“The church is always asking for money” (Guest Column)

(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - December, 2008 - last regular print newsletter)

Sometimes you hear people say, “The church is always asking for money.” That statement is untrue.

It is the world that is always asking for money, not the church. When did you last go to the grocery store and the checker failed to ask you for money? Your mortgage company asks for money with unfailing regularity. If you are like most people, each month brings a new collection of bills. Are any of them from your church? Who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn? Your uncle does that. Your God does not.

There is no free lunch, except at the church. You can attend worship every week and there is no admission charge. If you are sick, the pastor and/or other church members will visit you in the hospital. Where else can you get free counseling when you need it? Where else will your children be married?

What do you do when your loved one dies? What will it cost? The funeral home will certainly charge you for its services. The church will not. The church building will always be there when you need it – clean, heated, and with kitchen and nursery provided. You can make full use of it and never pay one dime. No one will even know whether you contribute or not.

You have to pay taxes to provide your children “free” public education, but your church operates a Sunday school which will give quality Christian education with absolutely no cost or obligation. The church requires no membership fee, no annual dues. You see, the truth is the church “asks for money” LESS than anything else you can think of.

Consider this paradox. Compared to the government and the bill collectors, the church almost NEVER asks for money. Yet of all the things your money could be used for, very few are more important than what the church provides. Your church will continue to provide ministry in Jesus’ name to everyone, whether they can afford to contribute or not. Isn’t that a great family to be a part of?

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The church, like other organizations, must rely on the generosity of the most dedicated 20 to 30% of its members for the bulk of its budgetary needs. The good news is that anyone can choose to be part of that dedicated group of givers. And it’s not necessary to match anyone else in terms of dollars given. It’s a matter of deciding to intentionally donate a percentage of one’s income to the church.

Many people try to begin with a small proportion such as 2 percent, and then gradually increase the percentage over the years, using the biblical “tithe” of 10 percent as a goal or standard of sacrificial giving.

Such intentional giving, whatever the amount, really does have its own reward – as many have found to be true. – Rev. Rick Mitchell