obey God will receive salvation from sin (Mt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9). You must hear/read the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:14,17). You must believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-33). You must repent of all of your past sins (Acts 17:30-31). You must confess your faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:35-37). You must be baptized (immersed in water) into Jesus Christ (Acts 8:38; 22:16). After becoming saved, you must live a faithful/righteous life to remain saved (1 Tim. 4:16; 1 Jn. 1:7). Eternal life in heaven awaits only those who are faithful/righteous (1 Pet. 1:3-5; Mt. 25:34).