Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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Cindy Sebetes
Does this verse apply to pastors who seem to worship money? By "seem to", I mean pastors who talk about money during almost every sermon and complain to individuals when they designate their tithe to certain services in the church (nursery, youth group, etc.) instead of the "general fund"?
Danny Hickman
I think designating money to certain services is a good thing to do when God "lays it on your heart" to support a "certain service." I do it for the ministry at my church that helps locals who are victims of "sex slavery." That ministry provides and operates a "safe house" for victims of this deplorable crime.
But, I don't sense that is the kind of financial direction of a contribution that you're talking about. You mention, for example, "youth group and the church nursery." These are in-house ministries for which the church has to provide. I think the budget for these ministries are already decided. When the money is gathered for the month, if a ministry has a surplus due to congregants directing funds, and another ministry has a shortage a decision needs to be made about what to do with a "nursery" surplus and an "electricity bill" shortage.
You mentioned "complaining" coming from someone because of this kind of "giving."
It might be because the leaders sense that there's a "trust" issue disturbing the peace. Many leaders teach that if you don't trust the people God has put in charge of the money, then don't give. KEEP IT.
Pastors and church elders don't levy a charge for any church services. Prayer is free. So is praise and worship. If you want to be annointed and have hands laid on you there's no charge.
Specifying your gift for "certain services" is fine... If your heart is in the right place. Examine yourselves... 2 Cor 13:5