Kindergarten Matter

Bro. SW:

Whether its wise for them to use their building for this or not depends on what they are planning on doing - if they are planning on using a kindergarten to raise money for the church, that wouldn't be right. If they are planning on using a kindergarten to give employment to some of their members who might need it, it might be a work of benevolence. If they are planning on using it to teach the Bible to their students, it could be a work of evangelism.

The church is only authorized to raise funds through its members. I could see a church charging money to cover the costs of the kindergarten, but I don't think it would be right to make a profit.

usually what happens is that if they charge a fee, they intentionally set it lower than they know it will cost


Sis. AW:

There is no authority in the Scriptures for the church to be "in business" at anything but seeking and saving the lost. (Matthew 28:18-20). I would not violate the authority of Scriptures, or "go beyond what is written." God has given the authority of training up the children to the parents.

Regarding Acts 19:8-10, there is NO EVIDENCE that the church (the body of believers) was doing this. It may have been an individual Christian or a group of Christians in this pursuit outside the church. It may also have been a totally secular institution (most scholars who have studied this take this position.).


From Sis. Beth: 

Does the church have any business in furthering secular education? We are the called out of the world to learn to love the brethren according to the commands of God. If the Lord, through the scriptures, authorizes his church to further secular education, I have missed it.  If the church wants to cooperate in allowing some of the brethren to use the building for secular education, that would be a different situation.

I certainly see the reason for wanting to, but I don't see how it would be scriptural. It doesn't fall into the work of the church to educate on anything other than spiritual matters. Reading, writing and arithmetic go beyond. The church functions to build up the brotherhood to the unity of Christ so the gospel may be preached. The funds are for that purpose. (Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; 2 Cor. 11:8-9). 

I would encourage those seeking something other than public schools to home school or to band together with others and create their own private kindergarten school. That is certainly scriptural and curriculum would be in the control of the parents involved.  It's not a need the church is to be burdened with, but definitely one that individuals would do well to fill! More private schools to give competition and options opposed to public school is good for everyone.  Hope those who asked do find something that lessens the amount of evil influence in their precious children's lives. I'm grateful every day we've been able to home school our girls. Their foundation is good if the day comes when we are no longer able/allowed to do so.

like a business venture? The thing I immediately think of is Proverbs 29:15
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom:but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Remembering "left to himself" means "sent out." makes me think we shouldn't be sending our toddlers ANYWHERE, not even to a "Christian" daycare or like kindergarten. The problem is that foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. EVERY little child begins as foolish. Do I want to take my child from his wise(er) mother and put him in the company of fools (other children) all day every day? Better to keep the little ones at home as long as possible. 

If the kindergarten is for non-Christians, maybe Proverbs 13:20...20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.


Bro Gene:

(my notes)
There are only two justifications for daycare school run by the church.

First, it is for teaching the Bible.
Second, it is an act of benevolence.

Generally speaking, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." (1 Cor. 10:23) 

Bro. G thinks many things such as setting a daycare school, we don't have examples, direct inference or commands from the Bible to do them. Elders may refuse to set one for where it will lead to. The biggest concern is that if the church charges from the parents for this kind of school, whatever the charge is for, it might be a stumbling-block to some people who don't understand the situation. Moreover, it might turn kindergarten into a commercial operation and later make members compromise the truth.


Bro. A:

(my rephrasing)
read Acts 19.8-10    
No further information is given about Tyrannus...  How was the school of Tyrannus been conducted?
the church must use secular endeavors to the glory of God. Otherwise, the church is not glorifying God.

Also, it is important to ask ourselves: does the kindergarten would like to remain separate from the church organizationally and financially, but merely share the same building? Or, does the kindergarten want to have all its funds and decision-making governed by the congregational leadership (eldership, or the brothers)? Or, does the kindergarten merely want to be supported financially by the local church, but remain separate? These are just three possible situations, each of which requires different analyses.