Question
For a congregation that is not scripturally organized, viz-a-viz having Elders and Deacon in place, rely on brethren business meeting to deliberation on the affair of the congregation. In such a business meeting, is it unscriptural for the Church to provide refreshments for brethren that will be in such meetings?
Answer
First, let me make some observations about decision-making in the local church. The divine arrangement for congregational decision-making is elders in every church. There are to be elders in every church (Acts 14:23; Titus1:5). Elders are to rule the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 5:17). To rule is to make decisions that those who are ruled are obligated to follow (Exodus 18:21-26; cf. 1 Kings 20:40). A congregation with no elders should be diligently striving to develop, select, and appoint men to this office.
A church may not have men qualified to be elders (1 Timothy 3:2, 11; Titus 1:7). In such a situation: (1) Men still make decisions for the church (Acts 13:1-3). Women may not rule over (help make decisions for) men (1 Timothy 2:12). The younger should submit to the elder (1 Peter 5:5). No one should seek or be allowed to have preeminence (3 John 9-10). All members of the church (including women) have the rights to: have their opinions and needs considered (Acts 6:1), be kept informed (Acts 6:2-4), and have their approval sought (Acts 6:2-5). All should strive for unity and peace (Ephesians 4:1-3), seek to please others, and not to cause anyone to stumble (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).
The church should never come together for the purpose of eating a common meal. Common meals are the function of the home (1 Corinthians 11:22, 34). The only meal the church comes together to eat is the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34).
However, if the church is authorized to perform a function, whatever is necessary or helpful to fulfill that function is also authorized. Paul and Barnabas were authorized to “go … preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15; Acts 13:1-4). They did so in a sail ship (Acts 13:4), which, although not mentioned in their commission, was either necessary or helpful to fulfill the command.
A business meeting of the church, even one that has elders, is an authorized function (cf. Acts 6:1-6). Whatever is necessary or helpful to carry out this meeting is incidentally authorized. In America we would have a drinking fountain for necessary refreshment. Paul ate a common meal in the same place the church came together to eat the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7-11). I would not be opposed to refreshments being served if necessary, but be sure not to violate 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34.
