Jesus tells us to share our wealth, our belongings, and our money. There are many verses on that subject. I wrote a post on the topic of materialism earlier. Please refer to it. No need to repeat myself. Just click on the link, go back and read it. I believe in sacrifice, generosity, and giving to our neighbors in need.
Verses on giving have been manipulated to abuse people financially, though, and to give beyond what they could reasonably afford. Sometimes the cause was a worthy one, and sometimes not. Preachers and leaders can be very effective at getting church members to give. I remember being a young single woman in the church in London. I was already giving very sacrificially, more than 10% for sure. Then I heard a sermon that convinced me to up my giving to almost 20% of my income.
It was more than a stretch. I basically ended up living on carrots and baked beans. I lived in a cold, mold-infested apartment with way too many roommates in a sketchy part of town. I do not resent that, but that was financial abuse. I was young and had no responsibilities, but I shudder to think of families and low-income, even unemployed members of the church who have given or are giving way beyond their means.
The church is full of kind-hearted and well-meaning people who believe and trust what they are told. They want to follow Jesus, they want to serve, and they want to be sacrificial. When they are told the money will go to the poor or missions, they believe it. I certainly did. And yes, part of the money went to that. Churches were started all over the world, and underprivileged people were supported. As a missionary, I was a recipient of that giving, and I am grateful.
However, the lack of transparency is also a form of abuse. Where is the money going? Mostly staff salaries, church buildings, and overheads. Only a small portion goes to the poor or foreign churches. I live in Nepal. I should know. I have spent most of my life in low-income countries.
Do I believe ministers should be paid properly? Absolutely, however, there needs to be decency. When church members sacrifice holidays, cars, and live on a tight budget, ministers should bear that in mind and live frugally. And don’t get me started on the money pits that are church buildings! That is a topic for another post.
On top of regular contributions where members are expected to give 10% of their income, they are also expected to give a special contribution once a year. In addition, special collections are the norm, any time there is a disaster or need in the congregation. And obviously people want to help. How can they say no? How can I not contribute to this cause that seems so urgent without feeling guilty?
Then there are conferences, retreats, camps, etc. You catch the drift. All this imposed sacrifice takes advantage of the average church member. Only a few can give without being hurt. And there are still churches where financial giving is still being tracked by name, an intrusive practice that crosses boundaries.
The financial giving also goes further — people giving up their studies in the middle of a degree, not taking a job or a promotion because it would “interfere” with their commitment, young people going into full-time ministry without a solid backup plan, inequity among ministry staff where the top leaders make very comfortable salaries and the lower-rank staff can barely make ends meet.
Financial abuse among church staff is not talked about, so let me address it. While some can afford multiple homes and fancy holidays, as well as retire in comfort, others make a pittance. I personally know many young staff in the US making low salaries as a couple with young children—and no benefits (no health insurance, no retirement, etc). I know of many ministers in foreign countries who cannot afford a car and who make a couple of hundred dollars a month. Again, no benefits. They serve with all their hearts, but how is that right?
So when the church asks for money, make sure you know where the money is going. Expect full transparency. And if you can’t get that, just give directly to causes or people close to your heart. It is right to be generous and sacrificial. So be generous and give. Share with those in need. Support the work of Jesus. But don’t be fooled. —Nadine Templer (2025)
