The Real Issue Is Scripture

In matters of doctrine, lifestyle, and church fellowship, Christians often find themselves pulled in multiple directions by tradition, by culture, or by personal experience. But if we believe that all Scripture is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16), then our ultimate authority is not our background, our upbringing, or even our most heartfelt convictions. It is the Word of God. And when church practice contradicts the Word, we must choose Scripture every time.

As a pastor, my mission is simple yet weighty feed the flock of God with the Word and pursue reform wherever God’s Word calls for it. I do this not because I want to be controversial or countercultural, but because I love God and I love the Bible, which is His voice to His people.

That’s why I’ve taken a firm yet balanced position on a subject that has stirred passionate debate: alcohol and church membership.

Abstinence and Biblical Freedom

I have chosen to abstain from alcohol. I believe this is wise, commendable, and consistent with biblical principles. I have taught this from the pulpit, including a detailed message on October 4 that outlined the moral, pastoral, and cultural reasons why Christians would do well to consider abstinence as a way of life.

However, my personal practice and pastoral counsel are not the same as a biblical requirement. That distinction matters deeply.

While I believe abstinence is beneficial, I do not believe it is mandatory for inclusion in the body of Christ. That’s because the New Testament does not make total abstinence a prerequisite for membership in Christ’s Church.

To require more than Scripture requires is to add to the Word of God and that is no small thing.

The October 14 Discussion

On October 14, our congregation came together to address the question. Should total abstinence from alcohol be a requirement for church membership?

The conversation was heartfelt. Members shared powerful stories and convictions about the dangers of alcohol. Many testified to its ruinous effect in families and communities. Those warnings should be taken seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol use leads to over 140,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. The destructive power of alcohol misuse is undeniable.

But the core issue in our meeting was not the societal effects of alcohol. It was Scripture.

What does the Bible say about this?

What Scripture Teaches

In the New Testament, wine is present in weddings (John 2), in communion (Matthew 26:27–29), and even in Paul’s pastoral advice to Timothy: “Use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23).

Nowhere does Scripture require total abstinence from alcohol. What it does clearly and repeatedly condemn is drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:21, Proverbs 20:1).

This means that, while abstinence may be the wisest and most prudent path for many, we cannot make it a biblical command. Nor can we bar from membership those believers whose conscience allows occasional, moderate use of alcohol so long as it does not lead them into sin or cause others to stumble (Romans 14:21).

According to Lifeway Research, 41% of practicing Christians believe drinking alcohol is morally acceptable, while 59% either abstain or oppose it. The Church is clearly divided, and this underscores the importance of grounding our positions in the unchanging truth of Scripture, not in shifting opinions or church traditions.

The Danger of Adding to the Word

When we say, “It is not in the Word of God, but we forbid you a place in this body,” we cross a dangerous line. We presume to speak where God has not spoken. We risk making human tradition equal to divine revelation. Jesus Himself warned the Pharisees of this very error when He said, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8).

This does not mean we cannot urge wisdom, caution, or even strong personal convictions. But it does mean we must draw a clear boundary between what is commanded by God and what is recommended by man.

To confuse the two is to impugn the authority of Scripture and that is a serious matter.

Let the Word of God Speak

We are not finished with this conversation. Over the next three months, we invite our congregation to continue wrestling with the Word. If there is clear, compelling biblical support for requiring total abstinence as a condition of church membership, let it be brought forth.

But so far, that case has not been made.

Let us remember: we are not called to shape the Church according to our fears or preferences. We are called to shape it according to the Scriptures. And if the Bible does not require abstinence for membership, neither should we.

Let’s be a people who love the Bible not just in word, but in practice. Let’s trust that God’s Word is sufficient because it is. And where it is silent, let us be humble enough to stay silent, too.

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