Fundraising is a common practice in churches today, but how does it align with biblical teachings? The Bible provides insight into giving, stewardship, and supporting the work of the church. Let’s explore what Scripture says about fundraising and financial practices within the church.
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What Does The Bible Say About Fundraising In The Church
Acts 4:34-35
“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
This verse demonstrates the early church’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community by actively participating in fundraising and generously giving to support others.
Through their selflessness, they were able to alleviate the financial burdens of those who were in need. This serves as an example for the church today to raise funds with a heart of compassion and a desire to help those within and outside the church community.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse reminds believers that giving should be done wholeheartedly and willingly, not out of obligation or pressure. God treasures the cheerful giver, someone who gives joyfully and with a content heart.
When fundraising in the church, it is important to encourage individuals to give as they purpose in their hearts, understanding that their generosity stems from a place of love and gratitude towards God.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This verse highlights the principle of honoring God by dedicating a portion of our resources to Him. By giving the firstfruits, the best and earliest harvest, we demonstrate our trust in God’s provision.
When engaging in church fundraising, it is important to emphasize the significance of putting God first in our finances and acknowledging that as we honor Him, He will bless us abundantly.
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
In this verse, God encourages His people to bring the full tithe, a tenth of their income, into His house. He promises to pour out abundant blessings upon those who are faithful in their giving to support the work of the church.
When fundraising in the church, it is essential to communicate the blessings that come from tithing faithfully, assuring believers that their contributions will be used to further God’s kingdom and will result in God’s abundant provision.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping. As we generously give and support others, God promises to bless us abundantly and refresh us in return.
In the context of church fundraising, it is important to convey to believers that their generous contributions will not only have an impact on others but will also bring about personal blessings and a sense of fulfillment.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse teaches the principle of reciprocity in giving. When we give generously to others, God promises to bless us abundantly, going above and beyond our expectations.
When fundraising in the church, it is important to highlight the reciprocal nature of giving, assuring believers that as they give, God will multiply and pour out blessings upon them.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
In this verse, we are reminded that when we show kindness and generosity to the poor, we are lending to the Lord Himself. He promises to reward those who compassionately give to those in need.
When engaging in church fundraising, it is important to emphasize the impact of supporting the less fortunate and remind believers that their acts of kindness will not go unnoticed by God.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse highlights the connection between generosity and blessings. When we generously give to those in need, we open ourselves up to receiving blessings from God in return.
When communicating about church fundraising, it is important to encourage believers to share their resources with the poor, knowing that their actions will bring about blessings and favor from God.
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of willingness and intention in giving. God does not judge our offerings based on their monetary value but on the sincerity and readiness of our hearts to give.
When discussing church fundraising, it is crucial to emphasize that every contribution, regardless of its size, is meaningful and valuable, as long as it is given willingly and with a heart of gratitude.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This verse highlights the repercussions of ignoring the needs of the poor. When we choose not to give to those in need, we miss out on the blessings that come from generous giving, and instead, may face negative consequences.
When promoting church fundraising, it is important to emphasize the importance of caring for the less fortunate and the potential negative impact of neglecting their needs.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
In this verse, we are assured that God will supply all our needs according to His abundant riches in Christ Jesus. As we give to support His work, He is faithful to provide for us in every aspect of our lives.
In the context of church fundraising, it is essential to remind believers that God is their ultimate provider and that as they give, they can trust in His provision and faithfulness.
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
This verse acknowledges that all we have comes from God’s hand. When we give generously, we are simply returning a portion of what God has graciously given to us.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to remind believers that their resources and abilities are gifts from God. Encouraging them to give generously is an act of stewardship and gratitude for God’s provision.
Mark 12:41-44
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'”
In this story, Jesus commends the sacrificial giving of a poor widow, who gave everything she had. He teaches us the value of the heart behind our giving, rather than the quantity of our wealth.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to highlight the significance of sacrificial giving and the willingness to give even when it seems like a small amount.
Proverbs 21:26
“All day long, they covet more, but the righteous give without sparing.”
This verse draws a contrast between the unrighteous who endlessly desire more and the righteous who give willingly and generously without holding back.
When encouraging church fundraising, it is important to challenge believers to transcend the desire for more material possessions and adopt a heart of generosity that freely gives for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse teaches the importance of giving with a humble and discreet heart. When we give to those in need without seeking recognition or praise, God sees our actions and promises to reward us accordingly.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to remind believers of the value of anonymous giving and the rewards that come from offering support without drawing attention to oneself.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This verse presents the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give sparingly, we will receive sparingly, but if we give generously, we will reap generous blessings.
When engaging in church fundraising, it is important to encourage believers to give with a spirit of generosity, knowing that their acts of giving will result in abundant blessings from God.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity towards the poor. When we help and support those in need, we are blessed in return.
When promoting church fundraising, it is important to cultivate a heart of compassion and generosity, understanding the blessings that come from positively impacting the lives of others.
Luke 3:11
“John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
In this verse, John the Baptist instructs the people to share their possessions with those who lack basic necessities. This highlights the responsibility we have to meet the needs of others as an act of generosity.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to remind believers of their obligation to support those in need, regardless of their own circumstances.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse highlights the benefits of being generous and kind towards others. When we freely give, we will not only gain more but also experience prosperity in various areas of our lives.
When promoting church fundraising, it is important to emphasize the positive impact of generosity, not only on the lives of others but also on the givers themselves.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This verse speaks against unjustly profiting from the poor. It emphasizes God’s concern for the wellbeing of the less fortunate and His desire for us to be benevolent towards them.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to foster a spirit of fairness and integrity, ensuring that the funds collected are used to genuinely help those in need and not exploit them further.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the responsibility we have to care for the needs of others. By giving food, drink, clothing, and support to the less fortunate, we demonstrate our love for God.
When promoting church fundraising, it is crucial to highlight the practical ways in which believers can tangibly help those in need, reflecting the heart of Christ in their actions.
Psalm 112:5
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
This verse assures that those who are generous and fair in their dealings will experience goodness and blessings in their lives.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to emphasize the importance of integrity and justice in handling resources and remind believers of the blessings that flow from conducting themselves honorably.
2 Corinthians 8:7
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
Paul encourages the Corinthian church to not only excel in their faith and spiritual gifts but also in the act of giving. He reminds them that giving is a form of grace that should be cultivated and practiced.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to motivate believers to view giving as a grace-filled opportunity to grow in their faith and emulate Christ’s generous nature.
Proverbs 11:24
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of generous giving and hoarding. When we give freely, we not only gain more in return but also experience abundance in various areas of our lives.
When promoting church fundraising, it is crucial to emphasize the principle of abundance and to encourage believers to give generously, knowing that their acts of generosity will lead to blessings.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the blessings that come to those who are generous. When we share our resources with the poor, we open ourselves up to experiencing God’s favor and provision.
When discussing church fundraising, it is important to convey the benefits of generosity and the impact it can have on both the giver and the recipients of the giving.