State Street Church of Christ (Bristol, VA)

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State Street Church of Christ (Bristol, VA)

Recently a good brother asked me about what he should do about his contribution when he is away from his home congregation. It has been his practice to put into the collection plate what he has prospered for that week wherever he is. The New Testament does teach that each one is to lay by in store on the first day of the week as he has prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2). However, I suggested that he give as he has prospered to his home congregation, but put in a token amount where he is visiting. I based my answer on the following reason:

The elders of his home congregation meet each year to budget the use of the Lord's money. They base the budget on what the contribution has been for the previous year, and what each individual may be able to do for the coming year. Elders recognize that the figures for the coming year are projected, based upon what the congregation may be able to do. It is recognized that financial situations change for individuals, families and congregations. However we try to set a realistic goal based on what we have done in the past. If individuals give what they have prospered to other congregations that they visit, then we cannot count on their check each week. Plus suppose every member gave as he has prospered to another congregation when he is away? How would the elders be able to plan the budget?

The local congregation has financial obligations to meet. Some of these relate to maintenance of the building and grounds. Some are utility bills, some debts are to pay the local preacher, secretary, and janitor. Then, there are missionaries and student preachers to whom we are obligated. We agreed to support them, but that support is based on the regular contributions coming in from each member. But if some do not see fit to give as they have prospered here, then we have to make changes in how much support is going out ...

In the first century church, members laid the Lord's money at the feet of the apostles. Later, the money was given to the elders, who in turn distributed the funds (Acts 4:37; Acts 11:30). However, some today seem to think that they are better able to decide how the Lord's money should be spent, and by-pass the elders to send what they have prospered to the missionaries that they want to support. Such is a form of rebellion to the eldership. I wonder if such individuals desire the elders to oversee their souls (Heb. 13:17), but do not think them capable to use the Lord's money wisely. If every member in the home congregation by-passed the elders to give to some preacher that he or she deems worthy of support, eventually where would the church meet? Who would pay the light bills, the local preacher, secretary and janitor and grounds keeper?

Brethren, let each of us give as we have been prospered to our home congregation. Pray the elders will use good judgment in spending of the Lord's funds, and put in a token amount when visiting elsewhere. This keeps the home fires burning so we will have a faithful congregation to attend when we return home.

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye." "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."

"Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

"Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."