Many people would consider the relationship between Christian organizations and fundraising as “strained.” On one side you, have outspoken Christians such as U2’s Bono that go around saying things like “the God I believe in isn’t short of cash, mister.” He recorded that line in “Bullet in the Blue Sky.”
True, there have been far too many financial scandals associated with high-profile ministries. Yes, Mr. Bono, God doesn’t need cash.
But His flock exists in a capitalistic world that requires resources to feed the hungry, treat the sick and manage the real-world problems that arise in the aftermath of tragedies such as the Las Vegas concert shooting and the Texas Church Massacre.
Christians Give Generously in Church Massacre Aftermath
As family members mourn the loss of 26 church-goers and pray for the wounded in Sutherland, Texas, good people across the nation and world were quick to act. More than 14 GoFundMe campaigns were launched on behalf of the victims’ families that swiftly raised more the $1 million in just the first two days. That was before the mainstream media began reporting on the generosity. The charitable giving of those initial 16,185 souls has since swelled exponentially.
The first few days saw more than $500,000 raised for the Holcombe clan who lost eight family members all told. They included Associate Pastor Bryn Holcombe who was killed along with his wife, Karla, their son Marc Daniel Holcombe and his 1-year-old daughter. Crystal Holcombe, a mother of five, was shot dead carrying an 8-month child in her womb. A string of other online funding resources had contributed another $250,000 in just days.
GoFundMe and other online platforms have raised money for other victims’ families targeting everything from funeral expenses to helping kin travel to help grieve with loved ones. The First Baptist Church set up a PayPal account and, according to the Wilson County District Attorney Audrey Louis, money has been allocated by the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund. One casket-maker offered to custom-craft one for every single victim.
While it’s certainly important to be cautious and research the emerging online accounts, Christians around the world believe that charity is Godly. That begs the question, are people like the pop singer correct or just jaded because a few succumbed to greed?
Does God Need your Cash?
Clearly Mr. Bono is correct. God does not need our cash. However, many devoted Christian ministries need financial support to carry out His good works. Consider rallying a group of passionate community members to send missionaries to an impoverished country after a natural disaster such as the series of recent, devastating hurricanes.
Consider getting from just Maine to Texas to help displaced hurricane victims or provide support services in Sutherland. Food, water, shelter and travel all cost money. And while other Christians are happy to donate or reduce rates, mortgages have to get paid. God provides, and online fundraising platforms can help facilitate charitable giving quickly and efficiently.
Does the Bible Encourage Fundraising?
Scripture is not nearly as paradoxical about fundraising as many would believe. Acts 2 talks about the first Christians forming a congregation and enduring personal and economic hardships. They sold off their belonging to take care of one another. Virtually destitute, Paul’s letter in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 discusses the need and proper way to fund raise. It’s clear that fundraising was a necessity for the early church and would be going forward. But there’s a caveat to Christian fundraising.
Paul goes on to outline how and why the Faithful should provide economic support. Rich or poor, Paul teaches us that Christians should give in proportion to how “God has prospered him.” That underlying principle seems quite consistent with the wave of online funding platforms designed to benefit ministries and victims of tragedy. The core idea is that it opens avenues for people to give without beings asked and in proportion to their ability.
Popular Crowdfunding Platforms Christians Utilize
Platforms such as GoFundMe and PayPal get a lot of notoriety and are go-to resources. There is also a wave of online platforms that top the lists of Christian fundraising. These are some of the more popular ones.
- FaithLauncher
- FundThisMinistry
- WeRaise
- Funded by Faith
- Fundly
- Qgiv
- GiveSendGo
- Plumfund
- Kickstarter
Many Crowdfunding platforms do not charge a setup fee. Most charge a fee after donations start coming, in addition to other transaction charges.
Funded by Faith, FundThisMinistry, WeRaise and FaithLauncher trend toward the low end of credit card and transaction fees. Many are passed on to the donor and don’t cut into the charitable fundraising.
At the end of the day, Bono is right. God isn’t short of cash. But Christians would do well to vigilantly raise money for those in need and to help spread the Word.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
