What is an offertory?

Answer

In evangelical circles, an offertory typically consists of the musical piece played while the congregation passes the offering plate in church. The term offertory can also denote the period during the service when donations are given or the donations themselves. In Catholicism, the offertory forms part of the Eucharist service. It is the moment in the ceremony when the bread and wine are brought and placed on the altar. The offertory is often linked with almsgiving.

Various churches follow different protocols for the offertory. Frequently, the collection of offerings is accompanied by music, prayer, or both. Some denominations conduct the offertory at the conclusion of the service, while others do so in the middle. Since there are no specific instructions in the Bible governing the offertory ritual, churches have the freedom to receive gifts in their preferred manner. Tithing is mandated in the Old Testament, and during Jesus’ time, the temple court had receptacles for tithes and voluntary contributions “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.”, (Mark 12:41). Under the New Covenant, the directive is to give generously. In the early Jerusalem church, worshippers brought their voluntary offerings to the apostles and placed them at their feet “and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”, (Acts 4:35,37) “having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”, (Acts 4:35,37). Churches in Macedonia and Achaia collected offerings for their brethren inJerusalem «For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. », (Romans 15:26). It appears, based on 1 Corinthians 16:2, that offerings were typically collected “on the first day of every week.” The specific procedure of the offertory, however, is not specified in Scripture.

God appreciates a joyful giver «Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. », (2 Corinthians 9:7), and when we give with joyful and generous hearts, whether the money goes into an offertory plate, a bag on a pole, a box in the back, or the hand of someone in need, it is pleasing in God’s sight.