BGEA: I wish my pastor wouldn't spend so much time talking about money. What do you think about this?

Every year about this time, our pastor spends several weeks talking about our new church budget, and how we ought to give more to it. Frankly, I get kind of tired of it and wish he wouldn't spend so much time talking about money. What do you think about this? — W.J.

Churches need money, of course—not just to keep their own programs going, but to reach out to those who don't know Christ and to help those in need. I'm sure your pastor sees these opportunities, and he doesn't want your church to miss out on what God wants to do through it.

Ask God, therefore, to help you see these few weeks as an opportunity—an opportunity to find out what your church is doing for Christ, and to share in it. God wants us to be partners with Him in what He is doing around the world, and one way we do this is through our financial support. The Bible says, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

To be blunt, however, some people resent any mention of money in church because they think more of their money than they do of God's work. I hope that's not true of you—but ask God to help you examine your heart to be sure Christ is first in your life. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. ... You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matthew 6:24).

Then if you still feel your church is placing too much emphasis on finances, speak privately to one of your church officers or the pastor. They should welcome your concern.

5 Comments

Jeremy says 10.7.2012, 4:23 p.m.

Joan I would be reluctant to give to a church that wasnt spreading Gods word and would prayerfully consider if God would have me at another church

Diana says 1.5.2012, 07:15 a.m.

A church is like any other organization which faces expenses. So church also needs money to be run. As Christians we should know that what we possess has been given by God. So we should also return to God by supporting His work. Let us pray for the

doug says 12.29.2011, 3:09 p.m.

Too many times we as a church try to keep up with the Jones. Its fine to ask for more money but the issue in most cases, we need to draw more people to share the burden We forget what is most important, the word of God not the building

Alexander says 12.29.2011, 09:26 a.m.

I used to belong to a church that did not invest in buildings. My current church has quite a few buildings. There are few times during the week when those buildings are not in use. Spreading the word, often. Spreading the love of Christ, always.

Joan says 12.29.2011, 05:36 a.m.

What do you do when your church is asking for money to build building and not spread the word? I believe in giving back to God what he has bless you with, but you do not see the church doing evangelism.