August 2002 - The Sponsoring Church: A Written Debate

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A Note of Introduction

by Rusty Miller

A recent issue of Abundant Life featured an article commenting on a Bulletin Briefs article on parachurch organizations. Our article, by Mark Roberts, showed a direct correlation between such organizations and the sponsoring church arrangement as practiced by many of our more liberal brethren, including Jim Waldron, the writer of the Bulletin Briefs article. Brother Waldron then contacted Mark, challenging his assertions, and outlining debate propositions.more ...

First Affirmative

by Ben Vick

The Scriptures authorize one church to send funds to another church for the purpose of evangelism or edification.

The apostles and elders, with the whole church at Jerusalem, sent letters and men to churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia, explaining God’s will concerning the Gentiles being circumcised and keeping the law of Moses ( Acts 15:22-31; 16:4-5). Here is a case of one church’s having aided several churches in the areas of evangelism and edification. If one church can send a letter to help another church in these areas, then one church can send Bibles or tracts to another church to do the same. more ...

First Negative

by Mark Roberts

It is a delight to study these very important matters with brother Vick and our readers. I am thankful brother Vick is concerned about pleasing God, as I am also.

Does the Bible authorize one congregation to send money to another church for evangelism? Discussions about the sponsoring church led to this debate, so my thoughts and applications center there. Does the Bible authorize the sponsoring church arrangement? Brother Vick says “yes” and it is my task to examine his arguments.more ...

Second Affirmative

by Ben Vick

The Scriptures authorize one church to send funds to another church for the purpose of evangelism or edification. This proposition was affirmed in my first article. Brother Mark Roberts in his first response has attempted to prove it wrong by mere assertion, prejudice and misrepresentation. more ...

Second Negative

by Mark Roberts

No Bible authority for the sponsoring church arrangement exists. Vick’s wild appeals to anything and everything establish nothing. This can be seen by examining the questions I asked Vick that he didn’t answer. more ...

The Preacher’s Pen

by Mark Roberts

In our day of political correctness some may be a bit squeamish about a frank exchange of differences on an issue, as in this month’s AL. Some might even argue that Christians shouldn’t debate. Why did brother Vick and I debate the sponsoring church issue? more ...