Church Cooperation in Financing Evangelism: The Debate on Sending Funds
The debate at the Church of Christ in Lagos delves into the scriptural aspects of church cooperation and financing evangelism. It questions the practice of sending funds from one church's treasury to another for evangelism, citing Acts 11:27-30 and I Corinthians 16:1-3. The discussion explores the boundaries of church collaboration in evangelistic endeavors, highlighting the New Testament patterns and limitations in funding support.
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Church Cooperation in Financing Evangelism: Church Cooperation Is Delimited Under Each Work; It Is Unscriptural For A Church To Send Funds From Her Treasury Unto Another Church For The Purpose Of Supporting The Recipient's Evangelism Work Affirmative By Osamagbe Lesley EGHAREVBA A Debate Held At The Church Of Christ, Igando Oloja, Lagos State On The 19th Of June, 2021 Between O. Lesley Egharevba & John Oboroh.
Outline Definition of Terms In Proposition New Testament Pattern of Cooperation With Its Delimitations Is Acts 11:27-30 Authority For Sending Funds For Evangelism? Is I Corinthians 16:1-3 Authority For Sending Funds For Evangelism? Are These Examples Binding? How the Church Did its work of Evangelism What Is Wrong With A Church Sending Funds to Another For Evangelism? What About the Churches Established Through This Unscriptural Means? Conclusion Questions to Brother Oboroh Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 2
Definition of Terms in Proposition Church: A local assembly of Christians that meets regularly for the purpose of worship and work of the Lord, under the supervision of its own elders (Acts 13:1 Now in the church that was at Antioch ). Cooperation: The act of cooperating or being cooperative (English dictionary). To cooperate, however, means to act or work together with another person or group to do something (Merriam Webster) Delimit: (1) To mark, fix or define the limits of (2) To demarcate (English Dictionary) Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 3
Definition of Terms In Proposition Under Each Work: This includes the works of evangelism, edification and benevolence (Eph.4:12; Matt.28:19-20) for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20) Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 4
Definition of Terms In Proposition And so, we mean, when it comes to churches working together in carrying out the mission of evangelism, edification and benevolence, there is a NT pattern revealed for each work and this pattern sets limit on what the churches can do. The other part of the proposition reads; it is unscriptural (i.e. having no scriptural authority either by command, example or inference) for one (or more) church(es) to send funds from their treasuries unto another church for the purpose of supporting the recipient s evangelism work. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 5
Definition of Terms In Proposition I am not opposing church cooperation, neither am I denying the right of churches to work together (cooperate) in preaching the gospel or establishing congregations. The issue is on HOW should the church cooperate in preaching. Should it be done jointly or concurrently? In other words, should funds be joined together by two or more churches in order to preach OR should each church plan its work within its ability and jurisdiction of its elders and directly support gospel preachers to preach? I oppose the former believing it has no scriptural justification. Scriptural church cooperation were always of concurrent and never joint action. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 6
Definition of Terms In Proposition Basically, I am affirming that: Each church is to plan its own work within its ability and then finance it by itself with full oversight of the elders among them (I Pet. 5:2-3; Acts 20:28; 14:23). Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. So when they had appointed elders in every church Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 7
Definition of Terms In Proposition These passages show that elders are only to take oversight of their own members. For the elders of one church to take oversight of the members, money and work of another church apart from the church they oversee is going beyond what is written and the moment a church gives her money to another church to preach for her, she has lost oversight and control of such funds. There is not a single example in the NT where a church financially shared in the responsibility of another church (either partly or fully) when it comes to evangelism and edification. There is not a single NT command nor precedent where a church plans her programme and then solicits for financial support from another church. The onus is on anyone who denies this to show such command or precedent in the NT. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 8
The NT Pattern of Church Cooperation In Evangelism and Edification, When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the gospel had reached Samaria, they sent Peter and John to them (Acts 8:14,25). They did not send money to the church in Samaria to assist her in the work; rather, the preachers were the ones supported to go out. When the gospel was preached in Antioch and a congregation was established, the Jerusalem church cooperated with the church in Antioch by sending Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:22). Again, the preacher was the one supported to go out. Different churches worked together in supporting an evangelist to preach the gospel (II Cor. 11:8-9; Phil. 1:5; 4:15-16). We need to understand that in the preaching of the gospel, God has designed that the preachers be supported to preach and not transferring funds from one church to another (I Cor. 9:14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 9
The NT Pattern of Church Cooperation Let us notice that this support was sent directly to the evangelist (Phil. 4:18; II Cor. 11:9) Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked, the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything, I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I keep myself. This shows a number of churches may cooperate in supporting the same preacher but each church must send directly to the preacher and not to a church and without centralization of pooled funds. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 10
