The Libertarian Nature of Churches

by Bill Barnwell
by Bill Barnwell

The local church is a wonderful institution. They are self-sufficient institutions that do much good for their people and the culture at large. Churches and Christianity in general are attacked by certain elements of society and also by some in the libertarian movement. This is unfortunate. To detractors of Christianity, local churches are just havens for "hypocrites." An even worse offense to some is that they benefit from favorable tax laws and that they rely on coercion for success. However, the big picture shows that most churches are examples of successful libertarian ideals in action.

First of all, churches are self-supporting. That nasty collection plate that so many people like to make fun of which is passed each week is the source of income for the church that pays all the bills. That means the church’s own people voluntarily pay the bills. There are no government subsidies. Nobody is being taxed by the State today to support my church or any other church. If a church wants a paid pastoral staff, then the church makes provisions for that (and most pastors I know, give above and beyond 10% of that same money back to the church in their tithing). Some churches have objections to having a paid pastoral staff. They use that money for other purposes based on how their congregations see fit. It’s their choice, their decision.

Basically, any money that is spent is by the consent of the people. If the people look at how money is being spent and don’t like it, then they can make changes. Most churches have a very transparent policy regarding letting their people see how much money is being taken in and spent and how it is being spent. So those little collection plate (some churches use an even more anonymous collection box in the back of their churches) are not only symbols of spiritual devotion, they are also wonderful little instruments of libertarianism in action.

If a church wants electricity, running water, heat, air conditioning, new pews, a building expansion, etc, they are the ones who pay for it. There are no other entities that are forced to provide for such luxuries for them. They raise the money, provide the manpower, and take the initiative to make things happen—all without state subsidies and involuntary involvement. And if somebody doesn’t like the direction the church is going then they are free to find themselves another church they do feel more comfortable in.

The state is not forcing anyone that is indifferent or opposed to church and/or Christianity to support a church financially or to attend church functions. That is the true meaning of "separation of church and state," not the new modern liberal meaning. Most churches belong to things called "denominations," another derisive terms in many people’s lexicons. While denominationalism has its faults, it does provide a support network for churches of like history and theological leanings. So occasionally the denomination might chip in and help other "district" or "denominational" projects. The state does not or any involuntary agent.

What about churches that disagree with the way in which their district and denominational apportionments being used? Well, if they are that opposed there are ways and means for them to withdraw and go independent. There are a growing number of "non-denominational" churches today that are totally independent of any other organizational structure.

Last year my church decided to redo much of the sanctuary. The vast majority of the labor was done on our own thanks to some gifted workers. This saved all sorts of money and the end-product was just as good as employing others to do the work. Basically when there is any need within the church it’s the people (who make up the church) that do the work. Every church filled with people from various backgrounds who have various gifts and abilities that they use to make the church function. This is I Corinthians 12 in action.

Our church is not unique in this respect. When there is a material or spiritual need within the body, the people often help meet that need. Also, when it comes to financial assistance, most people within the church don’t even usually know the number of people that the church helps. This is done in order to keep the deeds anonymous (though church people usually see how much money total is used at the end of the year towards acts of benevolence so that they see how much is going towards such causes). Unlike Hollywood celebrities and big businesses that trumpet their every good deed with a press release, the vast, vast, majority of good works done by Christians and local churches is done behind the scenes without much self-congratulations and fanfare.

Only the most ignorant and biased would fail to admit the great amount of good that local churches have done in terms of humanitarianism worldwide and also in terms of emotional and spiritual support for those within their doors. Many take issue to Christian activism in the political arena. While I’m a very conservative Christian, I don’t agree with every political aim of the Religious Right. But just because I don’t agree with them or even far-left organizations, they still have the right to vote how they choose and advocate whatever position they so desire. To say otherwise would be rather un-libertarian. The Christians are no more trying to "impose" their beliefs than anyone else taking a part in the political process. Perhaps your problem is not with Christians or the Religious Right, but with the political process itself.

The same thing goes for tax laws. Many people are resentful of churches benefiting from favorable tax laws. The problem is not churches or Christians, it’s the tax code itself. Rather than direct your ire at people of faith, take a look at the bigger picture. Gary North and Norman Patterson have both written some interesting articles about churches and the incorporation debate that I’d encourage you to take a look if you have problems with that issue.

There is indeed a structure of authority within the local church. As a pastor, people are supposed to "submit" to my authority and other sources of authority within the church. But guess what, all submission is completely voluntary. Nobody is forcing anyone to view me as their pastor or even as a legitimate figure. Nobody is forcing anyone to attend church on Sundays or take part in religious activities. Ultimately, they are there, and they respect leadership, because they want to and they want to be faithful to the Scriptures. In fact, the very loyalty to Scriptures and the Bible as a way of life is a voluntary decision in its own right. I don’t have a choice to pay taxes, but I do have a choice to pay my tithe, adhere to the beliefs and activities of my church, etc. Authority structures within the church are much more libertarian-friendly than secular governmental authority structures.

The book of Acts is a great picture of the libertarian nature of the local church. Many people, including some Christians view the first historical church of Acts 2:42-47 as a picture of "Christian Communism." Read the passage and you’ll see why. Afterwards take note that all the selling and giving of property was a completely voluntary measure and that then, like now, the local church has been much more effective in meeting human needs than statist governmental interventions.

The primary reason of a local church is not for fellowship, humanitarianism, or demonstrating libertarian ideals. It is to glorify and worship God. I don’t want to minimize that. It does indeed, however, provide the many other positive benefits listed above and then some. And for 2,000 years local churches have and will continue to be used by God help change countless lives and do much good in the world.

Perhaps it’s time you walk inside a good Biblical church to see exactly what they are teaching and exactly what they are all about. They are good little libertarian institutions, after all.

December 20, 2005

Bill Barnwell [send him mail] is a pastor in Flushing, Michigan. He spent most of his undergraduate college career studying politics and government before feeling called to the ministry. He has completed a Master of Ministries degree and is currently working towards a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree at Bethel College in Mishawka, Indiana.

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