Can an Eldership Refuse Admission to the Church Building?

Can an eldership refuse certain people (preachers) from entering their meeting house until those people repent?

Legally, elders could prevent a person or persons from entering a church building or coming on to church owned property; contrary to popular opinion, a church building and the real estate on which it sits is private property rather than public property. Generally, the public is invited on to this private property for such things as Bible class and worship. Church property belongs to the congregation, and elders (or trustees) biblically and legally represent the congregation.

Scripturally, elders have the responsibility to watch out for the spiritual welfare of each member of the church over which they have been appointed, and they must account for the souls in their charge to God (Hebrews 13:17). Part of that responsibility includes protecting the flock of God from false teachers (Romans 16:17-18).

In addition, the business world often escorts employees from the premises and forbids their reentry to company property upon employees resigning or being let go. Sometimes elderships have done likewise with preachers that have resigned or that they have let go. The reasoning is to prevent potential problems respecting property or influence on remaining personnel. Still other elderships have the exterior doors to their church building locked after Bible class, worship, etc. begins and to have admission monitored by responsible adult Christians. This is to discourage robbers from entering or having unattended children wander out the doors and away.

Autonomous congregations may legally and for biblical purposes control access to the assemblies of the local church. Certainly, even appropriate procedures can be abused. Frankly, especially a preacher who is unwelcome at a congregation would probably find himself more comfortable assembling with brethren who readily fellowship him. Of course, where sin is involved on anyone’s part, repentance is in order. Ideally, though, if each Christian were everything that God desires him to be, there would be no issue here at all.