Interesting Questions-72
Thank offerings are voluntary
contributions
Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, September 1995, p.3
I HAVE BEEN fascinated by the magnificent houses
of worship built all over the country by the Iglesia by the Iglesia
ni Cristo. Considering the fact that majority of he lglesia ni
Cristo members are poor, I am amazed at how your Church manages to
finance the construction of such elegant structures.
A member of your Church said that the Church's
finances were supported or shouldered by voluntary contributions.
Does your Church set a quota on the contributions of its members?
Aside the support from the support for the Church's construction
work, what other expenses are your offerings allotted for?
Henry Bunao
Manila, Philippines
Editor's reply:
The Church's expenses, including those for the construction of
houses of worship (cf. II Chron. 24:12-14), the maintenance of these
houses of worship, the sustenance of ministers and their families (cf.Gal.
6:5-6), the propagation of the gospel through print,
radio and TV, and the assigning of ministers for foreign missions,
are all supported by voluntary contributions. What are voluntary
contributions? They are thank-offerings given freely based upon the
dictates of one's heart (cf. II Cor. 9:7).
Guided by these biblical precept, the Church does
not in any way dictate or set a quota on the thank-offerings or
voluntary contributions of its members.
___________________
Bible Study
Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free
to visit the
Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or
an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question
you have in mind.