The Church & Human Institutions

Introduction:

Human institutions have long been a focus of conflict between groups of brethren. During the 1860's, conflict arose over support of the American Christian Missionary Society from the church treasury. It was not until 1950’s-1960’s that institutionalism became issue in churches of Christ.  Non-institutional churches of Christ stand opposed to church support of human institutions because they deny the all sufficiency of the church.

I.  Church Supported Colleges.

A.     1938: G. C. Brewer sparked debate on the issue. 

B.     On Aug. 2, 1938, W.W. Otey argued against church support of human institutions.

1.     As a result of these and other arguments, most brethren backed away from the idea of church support of Bible colleges.

II. Church Support of Orphan Homes

A.      1900-1940: Support of orphan homes from church treasury was widespread among Churches of Christ.

B.      Issues involved two questions.

1.     Is the church limited in benevolence to saints only?

2.     If the church has an obligation to provide care for orphans, can the church send donations to a human institution to provide care for them?

C.     Bible teaches we are limited in our work as a church in benevolence. 

1.     2 Thess. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:16

2.     these passages demonstrate the Christian’s individual responsibility to care for his own so that the church will not become burdened.

III. Where Supporting Institutions Leads

A.       James 1:27

IV. Should the Church Support Institutions?

A.       Think of insitutions in which all agree the church has no authority to support out of the treasury.

B.       The problem throughout the years has been when a bro/sis in Christ begins to operate a human institution.

C.      Churches do not have Scriptural authority to send a monthly donation to these institutions.

D.      Institutional brethren are guilty of digression.  Heb. 8:5 requires us to make all things according to the pattern. 

E.       Rom. 10:17 states that faith comes from hearing the Word of God.  It is presumptuous to involve the church in supporting these institutions. 

Conclusion

A.              Let us allow the church to operate as the Lord intended.  The church has no business supporting ANY human institution. 

B.             The Lord has created a sufficient means of carrying out His plan for the church.  Let us, mankind, work to that means.