What Is Institutionalism A broad term applied to

What Is Institutionalism? A broad term applied to a system of practices adopted by many churches of Christ in the min-20 th Century

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT FROM THE COLLECTION FOR HUMAN INSTITUTIONS Bible Colleges Children’s Homes Medical and Counseling Centers

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT FROM THE COLLECTION FOR HUMAN INSTITUTIONS What is the work of the church (1 Tim. 3: 14 -15)? Can any good work be a work of the church (1 Tim. 5: 9 -16)?

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT FROM THE COLLECTION FOR HUMAN INSTITUTIONS If a work belongs to the church, the church should do it. The New Testament church supported no human institutions.

What Is Institutionalism? BENEVOLENCE FROM THE COLLECTION TO NON-CHRISTIANS The collections is said to be “for the saints” (1 Cor. 16: 1 -2). Individual Christians should do good to all (Gal. 6: 10).

What Is Institutionalism? BENEVOLENCE FROM THE COLLECTION TO NON-CHRISTIANS There is no example of aid to non. Christians from the collection.

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT TO PREACHERS THROUGH SPONSORING CHURCHES One church solicits support from other churches for a project it cannot do itself.

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT TO PREACHERS THROUGH SPONSORING CHURCHES Preaching in another country A national radio or television program

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT TO PREACHERS THROUGH SPONSORING CHURCHES These approaches alter church organization. They compromise autonomy. They elevate church over church.

What Is Institutionalism? SUPPORT TO PREACHERS THROUGH SPONSORING CHURCHES The New Testament church sent directly to preachers (Phil. 4: 15 -19). There is no example of sponsoring churches.

What Is Institutionalism? SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AS WORKS OF THE CHURCH Social aid to promote evangelism Social functions as works of the church Entertainment opportunities to youth

What Is Institutionalism? SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AS WORKS OF THE CHURCH Jesus didn’t use good works as a lure for evangelism (John 6) Eating together is not to be a work of the church (1 Cor. 11: 17 -22; 33 -34)

What Is Institutionalism? SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AS WORKS OF THE CHURCH The work of the church is to teach the gospel. It is spiritual in nature. It is not to focus on material things.