https://odb.org/MY/2022/03/16/thanks-but-no-thanks
For organisations without a fixed source of income, voluntary funding in the form of donations is key to its continued existence. With the spread and reach of social media, crowd funding is now a very sought after fund raising method. The NGO has to remain relevant and true to its cause and similar minded people in the public will help them financially and rally around their cause. The advantage of crowd funding is that we are not beholden to any single individual or entity except to stay true to the cause that we profess.
In a way, churches and mission organisations are also crowd funded, just that it is not the general public but the public within their congregations or for missions, believers who believe in and follow their missions. The church and missions are thus not beholden to any single individual or organisation. Furthermore, Christian funding has a biblical basis in the giving of tithes and offerings and thus people who give have less likelihood to want to exert influence. The giving is unto the Lord and not to the church or organisation per se. As much as we give to the local church, we may also give to other notable causes and charitable organisations.
What is the message today? I believe if we are leaders of churches and mision organisations, we should always let God fund and finance His work. We should thus be careful of anyone who wishes to provide significant funding to ensure that there are no strings attached like wanting to have a say on how the church or mission is run unless they are already an accepted part of the leadership. In God’s work, we do not exchange money for leadership and neither should we accept money in consideration of influence. The church and mission are led and funded by God Himself through His people and servants and not by any single individual.
Likewise if we give to God whether to our church or to any mission organisation, treat our giving as our contribution to the Kingdom of God, a heavenly cause. We should not try to exert influence with our money without ourselves pulling up our sleeves and getting into the plough. Give as God leads but if we want to influence the direction of the church, put in our share of the work together with our share of the pain and tears. Finance without sweat is not the way to the heart and pulse of the church or mission. If we want to have a say as God leads us – give our money, time and effort. They should all come together as one package. Have a good day, everyone!
Ronnie's Thoughts 