The Biblical Case Against Non-Member Protests at Churches: A Call to Unity and Obedience
In recent years, a growing movement of abolitionists—those passionately advocating for the immediate end to abortion—has taken to protesting outside churches. While their zeal for justice is commendable, a concerning trend has emerged: many of these protesters are not members of any local church themselves. This raises profound questions about biblical authority, accountability, and the proper way to address perceived shortcomings within the body of Christ. As we examine Scripture, it becomes clear that such actions, though well-intentioned, often contradict key biblical principles. This article explores these issues through the lens of God's Word, urging a return to faithful practices that honor Christ and His church.
One foundational biblical command that speaks directly to this matter is the call to committed church membership. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." This passage underscores the necessity of regular, intentional gathering within a local body of believers. Church membership is not optional; it is a divine mandate for mutual edification, accountability, and growth in faith. When abolitionists who are unaffiliated with any church protest outside another congregation, they bypass this structure. Without being under the shepherding of elders or accountable to a local fellowship, their actions lack the biblical framework for correction and encouragement, as commanded in Hebrews 13:17 and elsewhere. Protesting from the outside, without the bonds of membership, can inadvertently undermine the very unity Scripture commands, turning advocacy into division rather than stirring up love and good works within the body. James 1:20 says, “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (LBS). In other words, if abolitionists want to get God’s results, we must do it God’s way.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself provides principles for addressing faults in others: the need for self-examination before confrontation. In Matthew 7:3-5, He warns, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." This teaching emphasizes humility and personal repentance as prerequisites for correcting others. Abolitionists protesting outside churches must first ensure they are living under biblical authority themselves. If they are not part of a church, they may be overlooking a "log" in their own spiritual life—neglecting the command to assemble and submit to leadership. Only after addressing this can one approach others with clarity and grace. Protests that skip this step risk becoming judgmental spectacles rather than loving rebukes, potentially hardening hearts rather than fostering change.
Scripture also instructs believers to focus on shepherding their own flock and to refrain from judging those outside their immediate sphere. In Acts 20:28, Paul addresses the Ephesian elders, saying, "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." Here, the emphasis is on tending to the flock "among you"—not overreaching into other churches. This principle limits our direct involvement to the congregation where God has placed us, trusting Him to handle others. Similarly, Romans 14:4 asks, "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand." This verse prohibits judging another believer's service, recognizing that each church and its members answer ultimately to Christ. For non-member abolitionists to protest at churches, presuming to correct entire congregations without relational or authoritative ties, violates these boundaries. Instead, we are called to entrust other churches to God's sovereignty, focusing our energies on faithfulness within our own. It bares saying here that we must distinguish between “churches” and churches. The word of God gives us clear guidelines for determining what is and is not a church. The clear confession of the gospel and faith in the Lord Jesus is a clear boundary that must be respected and those on the gospel side of it, even when important disagreements arise, must be handled based on 1 Corinthians 13:7 “[love]… hopes all things, endures all things” (LSB).
In summary, the practice of non-church-affiliated abolitionists protesting outside churches, while rooted in a desire for righteousness, contravenes several key biblical directives. From the command to faithful assembly in Hebrews 10:24-25, to Jesus' call for self-examination in Matthew 7:3-5, to the instructions in Acts 20 and Romans 14 to shepherd our own flock without judging others' servants, Scripture paints a clear picture of orderly, humble engagement within the body of Christ. I plead with all believers—abolitionists and otherwise—to embrace these practices: commit to a local church, examine your own heart first, and trust God with the rest. Let us treat fellow Christians as brothers and sisters, even in disagreement, reserving judgment and separation only for cases of biblical excommunication through proper church processes. In doing so, we honor Christ, preserve unity, and advance His kingdom with grace and truth.
