What does the Bible say about church fundraising?

Definition and Purpose of Church Fundraising

Church fundraising involves inviting believers (and sometimes nonbelievers) to contribute resources for the church’s ministries, needs, and outreach efforts. The Bible illustrates that these contributions interconnect with worship and community life. Throughout Scripture, financial or material support is not an end in itself, but a God-centered effort to advance His work (Exodus 25:2).

Church fundraising focuses on meeting both spiritual and physical needs of the faith community. In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:1–9). In the New Testament, the early church shared possessions so that no one lacked life’s essentials (Acts 2:44–45). These examples shape a pattern of believers coming together out of devotion to God to provide for the local assembly and to support ongoing ministry efforts.

Biblical Precedents for Giving

From the earliest biblical narratives, God’s people practiced giving. In the construction of the tabernacle, “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him” (Exodus 25:2). The heart’s disposition—rather than mere obligation—is central in these commands.

King David’s preparation for the temple also demonstrates a vivid example of fundraising in Scripture. David and the leaders of Israel gave generously and rejoiced in the people’s willingness: “The people rejoiced at the willingness of their leaders to give, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly” (1 Chronicles 29:9). This joyful participation signified that the act was deeply connected to worship and trust in God.

In the New Testament, Paul guided local congregations to set aside resources for believers in need. “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income...” (1 Corinthians 16:2). This directive underscores that giving was to be disciplined, planned, and proportional, reflecting consistent stewardship and provision for one another.

The Heart Attitude in Giving

The Bible repeatedly stresses that one’s attitude is crucial in any form of financial offering. “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Rather than imposing guilt, Scripture promotes generosity that flows from gratitude and love.

Fundraising campaigns often rely on external incentives or emotional appeals, but biblical teaching sets a higher standard: voluntary and joyful generosity springing from faith. This heart attitude also correlates with personal devotion, as Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Accountability and Integrity

Church fundraising requires clear transparency and responsible handling of resources. Paul emphasized the importance of honesty in financial matters: “For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). This model of accountability helps maintain trust among believers and ensures that contributions further the mission of the church rather than enrich individuals.

Historically, believers have placed value on transparency. Archaeological and textual evidence from early Christian gatherings (such as some instructions in the Didache) indicate structured oversight of collected funds for the poor, widows, and church needs. Checks and balances in leadership help the church maintain biblical standards of integrity.

Voluntary and Cheerful Giving

God’s design for church fundraising can be summarized by the principle of voluntary participation. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses to receive offerings only from those “whose heart compels him” (Exodus 25:2). In the New Testament, churches are encouraged to give willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

This biblical principle shapes the modern practice of tithes, love offerings, and special campaigns: each believer prayerfully decides in his or her heart. Such a posture combats coercion and maintains the understanding that God is the Provider. Faith communities may suggest guidelines for giving (such as tithing) but ultimately emphasize that the giver’s heart attitude remains paramount.

Methods and Examples of Fundraising in Scripture

Scripture describes a variety of ways God’s people gathered resources to support communal worship and ministry:

• Freewill Offerings (Exodus 25:1–9): Materials were collected for a sacred purpose, emphasizing that contributions were wholeheartedly given.

• Systematic Weekly Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1–2): Believers regularly set aside a portion of income.

• Collections for the Poor (Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8–9): Congregations sent support to struggling churches in famine or hardship.

• Support for God’s Servants (Philippians 4:15–16): Paul praised the Philippians for sharing in his troubles and meeting his needs, further illustrating how fundraising and giving can support every facet of ministry.

In each scenario, believers gave from what they had, often sacrificially, with an eagerness to support God’s work. Modern parallels can include building funds, missions support, benevolence ministries, and household or community outreaches for those in need.

Concerns and Cautions about Church Fundraising

Scripture also warns against manipulative or greedy methods that exploit believers (1 Peter 5:2). Any fundraising campaign that provokes guilt, fear, or exploitation is not aligned with biblical principles. In addition, believers are cautioned to remain vigilant about how church funds are spent, ensuring that the use of contributions reflects God’s character and the gospel’s teachings.

When leaders or organizations misuse finances, it causes damage to the witness of the church. Historical episodes, anecdotal cases, and even modern controversies highlight the importance of robust accountability and ethical oversight of funds. This is consistent with the greater biblical emphasis on integrity.

Practical Takeaways from Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries, such as ancient temple inscriptions detailing the uses of offerings for maintenance and the poor, confirm the continuity of giving practices over many centuries. Ancient records demonstrate that local congregations, even in the earliest centuries of Christianity, methodically gathered funds for almsgiving, missionary activity, and administrative needs. Meanwhile, the collection jars and communal accounting measures found in the Qumran community (Dead Sea Scrolls region) show that well-organized funds allocation was already practiced among religious groups in the biblical era.

This evidence corroborates the consistent theme in biblical manuscripts: believers presented tithes and offerings as an act of faith, while also maintaining a clear, transparent structure for distributing and accounting for those gifts. The same approach applies today: planning, honesty, and sincerity ensure healthy church fundraising.

Summary

Church fundraising, as depicted in Scripture, reflects a community’s commitment to honor God, care for one another, and advance the gospel. The biblical model hinges on a willing and generous heart, driven by gratitude rather than obligation. From Old Testament accounts of freewill offerings to New Testament instructions for systematic giving, the practice remains consistent: God’s people share from what He has provided.

Accountability, transparency, and organizational diligence are crucial, ensuring that funds are used righteously and effectively. By embracing these stewardship principles, local churches honor God’s design for meeting their spiritual and practical needs. In this way, church fundraising becomes a tangible expression of collective worship, love, and devotion to God and His people—just as Scripture has taught believers across the ages.