There is concern as to the methods the church uses to collect and spend money. Popular opinion is split on the enforcement of tithing and various fund-raising methods such as book, CD, and cassette tape selling by the church, in addition to conference admission, prayer line fees, and even indirect membership fees to some mega-churches. When these methods are questioned, many defend such practices as needed for the expense of church operation. But let us weigh the cost.

The equivalent to such operation is that of a family attempting to maintain a living. For instance, as a family grows, the operating expense for that household grows and the need for more income becomes priority.

If the family wants to live comfortably with all the modern conveniences and supply their basic needs, they would need not only bill money but also disposable income. Such is the church, however, there is a difference.

The church has a mission to adhere to just as important if not more important than the family's reason for being. The church is responsible for bringing people into the knowledge and presence of God, the Creator, while the family is responsible for living as respectful and productive citizens within their society. To do so, they have to gain the skill-set and knowledge needed through education and work experience.

The church also has a two-fold mission: to fulfill their mission from God and to maintain a physical abode; however, the church should not use their mission as a means of paying their bills, which is what many have resorted to doing.

The church can, however, operate a separate business aside from their Godly mission, but using God's word to pay the bills is wrong because the selling of His words - no matter how packaged - forcing funds, fees, tithes and offerings from hard working people is not a part of the mission.

The pastor must teach the members to trust God in all things, including all provisional aspects of the church. God promises to provide for the people, the church, and the pastor but today's cost of living and luxury lifestyles has captured desires of the pastors to the point they desire riches to compete more than having trust in God.

They want to build big and fast and instead of having churches that serve the immediate community, they want worldwide ministries that require billions of dollars in operational cost, while the surrounding communities suffer from poverty and despair.

If pastors had true faith in God, and taught the members love for God instead of love for money, they would see members giving more for the church upkeep. Forced-funding discourages people. If one loves, they support who they love and want the best for them. Simply believing in this concept is considered faith, but the church today does not have the patience to live by faith, instead, they are impulsive and live by the sight of the eyes, prestige of men, and trends of society.

© August 2006 By CR Hamilton