What does the Bible say about churches doing fund raising? The church we left was always asking for people to donate money to build additions, buy this equipment, etc. Even going so far as to sending out requests to the community in mass mailings asking for money. The church we attend now, does NOT do fund raisers for anything. They pray about all their needs and the Lord always seems to provide. I wondered if there was any specific scripture that talks on this subject. Thank you.
Answer
“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.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:7; part of an entire chapter on giving)
The only examples in the New Testament of fund raising by the church are individual contributions by the members. There is no example of any church selling anything, holding bingo/casino nights, begging from people outside the church, or any other method of fundraising. Most congregations that try to do Bible things in Bible ways use the contribution of members as the only form of raising money, although some have begun to use other means in recent years.