The NT Pattern of Church Cooperation No church in the New Testament ever sent money through or to another church for preaching/evangelism. In Benevolence; The church in Antioch made up its own funds for benevolent work by contributing to needs of "brethren in Judea" in time of famine (Acts 11:27- 30). They sent it through their messengers, Barnabas and Saul. 27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.28Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.29Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.30This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 11
The NT Pattern of Church Cooperation The churches of Macedonia, Achaia, and Galatia cooperated in meeting the needs of the Jerusalem church when the need was so great that the Jerusalem congregation could not meet it. (Romans 15:25-27,31). This benevolence was sent to Jerusalem by the messenger (individual) selected or chosen by each church (I Corinthians 16:3-4; II Corinthians 8:16- 24). There was no pooling of funds in this case and no combining of funds under centralized control existed in New Testament days. The funds were administered where they were sent by the elders of the church (cf. Acts 11:30). Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 12
The NT Pattern of Church Cooperation Paul commanded them to send and approved their sending, thus authorizing what they did for the same purpose they did it. But now I am going to Jerusalem to[a]minister to the saints.26For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.27It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. (Rom. 15:25-27) And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.4But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. I Cor. 16:3-4 Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 13
The NT Pattern of Church Cooperation These are the only two instances in the New Testament where a church or churches sent money to another church or churches . And in both instances, the churches receiving the money were destitute churches. Can you give an example of a genuine need in evangelism that requires funding as help? The practice of a church "promoting" a "good work" and soliciting funds from other churches to pay for it is unknown to the New Testament. WHERE IS THE PASSAGE? Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 14
Is Acts 11:27-30 Authority For Sending Funds For Evangelism? The Passage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Bible describes this Bible is silent Obviously, this passage has nothing to do with evangelism and cannot serve as authority for sending funds from one church to another in evangelism. Being destitute is not the same as undertaking a task beyond one s ability. Would you consider a sick brother with leukemia who needs N10M and a healthy brother who plans to buy a private jet so he can fly to SA to preach the gospel as same thing? Who would you give your money if called upon? The Practice of Men Evangelism Man-made emergency Permanent Solicit regularly Not just the church responsibility Work is assumed Planned programme Benevolence Famine Temporary No record of solicitation Local church responsibility Work not assumed Not a planned or created need Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 15
Is I Cor.16:1-4 Authority For Sending Funds For Evangelism? The Passage Benevolence Uncreated need Temporary Work not assumed Bible describes this The Practice of Men Evangelism Created programme Permanent Work is assumed Bible is silent 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Also, this passage has nothing to do with evangelism and cannot serve as authority for sending funds from one church to another in evangelism. To use this text as authority for evangelism, one would have to show its relationship to the work of evangelism. If two brethren or even a church plans an evangelism programme, opens an account for it and begs for funds (say N10B to plant a church in Banana Island and another in Asokoro, and request the recipients to send 5% of their income monthly), Is that the Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism same with a situation where crises or disaster hits a church? NO! Egharevba Oboroh Debate 16
Are These Examples Binding? Yes. Because we find that the same pattern was used in all similar situations without variation; Churches always send out or directly support preachers to preach in evangelism while in benevolence, funds are usually sent directly from church with ability to a church that is destitute. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 17
How the Church Did its work of Evangelism The church in Antioch sent out preachers (Acts 13:3 Then having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away ) The church in Thessalonica sounded out the word (I Thess. 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. ) The Jerusalem church sent out men (Acts 8:14,25; 11:22 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word, they sent Peter and John to them So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch ) Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 18
How the Church Did its work of Evangelism The church in Philippi supported gospel preachers (Phil. 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. ) The church in Ephesus was commanded to preach the word (Eph. 6:15 And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ) Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 19
What Is Wrong With Churches Combining Funds For Evangelism? Injurious to church autonomy: Autonomy is surrendered when a church takes oversight of the money sent from another church. If the sending church says to the receiving church Use this money to preach, they are telling the church what to do. And if the receiving church says; this is what we want to do with the money, they are having control over that money and the sending church has forfeited her autonomy. It ties many churches together and have them guilty of one sin: The seven churches in Asia were judged independently of the other. It suggests each has and does its own work. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 20
