Articles
Questions and answers about church funds
Can church funds be used for any good work? No. Paul told Timothy that the church was not to use their money to help someone in need when they have family that can help (I Tim. 5:16).
Can the church use its funds to help just anyone in need? No. Churches are to help needy saints (I Cor. 16:1). Individuals can help anyone they want while the local church is limited.
Can the church use its funds to finance parties for the kids, senior trips, summer camps, etc.? No. The funds are used for evangelism, edification and benevolence (Eph. 3:10; I Tim. 5).
Can churches take up collections whenever they want? No. The Lord gave authority for churches to take up a collection on the first day of the week (I Cor. 16:2).
Should churches tell the members to tithe? No. That was under the old law which is no longer binding (Col. 2:14). Christians give as they purpose in their heart (I Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor. 9:7).
Should what individual members give be made known to the other members? No. In the passages used above, they clearly state that giving is an individual thing. Also, according to II Cor. 8:12, saints give according to what they have, not what they don’t have. In other words, it is none of my business what other members give.
Based on the last question, does it even matter that Christians give? Yes. To not give as one has prospered is to go against the command of God II Cor. 9:6-7).
Should members know what the funds are being used for? Yes. In order to give purposefully, one needs to know what the church is doing. If the funds are used inappropriately, then those who give are in err (I Cor. 16:1-2).
