From the Elder's Pen "Some Activities" 2/2/03 Past/Future Articles

Simply to label something as “the church’s work” does not make it so.  It is amazing how many things brethren today try to pass off as “the work of the church,” yet in many cases there is no Biblical authority for the church to be engaged in such activities or use it funds to finance them.  Only that which is authorized by the Lord in the New Testament can be considered the work of His church (Matt. 28:18, 20; Col. 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 John 9).  We do not agree that the Bible teaches that it is the work of the church to:

1. Provide entertainment, fun and games.
2. Build and maintain Family Life Centers.
3. Operate secular schools (from kindergarten to colleges).
4. Have a “church ball team” in a “church league.”
5. Be involved in business enterprises in order to finance its activities.

Surely this list could be expanded to include many other unlawful activities that some have mistakenly considered to be the work of the church.  Again, if something is going to fit into the category of “the work of the church,” then it must be authorized by the New Testament of Jesus Christ.