Why Church ~ On Money

Greetings Dear Reader, 

When the pandemic required major changes in the way we do church, one of the things the church I attend really revealed their heart.  They went from taking up an offering to having offering baskets in the back.  It went from a five-minute up-front ceremony to something that gets mentioned at the end of the service.  

The result was that the church easily realized an increase in funds.   We often hear the trope that all the church is after is money.  There are places that put the budget ahead of being what people need.  They use manipulation, guilt, and chicanery to get money for their coffers. 

Every church needs money to operate.  If it is not obvious that they count on the Father to supply their needs then something is amiss.  Look at what the church does with its money when you are kicking the tires.  If they invest in the needs of the community, give them high marks.  If the money goes to the opulence of the building or the pocket of the leadership, go deeper.  Wealth is not wrong but it must be used for right. 

I know a pastor who has a huge annual salary.  He explained to me that the elders who run this church read that those who teach the Word are worthy of double honor.  They found out the average salary for their congregation and doubled it to determine the pastor’s wages.  What he does with his wealth reveals his generous and giving heart.  Oh, and this church uses 40% of its annual budget for the direct care of those in need. Wealth is not wrong if we use it properly. 

Every church should be able to humbly but easily show how it invests in the community around it.  Each dollar spent should have a job that aids in spreading the Gospel and caring for those in need.  This thinking should also spill over into my own handling of money.  If I do not use what I have to help others then I may be part of the problem.  

There are many churches that get that our resources are intended for helping those in need.  It is not wrong to also have nice things.  I can make a case for the Father wanting us to spend money on what we want.  It is, however, out of balance.  What we must do is become the church known for our generosity and kindness to those in need.   That, Dear Reader, is what money is for. 

Wishing you joy in the journey, 

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good. 

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Follow the money to learn what a church loves.