Cheryl Schatz

Elizabeth,

It is true that a recognized church and a non-profit organization operate under the same charitable rules.  For one to say that their “ministry” isn’t “in” a church so they can teach men and take an authority over men against the will of these men is obviously a view that is suspect.  Also for those who follow CBMW who say that God created women to be helpers and not leaders of men, one would have to understand that a “ministry” inside or outside the church when one is teaching spiritual matters and taking authority over men, would not be allowed.  It is an arm of the church.  A church is not defined by how many elders one has or whether there is a set pattern of worship.  A church is a gathering of two or more believers who have come to serve one another with their spiritual gifts.  Churches met in homes in the NT time.  The Church does not have walls.  It has people.