Webster’s Dictionary defines the word gimmick as “an attention-getting device or feature, typically superficial, designed to promote the success of a product, campaign; any clever little gadget or ruse.”
Churches use money gimmicks all the time.
I don’t like them. Not simply because they are “gimmicky,” but because they cheapen biblical stewardship.
The heart of biblical stewardship is not complicated.
There are three principal truths:
- God owns it all.
- Since God owns it all, He has all the rights as owner, and we operate solely in the realm of managerial responsibility. Therefore, the question is not “God, what should I do with my money?” but rather “God, what do You want me to do with Your money?”
- Every spending decision is a spiritual decision. God cannot be shut out of any transaction.
When it comes to giving, the Bible teaches about tithes and offerings. A tithe is 10% of all that we earn, given to God through the local church of which we are a part. Offerings are those gifts that are given above and beyond those tithes in relation to special events, projects or memorials.
The Bible is also full of wisdom on limiting debt, saving for the future, and working hard with our God-given time and talents in order to maximize earning.
The Bible also offers basic application principles, like the 10-10-80 principle where the soundest management of our funds involves giving 10% to God through the local church, 10% to savings and then living off the remaining 80%.
Those new to the Christian faith may have a difficult time adjusting to the 10-10-80 principle, which is why my pastoral advice is always to start where you are. If you come to Christ and have financial realities that war against these plans, you should begin with a blend of realism and faith. Start by giving and/or saving 1% (though even that may be sacrificial), then 5%, working your way up to the percentages that will both fully honor God and optimally serve your life.
God cares more about our heart and intent than a legalistic percentage. The amount matters, to be sure, but only as it reflects a true barometer of our life. Which is why, for many of us, giving 10% is far too little.
(Legalism cuts both ways).
That is the essence of biblical stewardship regarding our finances.
So where do church money “gimmicks” fit in?
They don’t.
But that hasn’t stopped leaders from using them as shortcuts to true discipleship. Here are four of the most common that I’ve witnessed:
Refunding the Tithe
Many churches give in to the gimmick of offering to “refund the tithe” if somehow God doesn’t provide for someone’s needs after they’ve tithed. In other words, the line is, “Tithe, and if God doesn’t supply your needs on the 90% leftover, we’ll return what you gave.”
I get the point. In Malachi, there is a promise that giving will never outrun supply. By employing this gimmick this is the church ponying up and saying they have so much trust in God’s provision, they will “insure” your tithe. But that isn’t discipleship.
You either trust God or you do not. Period.
Further, the blessing of the tithe is so multifaceted that to reduce it to income alone is a ridiculous truncation of God’s promise. The value is generosity, not a return on your investment.
Money Giveaways
Some churches plant envelopes of money under the seats of the auditorium. Then, following a talk on giving, they tell those in attendance to reach under their seats and (surprise!) find an envelope of cash… say, from $20 to $500.
Then, the challenge made: They are to take that money and invest it for Kingdom gain. Use it for a bake sale, or to start a for-profit website. Do something with that money that could gain a return. Sure, you can keep it and use it on yourself, but if you trust God with it, you will find that you will be able to be served – and serve others – at the same time.
I agree with the principle, but the means of teaching it?
You can’t trust God now, but we will give you “free” money to trust with – which takes no trust at all – to see if He’s trustworthy?
Again, that’s not creating disciples.
Entrepreneurs and Kickbacks
If I had a nickel for every time someone wanted to promote their business through the church and, in the process, give the church a kickback in revenue, I would be retired in Palm Beach.
Of course, they don’t pitch it that baldly. It’s spiritualized.
They couch it all in terms of serving the church and its needs. Their profit is inconsequential, if not irrelevant.
The truth is that many enterprises actually train their people to work church “networks” for gain. They bathe their enterprise in “Christian-ese” to gain entry into trusting communities and, hopefully, open wallets.
The church is not called to be “in” business like this. God designed it to be funded through the changed hearts of His people and their giving.
Fundraisers
This one will ruffle a few feathers because fundraisers are so common in churches. Particularly with youth groups.
But again, it’s not teaching stewardship. It’s just gimmicky giving.
When you start down this road, you start down the road of “designated” offerings. Meaning, a gift that is given for one and only one thing.
“I want to give this money for…”
… my favorite ministry.
… my favorite staffer.
… my favorite project.
… my favorite mission organization.
The church I pastor does not accept “designated” offerings—we actually turn them down. (Excluded from this would be capital campaigns and Meck’s annual Giving to Christ at Christmas offering which are specific campaigns we have imposed on ourselves.)
It’s just not healthy.
It’s certainly not healthy for the church, which simply can’t run on designated offerings. (Do you think anybody wants to designate their funds to the power bill?) But further, it can be a subtle sign of distrust, refusing to follow leadership, or simply play well with others in the sandbox.
Trust the church’s leadership or don’t.
Give to the budget or don’t.
But picking and choosing where your money is spent is divorced from God calling you to be a part of a church, trusting God with that church, and trusting the leadership that is prayerfully leading that church in light of their ordained role.
Financial accountability is important—Meck members vote to approve the church’s annual budget and we have an outside accounting firm conduct an annual audit. So ask for accountability all day long, but using designated offerings to try to direct things, force things, or enable your agenda is not the mark of a healthy church member, much less a healthy church community.
After all, nothing about money and the church should be gimmicky.
Even the giving.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/venuestock
Editor’s Note
This blog was originally posted in 2016. The Church & Culture Team thought you would enjoy reading it again. We encourage pastors and church leaders to check out the “Finances” message category at Church & Culture to see past series given by James Emery White on giving.
About the Author
James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and a former adjunct professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president. His latest book After “I Believe” is now available on Amazon or your favorite bookseller. To enjoy a free subscription to the Church & Culture blog, visit churchandculture.org, where you can view past blogs in our archive, read the latest church and culture news from around the world, and listen to the Church & Culture Podcast. Follow Dr. White on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @JamesEmeryWhite.
The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of CrosswalkHeadlines.
James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and a former professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president. His latest book, Hybrid Church: Rethinking the Church for a Post-Christian Digital Age, is now available on Amazon or from your favorite bookseller. To enjoy a free subscription to the Church & Culture blog, visit churchandculture.org where you can view past blogs in our archive, read the latest church and culture news from around the world, and listen to the Church & Culture Podcast. Follow Dr. White on X, Facebook and Instagram at @JamesEmeryWhite.
