What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives?

Answer

Every church receives some form of tithes or offerings, whether through “passing the plate,” placing a box in the back of the sanctuary, or using another collection method. Churches require funds to function. It is crucial how these funds are utilized because churches have obligations to their members, the surrounding community, and God.

Initially, a church is responsible to its members. The first church, established in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, made significant efforts to address the practical needs of its members: “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that 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 placed it at the apostles’ feet. It was then distributed to anyone in need” (Acts 4:33-35). The funds were entrusted to the church leaders, who were responsible for distributing them based on necessity. Additionally, food was provided to the widows among them “And in those days, as the disciples multiplied, a complaint arose from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.”, (Acts 6:1).

When affirming Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles, the apostles in Jerusalem requested that he “remember the poor” “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do.”, (Galatians 2:10). Therefore, charitable efforts to assist the impoverished within the church should be included in the church’s financial planning. Later, Paul provided guidelines on who should receive assistance from the church and who should seek support elsewhere.

their sustenance (1 Timothy 5:3-16).

Various local churches in the first century also collected offerings to support other churches in need. Specifically, the church in Jerusalem was facing persecution and a famine, and the church in Antioch provided assistance as stated in «Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa: », (Acts 11:29). Paul later received contributions from Galatia «Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. », (1 Corinthians 16:1), Corinth «And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. », (1 Corinthians 16:3), and Macedonia and Achaia (Romans 15:25-26) to aid Jerusalem. He was accompanied by messengers from Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and the province of Asia «And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. », (Acts 20:4).

Secondly, a church has a responsibility to its local community. Outreach is essential. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” «As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. », (Galatians 6:10).

Galatians 6:10. This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s family first, while also encouraging us to find ways to “do good” to everyone. This naturally includes evangelism “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”, (Acts 1:8). A vibrant church should be actively sending out missionaries (see Acts 13:2-3) or at the very least supporting missionaries in various areas of service.

A church that neglects its outward focus, as evidenced by its financial allocations, is displaying signs of spiritual decline. Church consultant and author Thom S. Rainer, in his book “Autopsy of a Dead Church,” points out that one indication of a declining church is the increasing percentage of the budget allocated to members’ needs, while the funds designated for outreach diminish.

Thirdly, a church has a responsibility to God. Our Lord is aware of His church “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”, (Revelation 2:2,9, 13, 19), and He commands that His Word be proclaimed (Romans 10:14;2 Timothy 4:2) and that “the mystery of Christ” be shared “withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.”, (Colossians 4:3). Spreading the gospel is paramount. Anything that advances this objective should take precedence, including supporting the pastor.

R is part of that goal. “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Those who faithfully minister the Word of God should receive due compensation for their work «If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? », (see also 1 Corinthians 9:11).

Wisdom regarding a church’s expenditures is necessary, and we should be praying for that wisdom «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5). There is nothing sinful about having a fine building or nicely kept grounds, but we wonder sometimes if the money would be better spent supporting another missionary or aiding the poorer churches around the world.

The goal of the church should be to do the work of God in the world. And everything should be done to the glory of God «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31). The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” «And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. », (Acts 2:42). Perhaps these actions—spreading the Word, fellowshipping with one another, observing communion, and praying—should be a balanced approach.

Basic guide to how a church utilizes its offerings.