The Scriptures authorize work for the local church. Appeals to human reasoning without Bible authority are inadequate to assure divine approval (Col. 3:17). The Bible authorizes a local church to (1) Preach the gospel to the lost (1 Thess. 1:8; Acts 11:22-24; 13:2-3), (2) Edify the saints (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:11-16) and (3) Relieve needy saints (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 11:27-30). Adding additional works is done so against God’s will (1 Cor. 4:6).

One such addition to the divine pattern of work for the local church sanctions local church involvement in social and recreational activities.

Those who insist the local church has the divine right to use the church building for social activities have been willing to press their practice to the dividing of God’s people. The issue is not whether we can eat where we worship. Anyone assigning that as the issue is building a straw man that is easily defeated. (Incidental eating is not the issue.) Yes, Christians can indeed worship where they eat (such as homes, Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19). After the straw man has been beaten to a bloody pulp the real issue remains unanswered: What Bible authority allows the local church to plan, promote, and provide social activities (whether conducted at its place of worship or anywhere else)?

The following is from a preacher who teaches and practices church planned and provided social activities:

“When Paul scored the Corinthian Christians for despising the church by eating a common meal therein, he spoke of their assembly for worship, not a church building which they did not have (I Cor. 11:17-22). It is still wrong to mix a common meal with the Lord’s Supper, but it has never been wrong to eat a fellowship meal in a church house. (emp. mine) This has been a troublesome question that has hurt many congregations when well-meaning, but misinformed brethren demanded that church buildings be used only for worship and Bible study and caused trouble if they were used for anything else.” (“What Church Buildings Are and Are Not,” John Waddey, fortify_your_faith Yahoo! Groups, August 17, 2011)

We are not misinformed on what Paul said to the Corinthians: “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in” (1 Cor. 11:22). And again, “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment” (1 Cor. 11:34).

Individuals (the home and family) bear the responsibility of arranging for and feeding the stomach; not the local church. That is what Paul taught. We agree we cannot turn the Lord’s Supper into a common meal. What was the Holy Spirit’s solution? Satisfy your hunger at home, not “when you come together.” That ought to end the matter. But of church-sponsored and supported social activity we ask, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority” (Matt. 21:23)?

Neither are we misinformed about the authorized purpose and use of church buildings. The church building is approved as an aid assisting the local church to obey the Lord’s will to assemble for worship (Heb. 10:25; Acts 20:7). It is a tool to help us obey the Lord’s stated will for the local church. Thus, it is approved for that purpose. What these brethren first must do is provide Scriptural support that the work of the local church also includes these so-called “fellowship meals.” A tool (aid) is not needed and is not approved for use unless that which it facilitates is authorized (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23). In other words, aids are only helpful when they help fulfill God’s revealed will. A building is an aid to help us assemble for worship. But, who authorized the local church to plan, promote, and provide meals and recreational activities? In the absence of Bible authority for this work, using the building for such purposes is a misappropriation of the authorized facility. It is being used for a purpose that is not taught in the word of God.

Mr. Waddey says, “it has never been wrong to eat a fellowship meal in a church house.” If that is correct, then we should have no problem going to the Scripture that teaches us about “fellowship meals.” Where is that Scripture?

It is not Acts 2:42, where the disciples continued steadfastly in “fellowship” and “in breaking bread” (the Lord’s Supper). Shall we add “meals” to this verse? No (1 Cor. 4:6; Rev. 22:18). It is not Acts 2:46, for there the Christians were “breaking bread from house to house” in perfect harmony with 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34. Neither is it Acts 20:11, where “breaking bread” is different from the Lord’s Supper of verse 7. The Scripture is silent about “fellowship meals” as a part of the work of the church at Troas.

One cannot find “fellowship meals” in the New Testament. The term is borrowed from the denominations and forced into such passages as Jude 12 and 2 Peter 2:13. The consistent use of the word fellowship in the New Testament applies to spiritual relationships, associations, and activities (1 John 1:3; 2 John 9-11). It is not applied to fishermen fishing together, farmers working their fields together, or Christians eating meals together. Joint participation? Yes. Fellowship? No.

Division is caused and sustained when brethren insist on adding meals and social activities to the work of the local church. Even now, some who believe themselves to be “conservative” churches of Christ advertise social activities. We ask them the same question: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Is it the work of the local church to advertise and promote the activities of the home and family? If it is, then why not also begin advertising businesses run by brethren? If not, why not? Stay off the slippery slope.

The building is set apart to be used for the authorized work of the local church.