I have been to many different congregations, and they all do things a little differently when they take up the collection. Some congregations sing a song while passing the plate, others pray and give thanks before the collection, and many do both those things. What elements are important?

Sincerely, Collecting My Thoughts

Dear Collecting My Thoughts,

The New Testament teaches that a collection should be taken on the first day of the week when the church gathers together (1 Cor 16:2). The only requirement for the congregation is that a collection be taken at that time. Technically, a congregation could put out a basket on Sunday, inform the congregation of its purpose, and leave it at that.

Having said that, most congregations try and use that time to count their blessings and remind each other of how God has blessed them. Using songs and prayers are ways to do that. It is up to the discretion of every individual congregation to best assess how to take up a collection from among the saints.

If a pastor receives a salary from the church, should the congregation pay all of the bills that the pastor incurs (for instance: his rent or other bills)?

Sincerely, Paying the Bills

Dear Paying the Bills,

Both pastors and preachers (yes, there is a difference) can be financially supported by a congregation.Paul makes it very clear that a ‘worker is worthy of his hire’ (1 Tim 5:17-19).Unfortunately, we live in a world where religious leaders have thoroughly abused this blessing.Televangelists and ‘mega-church’ pastors are well known for their greed and multi-million dollar homes.This has left a sour taste in the mouth of many Americans when it comes to supporting preachers and pastors.

A congregation does not have to pay all of the bills of a preacher.However, it is a blessing to him and to them if they can.If he is working hard doing preaching and teaching, then being financially supported can free him up to continue to work even harder.

If a pastor or preacher has to work a secular job to pay the bills, it will take away from his time to spread the gospel and teach christians; it is more important that he provide for his family in such cases (1 Tim 5:8).Ultimately, it is his responsibility, not the congregation’s, to provide for his family.Even Paul worked as a tentmaker to pay the bills at times (Acts 18:3).A godly man will not overburden a congregation or squander the money God has blessed him with .

A congregation must take up their weekly collection (1 Cor 16:1-2), assess all of their various costs, and make a prayerful decision as to how much they can afford to support a preacher.Some congregations will be able to fully support a preacher; others may not be able to support one at all.In either case, it is acceptable according to what a congregation has (2 Cor 8:11-12).

Currently, I am not attending a church.  I stay in my Bible and study The Word as much as possible.  I love learning about the Lord and am excited about my journey with Him for the rest of my life!  My question is: are there other ways to tithe my money other than giving to a church?  I listen to a Christian radio station daily and would love to send an offering, but from what I have been told, this is not tithing.  What about giving to the Salvation Army or another Christian organization?  Please help!

Sincerely,
A Generous Heart

Dear A Generous Heart,

It is a common misconception that studying our Bible at home is a replacement for attending services.  Heb 10:24-25 states that forsaking the assembly is a sin and that without the church, we won’t be the kind of people that we ought to be because the church provokes us to love and good works.  It is an admirable thing that you want to give, and it is an admirable thing that you faithfully study your Bible.  Now is a great time to fulfill even more commands by finding a faithful church and doing what every New Testament Christian did – become an active member.  We’d be happy to help you find a congregation in your area that is faithful to the Word in every way.  If we can help, e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.