AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question So, here is my question. Can a Christian be involved in a chruch along with a Christian organizations at school and Bible study with someone else? I was told that this was unbiblical and that we should only be involved in one community. That being involved in more prevents us from experiencing community at church and prevents us from working the mission the church we attend has. I, however, thought all God's people were one Church/ one Body, each with different jobs but relying on all the other parts. Thanks for your input!
Answer Dear Jasmine,
Thank you for a very unusual sort of question, but one that I find quite intriguing!
If I understand you correctly (and please feel free to come back to me if I have not done so!), you are concerned about involvement in what we might refer to as “para-church” organisations and/or activities while being a member of a church.
First of all, permit me to emphasise that the church is the whole Body of Christ , in other words, every person who has confessed their sinfulness, repented of their sin, accepted His sacrifice of His own life as having been made on their behalf, and acknowledged Him as their personal Saviour and Lord, is a member of that church. The local church is the gathering together of Christians in a geographical location.
I am making the assumption that the other organisations to which you refer are ones like Scripture Union, a National Bible Society, various missionary organisations, and those groups (Release International, Open Doors, etc) that keep the rest of us aware of the suffering of the church in countries in which Christians are persecuted for their faith.
Heb 10:25 urges us to meet together with fellow-believers – but does not actually specify the local congregation (although I am fairly certain that this was what was in the writer’s mind). However, I would suggest that this certainly does not preclude other fellowship opportunities and would, therefore, see no difficulty at all in my own involvement with, and support of, various Christian organisations that are not the “local expression of the church”. As far as meeting together with one or to others, for the purpose of Bible study, is concerned Matt.18:20 records Jesus’ own words that “… where two or three come together in my Name, there I am with them.” I would suggest that if Jesus is there, it must be a good place to be (otherwise, I don’t think that I’d want to be in heaven, where He will be the central focus of our worship and praise!!)
As far as I am concerned, I wish that more of those who claim to be disciples of Jesus would get actively involved in para-church activities, and in personal Bible study groups. Your local church fellowship may well be your spiritual home and, if that is where you receive much of your spiritual nourishment, then it is certainly the place that should receive the greater part of your support. But the additional activities to which I believe you are referring are like going on holiday, or going out for a meal with close friends. They are certainly not to be forsaken, and make you a more “rounded” and “balanced” believer.
I trust that this will have set your mind at rest, and wish you every blessing as you draw ever closer to the Lord.
In Him
C. Brian Ross (Rev)
