Church Fund Raising (Part 2)

(Read Church Fund Raising, Part 1 First)

Church Fund Raising: Fundraising Involves Discernment
Church fund raising is biblical and necessary. As Christians, we should give, and give generously. However, giving also involves a great deal of discernment and wisdom. The Bible tells us to "Test everything, hold on to the good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This certainly applies to our responsibility in giving to churches and other Christian ministries. Any type of fundraising activity needs to be tested against the scriptures:

• New Testament giving should always be voluntary. Christians are exhorted to give as part of their spiritual growth, but never forced to give in any amount or way. Ministries that demand a certain amount, or condemn members for not supporting a certain project, are violating biblical principles (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
• Biblical giving should be proportional to one's income. Giving beyond one's ability or to the point of debt is unbiblical and can lead to financial bondage. This is not to say that God won't test our faith and ask us to give more than usual, but scripture clearly instructs us to give out of what God has already given to us (see 2 Corinthians 8:11-12).
• Biblical giving entails accountability. It is important to know how His money will be used to benefit the Kingdom. One should be wary of any fundraising program that will not willingly disclose its financial activities. Paul made sure the churches appointed Godly men from their congregation to oversee the distribution of the funds, so no one could doubt the integrity of the projects (see 2 Corinthians 8:18-21).
• Biblical giving is always motivated by love - love for God and love for others. Giving must never be motivated by selfish gain or recognition. Love was the primary motivation for the collection made by the early church. Any fundraising activity that promises material blessings or says "give this and God will do this for you" should be heavily scrutinized (see 2 Corinthians 8:24).

Church Fundraising- More Blessed to Give
At the beginning of this piece we asked the question, "Why would an omnipotent God need anything from us?" The answer is simple. God doesn't need anything from us. A cheerful giver will realize that biblical giving is an exercise of love, faith and obedience. Our ability to give freely, and without regard for what we will get back, reflects our heart condition. Do we merely profess love for God and others, or do we show it in tangible ways?

"But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17)

Giving also demands great faith. Giving of our resources reflects our trust in God's provision. Our faith and reliance on God is increased when we are able to give and see God's faithfulness. God wants us to put our total trust in Him and not find our security in money and possessions. God is indeed all-powerful, and He needs nothing from us. However, He helps us grow in spiritual maturity by inviting us to play a part in His plans and purposes through our giving. As Christians, we give not out of guilt or coercion. We give out of a profound sense of wanting to share in the love and blessing God has already bestowed on us. Whether the amount is great or small, our obedience in giving brings forth joy and enlarges our faith.

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