Question: Where is the authority to have business meetings where all brethren are invited to decide on church matters? (Mo)

Question: What is the basis of scripture, if any, for business meetings where there are elders? (Ar.)

Answer: The subject of business meetings surfaces periodically, probably because, in some cases, they have been the source of much trouble and dissension. We first of all need to address whether or not they are scriptural. Is it all right for brethren to come together and discuss spiritual matters? I believe it is. In fact, I believe it is mandatory for the church to be "up and about the Father's business." In order for this to happen, there must be some planning. If we plan, we must discuss. Hence a need to meet, discuss, plan and act in the best interest of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Rom 12:11 we are admonished not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit serving the Lord. Surely, if we as individuals are so commanded, the Lord would expect no less of His church. In Acts 15 we have a meeting of the church to discuss vital spiritual issues. The apostles, elders, and others gathered for this important occasion. It seems to me that there is precedent here for the church to do the same today. At times we need to discuss issues some spiritual some not in order for the church to move forward.

Another issue surfaces in the latter part of question one i.e. should all brethren decide on church matters in business meetings. Before I give my thoughts on that issue, I feel we need to understand the difference in matters that are spiritual (involving right and wrong, i.e. things a dressed by the scriptures) and those things that are a matter of judgment. For example the time of services, the color of paint we use to paint the building, the size of the ad in the newspaper etc., and a myriad of other things. If there are sharp disagreements over these types of things, then brethren should seek to build consensus so that decisions can be made without hard feelings. (I might add right here that it is my observation that very few of our brethren know enough about the dynamics of consensus building or conflict resolution. In fact, many "leaders" and "elders" are woefully lacking in these skills.) Then, of course, in matters where the scriptures speak, there is no room for discussion or compromise. It has been my observation that most of our difficulties arise when we argue and wrangle over matters of little or no consequence, often to the point of division. Should everyone participate equally in all decisions made by the church? I do not think so. I well remember a certain business meeting I attended a number of years ago where a young man who was baptized after services on Sunday morning voted in the meeting that afternoon. He knew absolutely nothing about the workings of the church, and very little about the bible yet he had his say. Brethren this is wrong. In the first place the church is not a democracy. Never was, never will be. To settle issues by voting and allowing everyone to have equal vote is contrary not only to the scripture, but good common reasoning as well. The leadership of a congregation is charged with guiding the church. It makes good sense for any group of leaders to consult members of the congregation when making decisions that involve the membership. However, to allow everyone to participate in the formulation and ultimate outcome of those decisions cannot be supported b y the scriptures. Those older in the Faith should explain to younger men, well in advance of a business meeting, the scriptural procedures that are followed so that no misunderstanding arise. I might add right here that I know of no company, organization, or business that allows the novice the same say as the employee or executive with years of experience. Brethren, why should the church? If Paul restricted the eldership to experienced Christian men, surely we can see the folly of giving novices the same power and privileges accorded those seasoned in the faith.

The second question deals with the scriptural basis for business meeting in a church where there are elders. In my opinion, one of the greatest threats we face in churches who have appointed elders in recent years is the tendency on the part of some to 'lord it over God's heritage." I Pet 5:1-3. It seems as though they take their appointment as a license to do whatever they please without consulting anyone. Such practices always backfire. It is only a matter of time until brethren refuse to be led by such men. The meeting we cited in Acts 15 was a meeting to discuss spiritual matters concerning the church. At this meeting there were apostles, elders and others. McGarvey remarks "Neither this nor the former meeting was composed exclusively of the apostles and elders, for we have seen, from verse fifth, that the messengers were received by the Church, and we learn, from the twenty-second verse below, that at this second meeting the whole Church were present." (Commentary on Acts) This is an indication that discussion and input were shared by a large number of brethren. This is not to say that final decisions should not be made by elders, for in many situations they should. However, for elders to ignore the input, advice, and concerns of the people they lead is neither wise nor right. A business meeting provides an excellent opportunity for such concerns to be heard.

A final word. Business meetings can be a blessing or curse, depending on how they are handled. I have known of some churches who have a business meeting whether they need it or not. In such cases business is often manufactured, and as a result the meeting ends in confusion. Because of this, brethren should take care to structure business meetings to be scriptural, productive, and profitable at all times. (Send all questions to Ronny F. Wade, P.O. Box 10811, Springfield, Mo. 65808)