The Use Of The Building
It is evident to all thinking Christians that the problem of "church entertainment" is one that has been hanging over the brotherhood a number of years. Many writers, more able than I, have discussed this problem, but I feel a reminder is in order and will be profitable to all.
In the first place, it should be understood that the church does not have the responsibility of entertainment. In 1 Corinthians 2:10,11 we are told. "The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." Since man can know the "things of God" only by the Spirit, and the Spirit has stated nothing about the church entertaining, we conclude it is not among "the things of God." The apostles were guided to "all things" (John 14:26), but they were not taught anything about church entertainment. Therefore, entertainment is not included in "all things." Then again, the apostles were directed to "all truth" (John 16:13), but they were not guided to the church having the work of entertainment. Therefore, "church entertainment" is not a part of truth. Although these New Testament principles are easy to understand, some stumble at the teaching and place the church in the business of entertaining.
Sometimes it is argued that entertainment is the responsibility of the individual, but the individual can have his entertainment in the building owned by the church. For example, a teacher wants to give his class a party, and decides the church building would be the best place to have the party. This, some would say, is all right. I am unable to see how a person could consistently argue that entertainment is an individual responsibility, and then turn around and use church property for something that is not the responsibility or work of the church. The church can no more furnish the place of entertainment and electricity used during the entertainment, than it could furnish the refreshments. The building has been purchased out of the treasury of the church. It has been purchased to help the church carry on her work. Since entertainment is not the work of the church, let us not use the building for that purpose.
There is nothing wrong in having "fellowship in the basement of the church building," if the fellowship is in something that is the work of the church. However, too often the word "fellowship" is used synonymous with entertainment. According to Thayer, the word fellowship means "joint participation." In the light of this fact, a church may "fellowship" and do no wrong as long as they are jointly participating in something that is the work of the church. When a church sponsors entertainment in which the members may have "fellowship," it has gone beyond the word of God.
Clean entertainment and relaxation is not only pleasant, it is necessary for healthy living. However, let us not place the responsibility of entertainment upon the church.