Beliefnet
  
advertisement

Before You Give Money to Ministries

Ten questions to ask before you send a check to a Christian ministry or televangelist.
By Larry Tomczak



Print Page

Reprinted with permission from Charisma magazine.

1. Are the people who are asking for money modeling Christlike servanthood, or salesmanship and self-promotion?

2. Are they exalting Jesus Christ or exalting people and ministries?

3. Do they model prayerful dependency on God, or do they use pressure and manipulation to incite others to give?

4. Do they give people an opportunity to quietly and patiently hear from God, or do they insist that the giving must be done "now" or "instantly"?

5. Is there evidence of humility, purity and integrity in their demeanor and presentation, or do they use insincere hype, pushiness and striving?

6. Do they offer a sincere, faith-building presentation of Scriptures and testimonies or misleading promises and fear-inducing suggestions?

7. Does this ministry have a record of spiritual fruit that honors God, or is their reputation marred by unsubstantiated claims and exaggerated reports?

8. Do the people asking for money have godly lifestyles of humility and servanthood, or do they live as pampered people who require egotistical titles and lavish living?

9. Is the ministry financially accountable, or are false assurances used to gain credibility?

10. Do they ever imply that giving in an offering will increase a person's spiritual gifts or level of anointing?

Print Page
Reprinted with permission from the July 2004 issue of Charisma magazine. Copyright Strang Communications Co., USA. All rights reserved.

Larry Tomczak is pastor of Christ the King Church in Acworth, Georgia, near Atlanta. He is the author of several books including his most recent, Reckless Abandon (Charisma House).


advertisement
Poll
Have you ever given money to a religious ministry you've seen on TV or heard on the radio?
Yes
No

vote       View Results
Talk About It
Faiths & Practices | Inspiration | Health | Entertainment | Comfort & Support | Family & Home
Relationships | News & Blogs | Audio/Video | Discussions | Ecards | Prayer Circles | Meditations | Quizzes
Copyright © 2008 Beliefnet, Inc. and/or its licensors. All rights reserved.
Use of this site is subject to Terms of Service
and to our Privacy Policy. Constructed by Beliefnet.