Is Money all that Important?

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Some of the givingest churches it has been my honor to be part of were not able financially or in some cases, such as in lease camps, not allowed to build a building or pay a staff. God provided us with able men to step up from the ranks and serve as the preacher.

Because we had no overhead, we were able to support the state children's home, the home and foreign mission boards, tend to the "widows and orphans", help with educating future pastors, etc. Don't assume churches that do not teach the tithe are full of slackers who do not give.

And some of the financially richest churches full of tithers were poor stewards, focused more on building a personal empire and big building than on winning the lost. Some tithers figure they have done all that is necessary when they write the check.

My point stands. The tithe is not an obligation for NT believers and yet at the same time can be a very rewarding benchmark in helping us learn stewardship. But let's not kid ourselves that the work of the Kingdom is dependent upon money. It simply isn't.

Money is a very good tool that can aid tremendously in spreading the gospel. It can also be a trap Satan uses to block that spread. But even those who cannot tithe can contribute mightily to the growth of the Kingdom.

This is just personal experience and your mileage may vary, but I'd much rather be in a church where tithing is beyond the reach of many than in one where it is easy and commonplace. Those in the first will often give sacrificially of money, time, talent, and skill. Those in the second usually complain about everything.

And again, if you believe to be a church requires a paid staff, or a building, or any other overhead then as a believer it is your responsibility to help provide those as you are able. But many of us have experienced a more basic form of church and know you don't have to wait for the money to start up, or have to fold when tough economic times dry up the kitty.

Sacrificial giving in those cases may mean sharing meager food with someone hungrier, or giving clothes you need out of your closet to someone in more need. It may mean stopping tithing so you can take in a relative's child or pay a doctor bill for someone out of work.

But I agree with you completely that churches with building ownership and paid staff must be properly funded. Too often folks want the amenities, want staff to do the work of the Kingdom, and want to sit on their wallets.

Excellent post....thank you:thumbs:

 

[webdog]

I am asking for your input regarding what you think should be considered when gathering and giving to God and the church?

Is money all that a person is required to give back to God [tithe/offering], or can a believer bring forth a "Sacrifice of praise and gifts" in the form of a bundle of talents, spiritual gifts, and personal belongings? Can our in-kind gifts be considered when we give, or is giving just focused on money?

I've gone away from giving money to giving time. I believe the modern church is set up as a business. As someone who is currently struggling financially, I cannot give cheerfully when I see new Mac computers, new lighting and more salaries being taken on...and when money starts falling below budget, everything but these are cut back.

 

[webdog]

Some of the givingest churches it has been my honor to be part of were not able financially or in some cases, such as in lease camps, not allowed to build a building or pay a staff. God provided us with able men to step up from the ranks and serve as the preacher.

Because we had no overhead, we were able to support the state children's home, the home and foreign mission boards, tend to the "widows and orphans", help with educating future pastors, etc. Don't assume churches that do not teach the tithe are full of slackers who do not give.

And some of the financially richest churches full of tithers were poor stewards, focused more on building a personal empire and big building than on winning the lost. Some tithers figure they have done all that is necessary when they write the check.

My point stands. The tithe is not an obligation for NT believers and yet at the same time can be a very rewarding benchmark in helping us learn stewardship. But let's not kid ourselves that the work of the Kingdom is dependent upon money. It simply isn't.

Money is a very good tool that can aid tremendously in spreading the gospel. It can also be a trap Satan uses to block that spread. But even those who cannot tithe can contribute mightily to the growth of the Kingdom.

This is just personal experience and your mileage may vary, but I'd much rather be in a church where tithing is beyond the reach of many than in one where it is easy and commonplace. Those in the first will often give sacrificially of money, time, talent, and skill. Those in the second usually complain about everything.

And again, if you believe to be a church requires a paid staff, or a building, or any other overhead then as a believer it is your responsibility to help provide those as you are able. But many of us have experienced a more basic form of church and know you don't have to wait for the money to start up, or have to fold when tough economic times dry up the kitty.

Sacrificial giving in those cases may mean sharing meager food with someone hungrier, or giving clothes you need out of your closet to someone in more need. It may mean stopping tithing so you can take in a relative's child or pay a doctor bill for someone out of work.

