Paying Of Tithes
The subject of tithing has caused a lot of conflict in the Church. It is stressed
by most church organizations and public ministries, largely because they all need finance
to operate. So rather than look to God as their source, they do their best to bring
God's people under bondage to the Old Testament practice of tithing. The New
Testament teaches a far better way, and we will be explaining it in detail here. But
first let's see why tithing does not apply to the New Testament Church. Read New
Testament Tithing article.
Church Membership
Membership of an organization does not come from the Scriptures, but is a result of
trying to make the Church another worldly organization. It is an attempt to force
people to subject themselves to rules and regulations that do not come from the Word, but
from the leaders of the organizations. We will see what the Scriptures say about
this.
Emphasis On Church Meetings
One of the Scriptures most used by preachers is Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but
exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
This is largely because preachers want people to come and listen to them, fill the
pews, and pay their dues. If they cannot offer anything to draw people to the
meetings, then they use this as a way of making them feel guilty for not attending
church. But this is only one passage amongst many that teach more important
activities we should be doing as believers. We will consider all of them and see what
the Scriptures teach.
Compulsory Education Or Bible School Training for Ministers
The standard preparation for ministry these days is a period of education at a Bible
Seminary or other educational institution. A person is not considered qualified to
preach the Word until he has some qualification behind him. But what was the pattern
in Bible times? This is another worldly principle that has crept into the
church. We will be looking at the leadership ministries in the Church and God's
pattern for training them.
Statements Of Faith
Because of the many different doctrinal viewpoints there are today, most
organizations have put together a summary of what they believe, which they call their 'Statement of
Faith.' This is just a way of showing that they are different to other organizations
and emphasizes the teachings that they have decided to make their hobby-horse. A
statement of faith is therefore nothing more than one group's interpretation of
Scripture. But what is the Scriptural pattern? We will see what the Bible says
about this.
The Pastor As A Super Hero
Since the minister of the church has attended a training institution, has a
qualification behind him, and has been given credentials by his organization, he is set up
in a position that places him a cut above the rest. He is to be revered, called by
his title (usually 'Pastor') and is the final authority in the church. The Scripture
teaches very clearly what it is that gives a man authority and how he should be treated by
those whom he leads. We will consider exactly how leadership in the church should be
set up and how such leaders should function.
Church Buildings
Have you noticed that one of the first things a congregation does when it grows in
size, is to start making plans for a church building. This building then becomes the
"Church" and we refer to a church by where its buildings are - The Church at the
corner of Main Street and First Avenue. But the early church were not like this at
all. We will see what God's order is for church buildings.
enominations are man made
organizations that try to force the way they see things in the Word on those that belong to them.
They have come into existence because of the world system that we live in. The
Church of God is a living organism, not an organization. But to function in the
world, we are forced to adopt some of the worldly procedures. This has led to the
church becoming like another business or club. In many cases we have taken
principles in the Word and twisted them to suit our organization. 
