Collecting money by to and for ourselves

[Johnb]

One of the things that troubles me about the institutional church is the way we stress "giving to the Lord".  We use the example of "upon the first day of the week let everyone lay by him self...'  (One of the benefits of being a former CoC preacher lot of scripture committed to memory)  First this was to meet a specific need of helping the poor saints.  It is not IMO a general command (a good CoC term huh?)  to collect money every Sunday to build buildings, pay preachers (I can bash the "hireling clergy" I used to be one)  and other staff.  I think it is shameful the amount of money we spend on our selves padding pews, hiring preacher to tickle our ears and other programs that only benefit the church.  When a Church begans to grow we don't normally think; "Oh we have more money we can do more evangelist work or feed the poor or go feed the sinner and down trodden."  No we usually think "we need a bigger building or we need a youth minister or we need a activity center"  Perhaps I have become to anti institutional  church.  But I keep thinking there must be a better way.  I am trying some different things.  Pray that I find a better way. Just thinking out loud.  Later Johnb

[Robert Pate]

johnb

I think you allready have.

[l.a.providence]

don't know if this completely has to do with this post, but melissa scott really pounded ministries that take in money all the time last night....

    she emphasized over and over that 'kononia', the fellowship in the church is primarily
and only, for delivering the 'Word of God', to the saints!


i say amen to that....!!!

[da525382]

And you're doing a fine job.  Your thinking, Johnb, is now connected above.  Just as an aside, one thing I always thought was amazing was the call to give God "a portion" of what we have BACK to Him...oh my, as if we all own something ourselves.

[yogi bear]

Johnb
Oh Man I hear you loud and clear. Finally some to voice my thoughts out loud.

[Johnb]

bvaug

Thanks.  This not limited to the CoC but is basically accros the board with all denoms.  Later Johnb

[kamakaz]

not to play the devils advocate, but how then would churches (especially small ones) stay in opperation, if not for collecting offerings?

as for preachers I agree that they should not be getting paid, as was the example given by Jesus and the Apostles. (unless they are providing a full time counciling service throuhout the week or something like that which goes beyond just preaching)

and what about the blessings and joy of giving back to the Lord for all that He has done, in giving freely to us of what is His (the ten percent idea) which i gladly do.