This statement is being made by members of the church.: , "The same verse that authorizes a water cooler in the church building authorizes a kitchen." It needs to be dealt a "death blow". It is based upon fallacious reasoning.

The obligation to assemble (Heb. 10:25) necessitates a place. A church building with furnishings and equipment is authorized in the command. Seats, hat racks, water coolers, rest rooms, nurseries, lights, rugs, cooling and heating contrivances are designed to facilitate a gathering of worshipers. But can such be said of a kitchen? Its design is to facilitate social gatherings.

There is something wrong with one's "thinker" or "attitude" who cannot see the difference between equipment for facilitating a gathering of worshipers and equipment for use in social and entertainment activities. Find the verse that authorizes the congregation to function as a social organization and you will find Bible authority for a kitchen. This is the issue And to call for chapter and verse concerning the question is not "factional Preaching" but rather gospel preaching. The real troubles of "Israel" are the ones advocating unauthorized practices. The mission of the church does not include fun and frolic. Bible "fellowship" has no reference whatsoever to such activities. It is that which Christians enjoy in the work, worship and service of the Lord. It always has a religious and spiritual significance as used in the scriptures.

Does a kitchen aid the church in discharging some duty? If not, it is indefensible, and not merely a matter of judgement or preference.

One person inquired of me, "Do you believe that it's good for Christians to associate together?" I replied, "Yes". The person then said, "I can't see anything wrong with a kitchen because it's simply for get togethers." Others approach the subject from the same point of view; hence the need for study and discussion.

Many things are good, but not the work or mission of the church. It's good for brethren to fish together, but the church has no Bible authority to sponsor a business and furnish equipment. It's good for Christians to study economics together, but the church has no authority to sponsor a school and furnish the books.

Let's quit making arguments that the denominations wore out years ago and get right down to the real issue.
Dean Bullock