Willisburg Bulletin 10.20.24
by Ken Weliever
With so many churches providing, promoting, and sponsoring recreational activities both for its members and non-members, this is a fair question to ask: “Is recreation a work of the church?”
Apparently a Michigan appeals court doesn’t think so. In a recent ruling the court states that “a multisite Evangelical church in Michigan cannot be exempt from paying taxes on a property meant to serve as a retreat and recreation space,” as reported by The Christian Post.
“Woodside Bible Church filed a complaint against the Township of Forester over whether a property they purchased in 2016 along the banks of Lake Huron, which was known as “The Lodge,” should be taxed.”
“A three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals released a per curiam opinion on Monday that upheld an earlier judgment from a Tax Tribunal denying a property tax exemption.”
The opinion ruled that “while everything petitioner does may serve its mission, that does not necessarily mean that everything petitioner does constitutes holding a religious service or teaching others about its religious beliefs.”
Among the evidence presented by the court was a brochure for the property “actually supported the tribunal’s conclusion that the property served as a primary place for recreation and retreat, because it reads much like [a] flier from a secular hotel or vacation venue, speaking of only retreats, rest, and recreation, and escaping ‘the busyness’ of everyday life.”
Sadly too many churches today have neglected or completely abandoned the Scriptural mission and mandate Christ gave to apostles and to the church to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk.16:15). Instead too many churches have become sidetracked not only by their recreational facilities and activities, but by political activism, social agenda and even money making business enterprises that have become an end within themselves.
It’s no wonder that many non-religious, and non-churched people are turned off by organized religion when they see preachers, pastors, and churches more involved in secular endeavors than spiritual pursuits. One can join the country club, the YMCA, visit Disney World, or enjoy a weekend at a lodge in the state park without joining a church to meet that need. Furthermore, their social and political needs can be met by their own personal choice of affiliation without preachers and churches forcing to accept a view that may run counter to their values.
Acts is history of the 1st century church. In it we read of the world wide evangelistic fervor of the apostles, preachers and newly converted Christians. “They went everywhere preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). There is no hint to using carnal enticements to win souls. Nor were the church funds siphoned off for the personal enjoyment and recreation of its members. The Greco-Roman world was known for its love of sports and entertainment. Ancient Coliseums and amphitheaters in Athens, Corinth and Rome attest to that fact. Yet, there is no mention of any of these churches involving themselves to support, promote or fund such activities. But plenty is written about preaching Christ, teaching the gospel, edifying the saints, and building up the Body of Christ spiritually. Paul told Timothy to “preach the Word…do the work of an evangelist” and “fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:1,5). He didn’t say to “promote your Sea of Galilee Lodge,” or “do the work of an athletic director,” or “minister to the overworked with recreational activities.” Ironic isn’t it, that a Michigan court can see the different between the sacred and the secular, between the carnal and the spiritual and between the religious and non-religious when many churches apparently cannot?