recalling doctrinal issues from the past and not reliving them in the present Are Social Meals Authorized for the Church?

Introduction in 1947 at a lectureship in Abilene, a preacher encouraged brethren to build fine buildings and “fellowship rooms” in order to grow  60 years later, we see that such tactics work, but at what cost? after fierce debate throughout the 50’s over issues such as orphan’s homes and sponsoring churches, as well as fellowship halls, many churches split  into what we consider “conservative” and “liberal” churches  fellowship halls remain the most visible evidence of split is there authority for “fellowship halls”?

The Basis of Authority for any meaningful discussion, the necessity of biblical authority must be established  (Col. 3:17)(2 Tim. 3:16-17)  else even worship not accepted (Lev. 10:1-3) authority established in three primary ways  command or precept (Acts. 2:38)(Mk. 16:16)  approved example (Acts 20:7)  necessary inference (Lk. 7:18-23) silence cannot authorize  (Heb. 7:11-14)

Fellowship Halls are Authorized If… there is found some command, approved example, or even a necessary conclusion that calls for them they fulfill some purpose of us meeting together they can be considered part of the church’s work of edification or benevolence

Our Purpose for Coming Together the saints can be seen coming together to…  sing and pray (1 Cor. 14:15-19)  teach and take Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)  take up the offering (1 Cor. 16:1-2) do we see the saints assembling for a common meal? yes, but…  not as the church, “from house to house” (Acts 2:46-47)  when as the church, it was condemned (1 Cor. 11:17-22)

Our Purpose for Coming Together 17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. (1 Corinthians 11:17-22) they had come together for the wrong purpose! 17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)

Our Purpose for Coming Together the saints can be seen coming together to…  sing and pray (1 Cor. 14:15-19)  teach and take Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)  take up the offering (1 Cor. 16:1-2) do we see the saints assembling for a common meal? yes, but…  not as the church, “from house to house” (Acts 2:46-47)  when as the church, it was condemned (1 Cor. 11:17-22) the pattern is social meals at home, not assemblies

True “Fellowship” and “Edification” fellowship is an important part of being brethren, and first century Christians had fellowship by…  providing for needy saints (2 Cor. 8:3-4)  providing for preachers (Phil. 4:14-16)  approving of teachers of the gospel (Gal. 2:9)(2 Jn. 9-11)  taking the Lord Supper (1 Cor. 10:14-17)  sharing in worship together, according to the pattern fellowship as a function of the church is exclusively spiritual; as individuals it may be material as well  love feasts? (Jude 12) – most likely L.S. or worship in general

True “Fellowship” and “Edification” edification only by God’s word, not food and drink  (Mt. 4:4)(1 Cor. 14:1-5) did Christ use meals to supplement His teaching? (Jn. 6:1-14)  no, the fish and loaves were not only for sustenance sake, but also were miraculous (in support of His words)  when expectation drew the next crowd, Christ told them to focus on spiritual things and, in turn, drove many away (Jn. 6:26-27, 60-69)

But Then What About… treating the building as holy?  the building is just that, a building  however, it was purchased with the Lord’s money for a specific purpose, and can only be rightly used for that purpose eating in the building (or even the water fountain)  the issue is for what purpose we came together  the preacher having a snack in his office or the work group taking a quick break for lunch are examples of incidentals  having a planned pot-luck after services at the building is not benevolence? (Acts 6:1-4)  where you have a multitude of needy saints, you have the authority for an organized and purposeful distribution

Fellowship Halls are Authorized If… there is found some command, approved example, or even a necessary conclusion that calls for them  social meals as a church explicitly condemned! they fulfill some purpose of us meeting together  the Corinthians met together for the worse! they can be considered part of the church’s work of edification or benevolence  spiritual growth never includes departing from the pattern of God’s word