Question

How should a congregation view fund raisers? Should the church be supported by non-Christians?

Answer

In the Old Testament, God's people were to "bring the full tithe into the storehouse" of the temple (Mal. 3:10). In the New Testament, the saints continued to set such aside on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2). Paul specifically commands the latter "so that there will be no collecting when I come."

The thrust of the Bible appears to be that the giving of God's people is how the church raises its funds. There may be unbelievers, as there were in the Old and New Testaments, who come in and among God's people and yet who give. If nonbelievers come among us and give, that's one thing. To actively solicit them through the marketing and selling of products is another thing altogether. I see no biblical warrant for permitting fundraisers.