FUND RAISING

HELP SITE

(Adapted from the LCA Statement on Commercialism)

"Fund Raising" in one form or another seems to be perennial. New members and other leaders moving from one place and situation to another will require education and enlightened leadership.

Commercial ventures and fund raising, the selling of goods or services in the name of the church, with the purpose of securing funds for the operation and mission of the church, its auxiliaries, and church-related institutions, blurs the clear relationship between the giving of the Christian and the mission of the church.

Fund Raising further weakens the church and a true sense of stewardship for the following reasons:

(a) It involves the church in other than its true business of giving -- giving the Gospel to all people.
(b) It is used instead of giving. The church languishes and suffers from a lack of support, due to an improper understanding of and commitment to giving by its members.
(c) Buying from the church often suggests supporting the church. This leads to a false sense of security which satisfies the consciences of people not vitally related to the church.
(d) It wrongly exploits the church by causing participants to feel obligated to support the projects thus endorsed by parish, auxiliaries, and institutions.

Camouflaged in the argument for "fund raising and commercial ventures" and advanced as reasons for, are motives and practices which are desirable and should be encouraged. These are:

• 1. Fellowship or participation-- the wish to be involved, to work together in a common task.
• 2. Service-- a desire to feel needed, to have the opportunity to help the church or a fellow member.

Stewardship principles and practices clearly indicate the genuine need for service and fellowship. They should be developed creatively and courageously in order that people may have the opportunity to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and the mission to which He calls them-- to grow in faith as they find fellowship in His work of serving and telling.

• 3. There is a third motive-- a desire to work and serve for a profit--to make money instead of giving money. It is this third motive which is in question and to which this statement directs itself.

There are basically four ways by which property may be transferred or possession taken:
(1) Stealing.
(2) Gambling.
(3) Buying selling-- exchanging.
(4) Giving.

Giving has a unique place in the faith and action of the Christian and the congregation. This is the central part of our stewardship.

For more information read the Fund Raising Statement

For guidance and conversation on this topic, contact the Stewardship Specialist