Money Making
God’s devoted people are motivated by a desire to please God (cf. Galatians 1:10). Therefore, they take seriously the injunction to do “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Those acquainted with biblical phraseology will recognize that this sanctions only actions that are authorized by the Lord. Being the mediator of the New Testament, Jesus reveals what is authorized in that Testament (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15).
Generally, since the principle is so basic, saints have understood that singing in worship is not to be mingled with instrumental sounds. Why? Because the use of instrumental music in worship to God cannot be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” There is simply no New Testament information giving authorization for such.
Another matter that has largely been respected among disciples is the matter of funding the work of the church. Many gospel preachers have been heard to speak against the denominational practice of conducting church sponsored bake sales, car washes, raffles, bingo games, carnivals, and such like, as money making activities.
The New Testament authorizes two basic means of obtaining funds for the work of the Lord. One is, non-compulsory free will offerings made my members (Acts 4:32-5:11). The other is, the obligation of weekly giving by members who have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving under the first heading would include the authorization for a saint to include the church in their personal will. Also, it is not uncommon to hear a brother announce, before the Sunday collection is gathered, that visiting non-members need not feel obligated to give. God’s work si to be supported by God’s people!
How many congregations do you know of that have purchased a plot of land, planted an orchard, and now have an income stream being generated by the sale of produce? Or what local church raises cattle for beef or maintains cows for milk? Maybe a congregation in the city is not allowed to raise livestock, but they find it lucrative to run a “go-card” racetrack. Their local contribution is really being boosted by their venture in tourism.
Hopefully, those examples do not apply to any of the Lord’s body. Devoted congregations should have no church owned money making enterprises! From the biblical standpoint, there is no authority for a congregation to operate a money generating business by selling goods or services. From a legal perspective, some places even classify churches as non-profit organizations.
Now let me state the point of caution. Sometimes, good intentioned brethren act without thinking deeply. The matter of obtaining funds is one such area.
Some years ago, while living in East Africa, a group of missionaries were having a meeting. It was suggested that a chicken facility be constructed, that laying hens be purchased, and that the selling of eggs could generate an income stream. I had to object by asking for biblical authority for the plan. Had I not spoken up, I have little doubt that the suggestion would have been implemented.
More recently, I head a missionary give a presentation to a large congregation in America. About plans for Africa. Plans included, among other things, the intent to use land to raise cattle to generate income. My heart just sank. I wondered to myself, does anyone else in this audience find such objectionable? I further contemplated what the reaction might have been, had the announcement been made that the cattle business was proposed for that local congregation rather than for the foreign mission locale.
Brethren, why do we seem to so easily accommodate nearly any scheme suggested, as long as it takes place at an “overseas” mission? What the Lord has authorized does not change from place to place. Money making enterprise for the church is ot right in one locale and off limits in another!
Undoubtedly, many congregations would be able to generate a healthy stream of income, if they pursued any number of ventures. But should we have churched owned and run businesses? Should the church operate beef, poultry, and egg production? How about coconut oil processing and sales, or banana plantations? If we can properly do this in some mission fields, why not engage in church commerce in all places? Monetary needs do not legitimize the establishment of church-run commercial enterprises. Many struggling congregations cannot support a full-time evangelist (1 Corinthians 9:14). Is their future to be brightened by entering into some money making endeavor that produces income and to spare?
Brethren, I plead for us all to give sacrificially for the work of evangelism. The Lord already has a financial plan. That plan is not deficient. The New Testament contains the thrilling account of how saints in “deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:2)! “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not” (2 Corinthians 8:12). God’s people possess sufficient assets to fund global evangelism.
George Jensen, 2021