The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Church fundraising

Does anyone know of a good article or even a policy statement itself regarding a church use of fund raisers. I tend to think they are not biblical, and they definitely are contrary to the Presbytery form of church government. I thought we had it nailed down a couple of years ago, but everything seem to go by the wayside when it involves the youth and women ministries.

John,

Can you describe what's involved with these fundraisers?

I don't know of any article or policy statement on church fund raising. However, from what I read in the NT, it seems the Church is self-funded, i.e., it's members and attendees are the ones who supply the financial needs of the local church(es). I am personally averse to having the world maintain the Church. That view also has been the policy for The Highway, e.g., I refuse to use "Ads", banners or links to non-church related things. If I would have done so then the large debt I have incurred over the years from lack of donations would probably not exist. But I would rather shut down The Highway rather than depend on the world to keep things afloat.

Kyle,

Are you still living in Virginia?

The Youth group wants a garage sale to help out with its activities. The main one is a trip to Ridgehaven between Christmas and New Year's.

John,

Yes, I am still in Virginia (I live in Charlottesville now, & have been here for 4 years).

My inclination is the same as Pilgrim's. Really, the families should pony up the money if they want to send their kids off to Ridge Haven for a week. Perhaps they should consider pooling resources with youth groups at other churches in the presbytery? (Per the website, every 8th camper is free. But I'm not sure how the groups are counted, i.e., each church has a group, each presbytery, or whoever decides to form a group, etc.)