Fundraising in the Church
About Bake Sales and Raffles
Fundraising in the Church
About Bake Sales and Raffles
Introduction
The question of how to ethically and effectively raise funds for the Church is an issue that many faith communities face. While bake sales, raffles, and other fundraising activities might seem like harmless ways to garner financial support, it is crucial to examine these methods in light of scriptural principles. This article aims to explore why such fundraising practices could be considered inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible.
The Nature of Giving in the Bible
In Second Corinthians 9:7, Paul highlights the importance of voluntary and sincere giving, stating, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." The focus here is on personal conviction and a willing spirit, rather than on any form of external coercion. Building on this, Paul's guidance in First Corinthians 16:2 to avoid collections during his visits further emphasizes his commitment to preserving the voluntary nature of contributions. His absence aims to prevent any pressure that could compromise the integrity of free-will offerings.
Transactional Versus Voluntary Giving
The issue with bake sales and raffles is that they turn the act of giving into a transaction. Participants receive goods or chances in exchange for their money, diverging from the New Testament's teaching of free-will offerings. This form of transactional giving can muddy the waters, as it raises questions about the giver’s motivations. Are participants supporting the Church's mission, or are they more interested in the goods or chances they receive in return?
Stewardship and Financial Integrity
Paul provides guidelines on financial stewardship in First Corinthians 16:2, stating, "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." The idea here is organized, thoughtful giving as a form of worship, instead of spontaneous or emotionally-driven fundraising activities.
Furthermore, churches are accountable for how they handle and spend funds. In the book of Acts, chapter 4, verses 34-35, the apostles distributed the contributions they received to anyone who had need. The focus is on using funds for acts of charity and service, rather than for any other secular or frivolous purposes.
The Potential for Scandal
Another consideration is the reputation of the Church. Engaging in commercial activities, like bake sales and raffles, can open the door to criticism and potential scandal. It could be viewed as trivializing the Church’s mission or commercializing what should be a spiritual endeavor.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit bake sales, raffles, or similar fundraising activities, the principles it teaches show that these methods are not appropriate for raising money for the Church. Financial practices within the Church must align with the voluntary and heartfelt model of giving outlined in the New Testament, preserving both the integrity and the mission of the Church. Therefore, it is concluded that bake sales, raffles, and other transactional methods of fundraising are not in harmony with God’s will as expressed through Scripture.