Fundraising Pays Huge Dividends!

Fundraising is a crucial way to generate funds for God’s Work. However, what if I told you fundraising also pays huge dividends—to your “personal account”? Let’s use Scripture to define that account.

The apostle Paul was dealing with physical “affliction” (Phil. 4:14). The brethren in Philippi supported him in his need. In fact, they did so multiple times while Paul was at Thessalonica, given that he mentioned that they “sent once and again unto my necessity” (vs. 16).

Although Paul appreciated their generosity, he was even happier that the brethren would receive a reward: “I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (vs. 17).

In effect, what Paul was saying was, “I care more about how you have gained from the gift that you gave to me in my time of need.” This was a beautiful attitude to have, considering how much Paul suffered throughout his life.

Each of us has a spiritual account with God in heaven. This account contains our eternal reward, which can be increased, just like a bank account.

Jesus said something similar in Matthew 6: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (vs. 19-20).

How does this apply to fundraising?

The simple answer is that we have the incredible privilege of helping preach the gospel to the world and feeding the flock of God. We assist in these two commissions through local fundraising.

Years ago, when I spoke to the collective ministry about fundraising, I asked one of the most challenging questions I could ever have asked: “If you had the choice of deciding one of the following, which would it be: (1) receive a huge amount of money through the sacrifice of just a few members, or (2) receive half as much but with everyone participating in fundraising? Which one do you think God would choose?”

There was complete silence in the room. Which was the correct answer? The Work always needs the most money possible, right? But was that correct?

My point then is the same now: God is more pleased when all His children support His Work through fundraising. God can blink His eye and have all the money in the world come rushing into Headquarters, but He does not do that. Instead, He wants each of us to be fully invested in His business and what He is doing. One way to show God that our hearts are in His Work is to be involved in local and Churchwide fundraising.

In a very kind and loving way, God is telling us, “Stay busy until Christ comes and sets up the Kingdom of God” (read Luke 19:13). By doing that, we can build up our accounts in heaven. It is no mystery—when we give, we also receive. God confirms that promise in many ways throughout His Word.

You can look at fundraising from several perspectives.

First, fundraising helps to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the world. It is how the Church offers everything to the public and its members free of charge.

Second, fundraising helps cover costs in local congregations. This falls under the second commission of “feeding the flock.” This is one of the main reasons everyone should be involved—because it benefits everyone.

Third, fundraising helps God see what is in our hearts. We either make deposits into our heavenly bank account when we do His Work or withdrawals when we “steal” the limited time God has given us to contribute actively while waiting for the Kingdom.

If we prioritize these three reasons, we can confidently call on God when we are in need. It is comforting to know that God will help us when we need it the most!

Our Father is the perfect parent. He gives us wonderful gifts, but He also wants us to put in the effort to work for certain things. That is how He helps us to grow and mature, just like a human parent would expect from their children. Fundraising is one of those continual working projects He desires—not just from a few—but from everyone.

Sometimes it may be hard to understand why the Kingdom is taking so long to get here. However long it takes, our focus should be on staying busy and productive. Fundraising is an exciting way to do that, and it helps us build bonds with one another. There is a reward at stake—both now and later.

Everything we do has a purpose, and God will not forget what we have accomplished: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

We each have an excellent opportunity to work for God by filling His storehouse and, at the same time, helping increase our reward. Do not let down in fundraising. God has plenty of reward stored up for you—if you do not get weary in the well-doing of fundraising!