Should a pastor make judgment of other churches in his sermon? Paul’s Experience Did the Apostle Paul ever call out a church by name in his letters? What we don’t know is what he said in his sermons. Surely Paul preached when he visited the various churches he planted. There can be no doubt since Paul went into the Jewish synagogue every change he had so he would most certainly have preached while he was there at the different churches... Read more
Is the pastor required to visit every hospitalized church member? Is it his alone to do? Commanded of God There is no doubt that the command to visit those who are sick applies to all believers and not just the pastor, elder, deacon, or deaconess. James writes that the definition of pure religion is partly that of visiting the orphans and the widows in their afflictions (James 1:27) and that would include shut-ins, those in nursing homes, and those who... Read more
When do you know it’s time to leave a church? What are the clear signs that it’s time to leave? Expository Preaching When you are in a church, like a friend of mine was not long ago, that doesn’t preach expository, verse by verse Bible preaching, then you are going to starve to death like my friend who wasn’t been properly fed the Word of God by the pastor. The sheep are going to starve to death if the pastor... Read more
Is it necessary to have a church treasurer be bonded? Safety in Numbers If you are not certain about whether your church should have the treasurer bonded or not, call a meeting and seek the counsel of the church leadership and membership because “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14) and again, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov 15:22), so it’s wise to... Read more
Should church organists be paid? If not, why not and under what circumstances should they be paid? Worthy of their Wages A church organist that plays at a wedding, funeral or memorial service should get paid for their service in the same way that a funeral home gets paid for the service that they render, so there is nothing wrong about an organist or pianist being paid for what they do, especially if they are not related to the family... Read more
What are the major differences between church elders and church deacons? Differences and Similarities There are both differences and similarities between elders and deacons. For one thing, both men need to live lives above reproach and have a good reputation in the community in which they live. Also, both a deacon and an elder are not to be drunkards (1st Tim 3:3, 8), be the husband of one wife (1st Tim 3:2, 12), live a life of dignity (1st Tim... Read more
Should churches have a constitution? Is it a good idea for a church to have one? A Church Constitution? Most people might not even realize that churches have a constitution and these constitutions may contain their own bi-laws and policies. These are intended for the good of the membership because it protects the members from false accusations or being dis-fellowshipped for unbiblical reasons or from any one person becoming too powerful in the church. A church’s constitution can safeguard the... Read more
Should a church accept gambling or lottery winnings from members as part of their offerings? Playing for the Lord? I have heard a few Christians in my life say that they’d love to win the lottery and then donate it all to the church or a charity but rarely does this ever happen. In 2008 a church member who won $6 million dollars placed $600,000 into his churches offering plate. Another church member donated their winning ticket which was worth... Read more
Is it wise for a church to borrow money for a new building? Is it Necessary? With church growth comes growing pains and so it is when space becomes a problem for a burgeoning church, so when should a church borrow money for a new building? Would it be better to just “add on” to an existing structure of the church? Are there other places on church property that are not presently being utilized? Is the church’s higher insurance premium... Read more
Should the church tithe on the offerings it receives from members? Supporting Missionaries Some churches support local missionaries from the church or others who go collectively for a denomination. Either way, missionaries couldn’t possibly go on their own because they simply couldn’t afford it. Just as other members of the church supported Jesus and Paul in his missionary work, churches are the backbone of the missionaries coming out of America and going into all the world as they’re (and we’re)... Read more
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