Institutionalism is: The practice of the local church financially supporting human institutions to do the work of the local church.  In addition to that, brethren form organizations to teach the Gospel, train preachers, worship, etc.  Though money is not soliciated by these institutions from the treasury of a local church, they are doing the work of the local church of which they have no authority to do.  For a study on this see the following article and the series of articles that follow it: (A Newer Type of Institutionalism)

Example of Institutionalism:

Some churches ("Institutional churches" we'll call them for our study) believe that it is the work of the local church to aid orphans out of the treasury.  [This will be shown to be wrong throughout this study]. In their belief of aiding orphans out of the treasury, they believe they can do this better by building, maintaining, and overseeing an orphan home (which is an human institution).  Other Institutions may be set up under a board of directors to do works such as evangelism under it's oversight (a missionary society like the Herald of Truth program).

There are side issues that normally come into play such as the sponsoring church movement, supplying aid for non-Christians with God's money, church sponsored social events, etc.   These will be covered under the discussion on the work of the local church.

A plea:

If you are in an Institutional congregation please read the following information with you Bible open as well as your heart open.  I have spent a lot of time studying these issues and have suffered great loses because of my stand for the truth on the matters.  If you find that I am incorrect I would greatly appreciate an e-mail from you telling me so.  Please do me the courtesy of providing book, chapter, and verse if you feel the need to correct me on something.  The following work is a labor of love for those wrapped up in error on these issues as I once was.  I realized I had to take a stand and end my fellowship with erring brethren (II Johhn 9-11 and Ephesians 5:11).  If you come to realize you are in error, and I can help you, please ask.  There are more things to consider than what will be presented in this study.  Please contact me for some help with these issues.

Thank you-   Brian A. Yeager