Why Fundraising Matters to Every Member

If you have ever wondered, “What do Church fundraising dollars actually support?” you are not alone. You may feel hesitant to get involved when you are unsure what it accomplishes. Some assume, “Headquarters probably has this covered.” Others might sit back because it seems like just “money talk.”

Such doubts and concerns are worth addressing. And when we look more closely at what fundraising makes possible, why it matters becomes abundantly clear.

In the Church, fundraising serves three main purposes: (1) Supporting your local congregation, (2) Helping young people attend Ambassador Youth Camp, and (3) Advancing God’s worldwide Work.

At first glance, these three areas may seem unrelated. In reality, they are all driven by the same principle: seeking the good of others.

The apostle Paul wrote, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (I Cor. 10:24, New International Version). This instruction lies at the heart of fundraising.

Each of the three main purposes of fundraising puts this verse into action.

(1) Supporting Your Local Congregation

A hall that has everything needed for Sabbath services. A sound system that works well so everyone can hear. A shut-in connects by video and still feels included.

These things do not just happen on their own. They happen because brethren choose to share the responsibility. Fundraising is one of the ways congregations work together to meet these needs—whether for an ongoing expense or a specific project.

Hebrews 13:16 tells us, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” The word “communicate” simply means to share with one another. God is pleased when His people work together to meet needs.

Local fundraising can be used to provide chairs, flower arrangements, sound equipment, printed materials and internet access so members can stay connected to services and Bible studies. It also makes socials and other congregational activities possible, which help us grow closer to one another.

The needs will vary from congregation to congregation. The purpose does not.

I have seen how modest local efforts, when everyone contributes, strengthen congregations in lasting ways. Needs are met that no one person could meet alone.

Even if you cannot organize a fundraising event or volunteer extensively, your participation still matters. When you give or assist—even a little bit—you are helping keep the congregation thriving.

(2) Helping Young People Attend Ambassador Youth Camp

Fundraising also supports one of the Church’s most important responsibilities: preparing the next generation by helping our young people attend AYC.

Scripture shows us how important this responsibility is. Judges 2:10 records: “There arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which He had done for Israel.” This situation did not happen overnight. It happened because godly instruction was not emphasized.

Ambassador Youth Camp helps ensure that does not happen in our time.

You can picture it. Teens who might not otherwise be able to afford camp are there anyway. One is participating on a team. Another is learning to lead. All are forming friendships with others who share the same beliefs—and beginning to see that God’s way of life applies directly to them.

Camp does more than provide activities. It builds habits. There, our teens practice service, cooperation, accountability and leadership.

By the time they return home, something has changed. Their confidence has grown. Their perspective has deepened. Their appreciation for God’s Church has increased.

As a parent who has watched this up close, I have seen how both our family and our congregation benefit when youth return more engaged and more aware of the Work they are part of. The change is clear.

Preparing the next generation is not only a parental responsibility, it belongs to the entire Church. Because camp produces that kind of growth, finances should never stand in the way of a young person attending.

Even though my wife and I no longer have children who are camper age—and even if you do not either—our support still matters. It is investing in the Church’s future.

(3) Supporting God’s Worldwide Work

The third reason we fundraise is to support the Work of God—preaching the gospel worldwide.

Jesus Christ instructed His disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). The word “you” is plural. The truth is not meant to be kept to ourselves, but freely shared with others.

Local fundraising supports the production of books, magazines, websites, videos and mailing services that reach far beyond any single congregation. It helps feed scattered brethren and supports those God is calling in places all across the globe.

Together, we expand the reach of God’s Work.

Even if you feel far removed from media and literature production at Headquarters, your fundraising efforts help the gospel reach more people worldwide.

Why It All Matters

Fundraising is not just about money. It is about members working together to strengthen their congregations, invest in the next generation and help God’s truth reach people around the world.

At the same time, something happens within each of us. Working together for a purpose larger than ourselves draws us together and helps us remain close to God.

With all of this in mind, we can see why fundraising matters. It gives each of us a way to seek the good of others and share in the Work God entrusted to His Church.

The next time a fundraising effort is announced in your congregation, look for ways to join in.

When many people give a little, a lot becomes possible.