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 Bro.
Turner:
Is
it scriptural for a member of one congregation to “split their
contribution” with another congregation?
Reply:
“Contribution”
from a scriptural viewpoint, is what one gives, freely, not of
“necessity,” to supply some need or “want.” (2 Cor. 9:7;
8:14; 4-5; 1 Cor. 16:1-3) It is not a tax, not a “fee”
exacted by the church.
It
represents each disciple’s will to meet certain needs, and to
join with other saints in a collective effort to meet those
needs. (Although Acts 11:29 is not absolutely, clearly a case of
a “pooled” fund, it does show the individual will back of
the gift — a characteristic of acceptable giving in all
cases.)
Saints
“contribute” to a common fund on the Lord’s Day because:
1. Each one recognizes legitimate,
God-authorized needs which should be met, in order to further
the Lord’s cause, and glorify God.
2. In keeping with God’s will, they have
covenanted together, agreed to work as one, in certain
activities of work and worship.
3. 1 Cor. 16: 1-3 furnishes approved precept
and example of such pooling of funds, on the Lord’s Day, by
saints in a local church relationship, to meet such
God-authorized needs.
I
find nothing in any of the scriptures concerning “giving”
that suggests that our
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“contribution” is a certain
percentage of our income, foreordained to be placed in the
collection basket of the congregation of which we are members.
The same passages which teach that we should be willing, when
the needs demand it, to sell our possessions and give all, or
100% (Acts 4:32-37); would also teach that when needs are less,
we would reduce the gift accordingly.
All
team activities impose responsibilities upon those who are a
part of the team. I accept such responsibilities when I become a
part of a congregation; and would be derelict of duty should the
work of the “team” of which I am a member be ignored and my
resources be given to another congregation. If I can not
conscientiously support the work of a congregation, I should
sever relations with them and go to work with a “team” to
which I can give support. (“Little” men may allow petty
grievances and personal differences to keep them on the “move.”
They will use the above statement to excuse such childishness
— but that sort would find some excuse, regardless, I am
seeking to deal with the principles involved.) However, if one
meets the needs and responsibilities of his home congregation,
and wishes to make additional gifts to other needs, I see no
violation of scripture in this.
If
each congregation would plan their work properly — in keeping
with their ability — their legitimate need would be such as to
use the resources of each member so fully, there would be little
excuse, or inclination, for a “shopping around” for places
to put our money. A “split contribution” usually indicates
poor “team” planning, or a donor with “split allegiance.”
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