INDIVIDUAL VS. CHURCH ACTION

One of the major problems in the proper use of the scriptures within the Lord’s church today is the misunderstanding between individual and church responsibility. We often hear: “Anything the individual can do the church can do.”

The fact that some church and individual activities overlap should not confuse us. For example, the church is authorized to support the preaching of the gospel (Phil. 4:15), and individuals may also support the preaching (Gal. 6:6). However, it is a hasty generalization to infer that this example proves that anything an individual is authorized to do the church is authorized to do.

When the church takes on a responsibility it binds every member to support it (1 Cor. 1:10). Binding of individual opinion usurps the authority of Christ; even the thing bound is not. sin and of itself (Matt. 15:1-9).

This type of usurpation of the authority of Christ is nothing new. The argument over circumcision in Acts 15 was such an issue. The individual practice of circumcision was not condemned (Acts 16:3). However, the attempt to bind it on all members was staunchly condemned (Acts 15:1-2). The individual could do it, but it was not the business of the church.

Consider some other very clear cases:

Individuals were to support widows within their own families while the church was only to support widows who qualified to be faithful and destitute (1 Tim. 5:16).

Individuals are to get involved in disciplinary action as soon as it is known to them; they are not to involve the church until they have exercised due process (Matt. 18:15-17).

Individuals have jurisdiction over their property; it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the church until they voluntarily contribute it to that purpose (Acts 5:1-4).

Individuals have the obligation to serve those for whom we work, but the church has no such obligation (Eph. 6:5).

This list could go on ad infinitum, and we challenge the reader to see the principle that is being illustrated and add other examples where God has clearly differentiated between that which he wants Christians to do as individuals and that which he wants His church to do. Those who make statements to the contrary are either doing so out of ignorance or specifically intending to confuse. Let us not get confused as we put forth our best efforts to rightfully divide God’s word.