Ministry Machine or Church?

Years ago I recall going to an event put on by a parachurch organisation because our church was provided complimentary tickets.  The high cost of the tickets was a concern.  I had never heard of the group before and wanted to investigate personally before considering it for a viable youth event.  A few of us ended up going, and we were not impressed.  What was hailed as a conference to help youth grow in their faith in Jesus turned out to be an extended infomercial.  Instead of praying with youth who went forward to profess faith in Christ, ministry leaders were directed to another room where we were inundated with advertisements and hype videos about upcoming events.  During the final session, buckets to collect offerings were sent around--twice.

Despite the focus on marketing and fundraising efforts, ironically this parachurch organisation was declared bankrupt not long after.  The ministry engine that was running on youthful exuberance, volunteers working those phones and emotional appeals for money finally seized, and the ministry written off.  I once heard the soundbite of a well-known television preacher say, "It takes money for churches to function."  While churches can make good use of money, I do not believe money is necessary for the ministry of the church.  The church really only needs two things:  Jesus Christ and people united by faith in Him.  The ministry of Jesus was marked by loving, serving and giving--not continual pleas for money.  The church is infinitely more than an organisation:  it is a living Body of believers with Jesus as the Head.

The Bible tells us the disciples of Jesus served Him by giving their resources for His use.  Luke credited several women by name for doing this among many others in Luke 8:2-3:  "...and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ³ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance."  Jesus instructed His disciples He sent out to receive what they were given in Luke 10:7:  "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house."  It is entirely appropriate that ministers of the Gospel who supply spiritual things to receive temporal things, even as the Law said oxen that tread the corn should be free to eat and not muzzled.  Paul expounded more on this subject in 1 Corinthians 9:3-14.

It is a problem when church ministry becomes a machine that runs on money when God designed us to be new creations and members joined together in the Body of Christ, filled and fueled with the Holy Spirit.  Because we typically use money for wages, purchases and to host events, we imagine we could do more ministry with more money.  This is an illusion, for fruitful ministry of the church is done by the power of Jesus Christ by grace through faith.  Whenever possible, it is wise to give the Gospel free of charge, believing God will provide for our needs according to His promise--whether it is a coin in the mouth of a fish or money given freely by people moved by the Holy Spirit.  It should not be with the motive of enriching ourselves we freely give but in obedience to Jesus who said in Luke 6:38:  "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."