Human Organizations Engaging in Spiritual Works

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The gospel is "the power of God for salvation" (Rom. 1:16). It has been revealed to produce faith among men (Rom. 10:17). It is able to call the sinner to Christ (2 Th. 2:14) and strengthen the Christian (Acts 20:32). The teaching and preaching of the gospel is continually emphasized in Scripture for these reasons.

When we look to the New Testament, we see essentially two entities given the responsibility of spreading the gospel - the church and the individual. Both the church and the individual are bound by God to "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17). That is, both must work according to what has been authorized in the word of God.

Recently, the question has arisen as to whether or not there is divine authority for individuals to establish organizations apart from the local church and preach and teach the gospel through those organizations. The purpose of this page is to provide material (either hosted on Plain Bible Teaching or linked to other sites) that might be helpful as we study the issue. I believe many have not considered the issue seriously, if at all. I had not until relatively recently. It's time we consider it.

To help facilitate an open, honest investigation into these things, I will have material representing both sides - those who defend the practice and those who question the practice. I will try and use my best judgment in listing material I believe is profitable for our study.

If you know of any material that may be helpful in this study that is not listed here, send that to me or forward me a link to where it is available online. You can email me by clicking on the link in the left menu. If I believe the material is profitable, I will include it here.

May we all be diligent and honest as we are "trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord" (Eph. 5:10).

Materials Available for Purchase

All the links on the right are to articles that are available for free on the internet. There have also been some books written on this issue that may be purchased.

Brotherhood Societies by Gene Frost [This book may be purchased directly from the author. Information about ordering can be found at BrotherhoodSocieties.com]

We Have a Right: Studies in Religious Collectivities (Revised Edition) by Dan King & Mike Willis [This book may be purchased from Truth Bookstore]

We Have a Right Answered by Gene Frost [More information about this book can also be found at BrotherhoodSocieties.com]

Study Links

A Response to Mike Willis' Article, "Must We Divide Over Every Issue?" by Tim Haile PDF

A Response to Tim Haile by Al Diestelkamp

An Examination of the "Areopagus" Argument by Tim Haile PDF

An Examination of the "Jesus-Group" Argument by Tim Haile PDF

An Examination of the "Synagogue" Argument by Tim Haile PDF

Aquila, Priscilla and Paul: The A.P.P. Evangelistic Organization? by Tim Haile PDF

Business Bible Lectureships by Tim Haile PDF

"Church" in 1 Timothy 3:15: Local or Universal? by Tim Haile PDF

Clouding the Issue: Claims That Hinder Study by Andy Sochor

Defending Non-Church Collectivities by Al Diestelkamp

Does the Guardian of Truth Foundation Have a Right to Conduct Gospel Meetings? by Aaron Erhardt

Gospel Preaching and Human Organizations by Andy Sochor

God's Missionary Society by Aaron Erhardt

Human Religious Institutions Versus the Church by Tim Haile

Individual and Church Action by Andy Sochor

Invitations to Preach by Andy Sochor

Is Giving an Article The Same as Giving Money? by Tim Haile

Is The Home an "Evangelistic Organization?" by Tim Haile

Let the Church Be the Church! by Ron Halbrook

May Only the Church Teach the Gospel? by Johnie Edwards

Modern Institutional Concepts by Chris Peltz

Non-Church Collectives: Are They Authorized? by Andy Sochor

Paul's Utilization of the Areopagus by Matt Nevins

Preaching Invitation Vs. Preaching Organization by Tim Haile PDF

Preaching the Gospel Versus Selling Gospel Materials by Tim Haile PDF

Review of Johnie Edwards' Article: "May Only the Church Teach the Gospel? by Tim Haile

The "Gaius" Argument by Tim Haile

The Mission Statement of the Guardian of Truth Foundation by Tim Haile

The Truth Lectureship: What It Is & Is Not by Ron Halbrook

The Truth Magazine Lectures: A Few Thoughts to a Friend by Ron Halbrook

We Have a Right - Revisions by Mike Willis & Dan King (Response to We Have a Right, Answered by Gene Frost)

What About the Florida College Lectures? by Andy Sochor

What Is Wrong With Societies, Foundations... by Donald Townsley

Why I Opposed the Guardian of Truth Lectureship by Donald Townsley

Why I Refused to Participate in the Truth Lectureship by Aaron Erhardt