A large percentage of Chinese Christians feel ashamed to mention money and so do ministries who are doing noble work for the Lord.
However, that's not what the Bible teaches us.
Pastors need to deliver the sermons on money because money is a crucial topic in Christian life. Ministries also have to declare the principles of fundraising and donation, because it is related to their healthy development.
In the Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers (The GProCongress) held on June 15 to 22, the host shared the message of "Biblical Stewardship: Sharing and Giving" talking about the principles of fundraising.
Below is the summary of the main points:
1. Sharing and giving must be a part of ministries.
We often look down upon those who raise money, but one part of ministries should be about sharing and giving, a ministry for the Lord.
Fundraising is one of the best ways of evangelizing because we're doing business for the Lord.
2. Sharing and giving shouldn't be put in the last place.
The Lord Jesus said not long before his ministry, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be."
We are sharing a generous thing, not a secret; therefore, we need not to appear embarrassed and put the donation in the last place.
3. Sharing and giving must be regarded as one of "the topics Jesus wants to share the most".
In the gospel, a lot of parables and stories told by Jesus concerned money, such as the story of "good Samaritan" who helped and cared for a beaten man was related to money.
Jesus taught much about money in the Bible so we should share and do fundraising more honestly.
4. Sharing and giving must be in the lifestyle of Christians.
Jesus said that what he had was committed by his Father.
As Christians, we came to the world without nothing and all we have belongs to God. Thus, we should learn to invest on the places where no moth and rust can destroy, as well as a place no thieves who break in and steal these investments.
5. Sharing and giving should based on transparency and integrity.
We need to render an account to men and also God.
The best examples are outstanding church leaders such as John Wesley, who were really transparent and upright in their finances.
6. Sharing and giving must be done in a professional way.
Many people just want to do offerings as an investment, not in a professional way. So please report with honesty the success and failures, along with gratitude.
7. Sharing and giving must show faith, commitment and sustainability.
Be convinced that God may accomplish it if we have tried our best. Moreover, the beginning and end of the fundraising are to glorify God.