But I agree with you completely that churches with building ownership and paid staff must be properly funded. Too often folks want the amenities, want staff to do the work of the Kingdom, and want to sit on their wallets.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[JamesL]

I was watching late-night t.v. once (years ago), and happened to see Jesse Duplantis come on preaching. I was too lazy to change the channel, so I just watched and listened.

At the end of the program, it switched to him standing in a room, maybe a study or library, whatever.

He said:
We need 7 thousand people to each give $1,000 for "finishing touches" on our new [cathedral, tabernacle, sanctuary, whatever he called it)

Quick math translates that into $7million - for finishing touches.

Aside from his false teachings......
What if your church leaders came up with something like that ??

How many here would say "sign me up. Here's my money" ??

 

[righteousdude2]

That is my point exactly

I've gone away from giving money to giving time. I believe the modern church is set up as a business. As someone who is currently struggling financially, I cannot give cheerfully when I see new Mac computers, new lighting and more salaries being taken on...and when money starts falling below budget, everything but these are cut back.

In the past, at numerous churches I've attended, I've donatd large portions of money to building funds. But the strange thing is, three of the church I gave large gifts to 20 to 30 years ago, have yet to build! Instead they put that money into general funds.

Like you I strugglew financially, and prefer to giving of all the time I can. I am retired, and I can cherrfully volunteer to my hearts desire!

 

[ShagNappy]

What if your church leaders came up with something like that ??

How many here would say "sign me up. Here's my money" ??

Sadly, a great many would turn their pockets inside out to give their last dime for something like this. I was a member of a church who began a new building program. There was no foyer area and directly outside the doors of the sanctuary was the outdoors. There was no where to get out of the weather waiting for the early service to conclude so folks could move inside. The building program we voted on was for a $5 million plan to add a foyer and a guest meeting area. By the end of the project $26 million was spent and the entire church was rebuilt, parts being demolished to the foundation, and turned into nothing short of a palatial compound.

When the pastor and the rest of the people responsible were called on the carpet the congregation was basically told to shut up about it and pay up. Nicer wording was used, but that was the sentiment. It became a real panic situation as they had not planned on carrying that much debt and part of it was about to be called due. Well, a lot of people put themselves in near financial ruin to get this debt paid down. Some folks left, but the majority stuck around. My wife and I were some of the ones who left. The lied, they put themselves in that position, I was fine with them sinking with the ship. We were in a very small minority.

 

[JamesL]

Sadly, a great many would turn their pockets inside out to give their last dime for something like this. I was a member of a church who began a new building program. There was no foyer area and directly outside the doors of the sanctuary was the outdoors. There was no where to get out of the weather waiting for the early service to conclude so folks could move inside. The building program we voted on was for a $5 million plan to add a foyer and a guest meeting area. By the end of the project $26 million was spent and the entire church was rebuilt, parts being demolished to the foundation, and turned into nothing short of a palatial compound.

When the pastor and the rest of the people responsible were called on the carpet the congregation was basically told to shut up about it and pay up. Nicer wording was used, but that was the sentiment. It became a real panic situation as they had not planned on carrying that much debt and part of it was about to be called due. Well, a lot of people put themselves in near financial ruin to get this debt paid down. Some folks left, but the majority stuck around. My wife and I were some of the ones who left. The lied, they put themselves in that position, I was fine with them sinking with the ship. We were in a very small minority.

Yikes. I can't even imagine a scenario like that. I'd imagine that would put an enormous amount of strain on a person's mind.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

I've gone away from giving money to giving time. I believe the modern church is set up as a business.

It has to be, and I see nothing wrong with that. Modern accounting practices, sensible money management, responsible debt reduction serve only to inspire membership confidence in the staff's understanding of good stewardship.

As someone who is currently struggling financially, I cannot give cheerfully when I see new Mac computers, new lighting and more salaries being taken on...and when money starts falling below budget, everything but these are cut back.

I know people have said this to you before, but I know it is true. When you can't afford to give, give anyway. Amazing things happen. But the mindset has to be that you give freely and because it is your blessing to the church, out of faithfulness to it's cause. Any sense of obligation or resentment harbored destroys the blessing you will receive in return. I've seen it time and time again. And, if you're giving regularly, you have a legitimate say in how the money is spent in next year's budget.