When it comes to churches asking for money, it’s a topic that can bring up a range of emotions.
Some people feel uncomfortable when the collection plate is passed around, while others see it as a natural part of supporting their faith community.
But what does the Bible say about churches asking for money?
Is it something that’s rooted in Scripture, or is it more of a modern-day practice?
In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about giving, generosity, and the role of financial support in the church.
Let’s look at how Scripture guides us on this important topic.
Giving is a Biblical Principle
One of the first things to understand is that the idea of giving is deeply rooted in the Bible.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see that God calls His people to give.
In the Old Testament, the concept of tithing is introduced as a way to support the temple and the work of the priests.
Leviticus 27:30 says, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
The word “tithe” means a tenth, and God’s people were instructed to give a tenth of their income to support the religious activities of their community.
While the practice of tithing is often associated with the Old Testament, the principle of giving continues into the New Testament, where it is seen as an act of worship and a way to support the church and those in need.
Giving is not just about following a rule; it’s about honoring God with our resources.
Supporting the Church’s Mission
Churches ask for money not simply for the sake of collecting funds, but because financial support helps to carry out the mission of the church.
In 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, Paul writes, “Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?
In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
This passage explains that just as the priests in the Old Testament were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people, those who serve in the church today are supported by the giving of the congregation.
This support allows pastors, church staff, and missionaries to dedicate their time and energy to preaching, teaching, and serving without worrying about how they will meet their own financial needs.
When a church asks for money, it’s often because they are working to fulfill their mission—whether that’s spreading the Gospel, helping the poor, or building up the faith community.
Giving with the Right Heart
While giving is important, the Bible emphasizes that it’s not just about the act of giving—it’s about the heart behind it.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul says, “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 is key to understanding how we should approach giving in the church.
It’s not about feeling forced or obligated to give a certain amount.
Instead, God wants us to give out of joy, gratitude, and a desire to contribute to His work.
Giving should come from a place of willingness and love, not from guilt or pressure.
When we give with a cheerful heart, it becomes an act of worship and a reflection of our trust in God’s provision.
Churches Helping Those in Need
One of the main reasons churches ask for money is to help those who are in need.
The Bible places a high value on caring for the poor, the widow, and the orphan.
In Acts 2:44-45, we see a beautiful example of the early church’s generosity: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
The early Christians didn’t just give to support the church’s leaders—they gave to help their fellow believers and those who were struggling.
This example reminds us that giving to the church is not just about supporting programs or buildings—it’s also about helping others.
When a church asks for money, they are often using those funds to provide food, shelter, and support for people in the community who need it most.
The Danger of Loving Money
While the Bible encourages giving, it also warns against the dangers of loving money too much.
In 1 Timothy 6:10, it says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse doesn’t say that money itself is evil, but that the love of money can lead people astray.
When churches ask for money, it’s important to remember that the goal is not to accumulate wealth or to become financially powerful.
Instead, the focus should always be on using resources to glorify God and help others.
Churches must be transparent about how they use the funds they collect and ensure that their financial practices are aligned with biblical principles.
Generosity is a Reflection of God’s Love
The Bible teaches that generosity is one of the ways we reflect God’s love to the world.
In 1 John 3:17, it says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
Generosity is a natural response to the love we’ve received from God.
When we give to the church, we are participating in God’s work of showing love, mercy, and kindness to others.
This kind of generosity is not just about meeting physical needs—it’s about sharing the Gospel and helping people experience God’s love in a tangible way.
By giving to the church, we are partnering with God in His mission to reach the world.
Giving is a Personal Decision
While churches may ask for money, the Bible teaches that giving is ultimately a personal decision between you and God.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus watches as people give offerings at the temple.
Many rich people gave large amounts, but Jesus pointed out a poor widow who gave just two small coins, saying, “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.”
This story shows that God isn’t concerned with how much we give, but with the heart behind our giving.
It’s not about the amount, but about the willingness to trust God with what we have.
Each person should prayerfully consider how much to give and do so in a way that honors God.
Accountability and Stewardship
When churches ask for money, there is also a responsibility to be good stewards of the resources they receive.
The Bible teaches that we are called to be wise managers of what God has given us.
In Luke 16:10, it says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This principle applies to churches as well.
When people give to the church, they are trusting the leaders to use those resources wisely and for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom.
Churches should be transparent about their finances, making sure that the money is being used in ways that honor God and support the church’s mission.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to churches asking for money, the Bible provides clear guidance on how giving should be approached.
Giving is a biblical principle that allows the church to carry out its mission, support its leaders, and help those in need.
But the Bible also emphasizes that giving should come from a cheerful heart, not out of obligation or pressure.
As believers, we are called to reflect God’s generosity, knowing that our financial support helps advance the kingdom and show God’s love to others.
While churches have a responsibility to ask for money in a way that aligns with biblical principles, we also have a personal responsibility to give with joy and to trust that God will use what we offer for His glory.