What Is Wrong With Churches Combining Funds For Evangelism? It is a bad example: Imagine if all churches start begging to do evangelism. That would be shameful. How would you feel if you have a son that keeps begging all the time to carry out a project he chose to do? Is it even expedient to obligate oneself beyond one s ability? COC Lagos Youth, Lagos Preachers Forum and various church planting teams are all perpetual beggars. The only way to sustain their work is to keep begging. Some are currently begging for N1.6M to plant a church in Ajah and they think they are doing a good job. God recognizes the strength of each congregation and would not expect a church to do beyond her ability. The church in Philadelphia had little strength but worked according to her ability (Rev. 3:8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, for no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. ). Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 21
What About the Churches Established Through This Unscriptural Means? Just like a child born through or by means of fornication is not guilty of the sin of the parents, the churches established through pooled funds are also not guilty of the sin of the parent or sponsoring churches provided they are taught and realize that the means through which they came to existence was wrong and unwilling to tow that path. Some may think they are getting results while engaging in these unscriptural schemes; well, Moses also got the desired result when he hit the rock instead of speaking to it as God instructed but he lost the opportunity to enter the promise land. Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 22
Conclusion In evangelism, the local church sent out men to preach, raised its funds, selected its messenger and sent directly to the work being done (support of gospel preachers). In benevolence, the local church raised its funds, selected its messenger and sent directly to the work being done (destitute church in need). Where is the passage setting forth either precept, example or inference that any New Testament church ever sent a contribution through another church to be forwarded to the work being done? Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 23
Questions to Brother Oboroh (1) Do you believe in joint cooperation of churches in evangelism or in the centralization and control of pooled funds by churches to preach? If yes, what scripture teaches that? If no, why are you affirming now that it is scriptural for one church to join her funds with another for evangelism? Don t you consider there is a joining of funds when a church sends funds from her treasury unto another church for evangelism? (2) Do you have a scripture that shows a church sends funds to another in evangelism? (3) Whose work is such project when a congregation sends funds from her treasury to another church to preach? Is it the sending church at work or the receiving church at work or both? If both, isn t that a joint effort? And if it is the recipient's work (as our propositions state), what business does the sending church has in that work? Should churches interfere in each other s work? (4) If one church can send money to help another in evangelism, why can t 100 churches send to one church to help her? If 100 churches send to one church to help her preach, is that not a pool of funds and centralizing it under the eldership of a single church? Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 25
Questions to Brother Oboroh (5) Do you consider the contributions from churches to help Lagos Preachers Forum and COC-Medical Trust Fund in evangelism and benevolence to be sinful? If yes, what scripture have the churches violated by sending funds to these works? If no, why do you support it and you are against joint cooperation if you truly do? (6) Would it be sinful if the church at Badore decides to send all her money meant for evangelism every month to DSC church in Warri or Efon Alaye church in Ekiti to assist her in evangelism? If yes, what scripture has the Badore church violated? If no, by what scale do you determine the amount and duration Badore church can send? (7) Would you allow the elders at Lekki church in Lagos to take over the control of the teaching, discipline of members, and other activities of the church at DSC for about a month? If yes, is that not elders taking oversight of the flock not among them? If no, Why would you consider it appropriate for them to take over the control of your funds in their work of evangelism? Why is the generic law of mutual helpfulness not relevant in this case? Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 26
Questions to Brother Oboroh (8) Who are to be supported to preach the gospel according to I Corinthians 9:14? The gospel preachers or congregations? (9) Since the NT command specified those who are to be supported to preach, do you think it would be right to send funds to another apart from the ones specified? Remember Uzzah! (10) Can you cite one NT example where a help was sent to a church and the receiving church was not destitute? Why is it that churches requesting for funds today to preach are churches with money in their bank accounts? (11) If the generic law of mutual helpfulness authorize a church to send funds from her treasury to another church for evangelism, why can t the same law of mutual helpfulness authorize a local church to send her elders to oversee another congregation s activities ? Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 27
Questions to Brother Oboroh (12) Can every congregation attempt to accomplish within its ability, the work that God has given the church to do? (13) Is it good stewardship and counting the cost or rather high-mindedness and bad planning for a church to plan a work beyond its ability and solicits contributions from other churches to execute it, given that the initiator is not destitute and under an emergency situation that such work must be accomplished in a limited time frame? (14) Currently, there is a cry for help by some. They want 1.6 million Naira to plant a church in Ajah area of Lagos and are begging for funds. Do you find such to be scriptural? If yes, show the scripture authorizing such arrangement. (15) Do we have instructions purely for individuals in an epistle written to the church and vice versa? Church Cooperation In Financing Evangelism Egharevba Oboroh Debate 28
