ANSWER: Generally speaking, it is not wrong! The Lord has appointed that a plurality of elders is to have the rule over their own congregation. They are to rule only in matters of option, since the Lord has already ruled in matters of faith and doctrine. Some congregations have opted not to own a building, but to rent a facility for worship services. Some have opted to buy a building already erected, others to build a place of worship. There is no specific commandment as to “houses of worship,” other than the fact that since it is commanded that we worship, a meeting “place” is clearly and of necessity implied. The “where and how” is a matter of opinion falling under the jurisdiction of the local eldership! If a need arises in a congregation for a fellowship hall in the opinion of the elders, either within or without the “place” of worship, it is their decision to make. God will judge that decision! A “place” of worship is just that, nothing more; nothing less! It is not to be understood as a “holy place” that can be desecrated by using it for other purposes, such as having a common fellowship meal within it, outside of the worship service!

Without doubt, the erection and use of fellowship halls has been abused by some through misuse and excessive expenditures, to the near exclusion of the Great Commission! It is, as well, true that the same thing can be said about “meeting houses,” more aptly described as “Cathedrals!” However, the misuse of “buildings” by some does not mean that having a “fellowship hall” is of itself sinful, as some would claim. Certainly, the passages you suggest (1 Corinthians 11:20-22; 33-34) have nothing to do with “buildings” per se! In context, the Corinthians had turned the Lord’s Supper into a banquet for the express purpose of enjoying the satisfaction of their own physical hunger and thirst, thereby thwarting the divine purpose of this act of worship. Paul is simply saying, ‘when you come together to partake of the Lord’s Supper, do it for the right reason (vs.26). Satisfy the physical needs of your bodies in your own houses, not in the worship services!’ Note in 1 Corinthians16:19 and Romans 16:5 that Paul talks about (and sanctions) the church that meets in the “house” of Aquila and Priscilla. Clearly, this righteous couple ate and drank in the same building (their house) in which the church worshiped. Apparently then, their house (in whichthey dined) also doubled as a place of worship and a “fellowship hall” (Acts 2:46).