“Money In The Bank”

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

     Your answers about tithing have been very biblical and correct.  Thank you.  And I already know your thoughts on our responsibilities as stewards of those funds... so what do you think about a huge treasury?  If we are to be using these funds to do God’s will, then how can we justify, as His church, “storing up for ourselves on earth”?  I mean, if we are to give of our means and know that God will take care of us… then why does His church need to try and keep bulk money in the account?

Sincerely,
Not A Hoarder

Dear Not A Hoarder,

A congregation’s leadership would have the same reason for saving money as an individual would – savings is part of stewardship.  If someone lives their life without a “rainy day” fund, we consider them unwise.  Congregations have regular expenses and unexpected expenses – the problem with unexpected expenses is that you don’t expect them!  God says that we must be wise stewards in all that we do (Lk 12:42-43, Matt 25:23).  It is possible for a congregation to hoard money – this is wrong.  It is also possible for a congregation to spend their money unwisely and not prepare for future expenses – this also is wrong.  As in all issues of wisdom, there is a balance.  You are right that churches should be using the funds they collect to do God’s will – that isn’t in question.  The question is simply how and when to use those funds.  That is trickier and requires wise elders to properly manage each individual church’s finances (1 Tim 3:5).

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