AboutJoe Norman Expertise I can answer questions regarding acceptable worship, organization of the church, or any apsect of the Christian life. I am the son of a preacher and have studied the Bible from cover to cover since I was 12 years old. I am strong in my research skills and do not follow teachings of men. Many will label me as conservative and some might label me as liberal, but I just seek to be biblical. I understand proper exegesis and hermeneutics and apply them. My desire is to share my knowledge of God's Word with others. Please always keep in mind that none of us who are listed as experts here are divinely inspired and therefore it is possible to get incorrect answers from any one of us. Study the Scriptures and decide for yourself if what is taught is true.
Experience I am the 4th generation in my family to be a faithful member of the church of Christ. I was raised by a preacher and have studied the Bible everyday since I was twelve. I am 44 yrs old now. I am not a "scholar", but I am very familiar with the scriptures.
Organizations member of the church of Christ, served as a Deacon for a few years at LakeShore church of Christ in Waco, Tx. I currently live in the North Dallas area and worship with the Lewisville church of Christ.
Question I have been a member of the church for several years. I moved to a new area and placed my membership at a local church about 2 years ago. Their are two things that are practiced that I am not used to. One is "Children's Church" and the other is having yard sales to make money for mission trips. Are these right or wrong? Do these feel wrong to me because I am not use to them? Please give me scriptures to help me with this. Thank you, Lisa
Answer Hi Lisa,
In thinking more on this, I think I need to share some additional thoughts. The first thought I had is that it would not be wrong for you to place membership with them if they are the only church near you and these are the only two things they do that are questionable or wrong. They are still a church which belongs to Jesus Christ.
I do not agree with having a children's worship or a church yard sale, but I have been a part of some churches that did things I didn't agree with too. When I was in California, the only church I could find near me that worshipped God acceptably was a non-institutional church of Christ. I disagree with them on the non-institutional position and their belief in "Saints Only" benevolence, but they are doing most everything else in accordance with God's Word.
I have also been part of "mainstream" churches of Christ that also did some things I did not agree with at all. But they were still a church which belongs to Christ. Are they headed in the wrong direction? Maybe they are and maybe they are not. There are no perfect churches because there are no perfect people. I would just be a part of the local church you are most comfortable with and maybe you can help guide them away from questionable or wrong practices.
I really get concerned with the "church" selling anything in the building. It is not because there is anything "holy" about the building. We are the temple of God in the New Covenant. But I keep thinking about the potential for evil activities or an appearance of evil being cast upon the Lord's church. I am reminded of Jesus casting out the money changers in the Jewish temple.
The church should never be confused as a business where we become concerned with profits and losses financially. We should also be aware of some getting involved with sinful motivations who will try to cheat people out of money. The children's worship idea came from denominations and although this does not automatically mean it is wrong, I do have concerns. I know their intention is to help the parents of young children be able to focus more on worship than keeping their kids quiet and happy. It just seems we should have some sort of scriptural authority for it.
I hope you are able to worship with a local church where you are comfortable being involved.
