Bible Question:
Greetings Steve! When you say that we need the church's permission to conduct a Bible study, are you talking about any Bible study or only Bible studies done in the name of the church? I have pastored for over ten years and I currently work with our church's small group ministry. I would never say that someone needed my permission to invite some neighbors over and have a Bible study. However, if they are doing it as an official ministry of the church, then they must go through training, report regularly, ect.... Personally, I would be concerned about any church that tried to exercise so much control over it's members that they couldn't hold a Bible study on their own, unless it was being done in the name of the church. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: Pastor Tim, we agree. If it is part of the church's ministry, we should get permission from them. I think it also applies to if I have more than three church families gather ... unless there is a good reason. On the latter, I think it would be good to let the church know. I also think we can, better should, gather together with belivers from other churches, who live in the same neighborhood ... to discuss the majors. I have known personally of churches who wanted an account of all you do. Too wierd. Steve |