Elder Chew Chong Kiat

Biblical Attitude Toward Church Subsidies

For the past few years, the church provided about two to three hundred thousand dollars in subsidies each year to campers for the Church Family Camp and Retreats, which is about 10% of the annual expenditure of the church. The BOE gladly approved the budget to subsidise members and friends to attend camps and retreats where they can spend time in the study of God’s Word and in fellowship with brethren. The spiritual blessings received far outweigh the money spent.

What is a biblical attitude toward any form of subsidies provided by the church for camps, retreats, meals, outings, etc?

As citizens or PRs in Singapore, and members of clubs, societies or organisations, we receive subsidies in many aspects related to health, recreation and training, just to name a few. I suppose many would view receiving subsidies as their rights. One may even be upset when he does not get the right amount of subsidy and may even demand for it. This is especially so when he pays ‘fees’ to the organisation and tax to the nation. He may see those subsidies as part of his rights and benefits as a member. I hope that we do not bring this attitude into the church.

Members and regular worshippers give tithes cheerfully according to Biblical guidelines. As the Lord enables they give at least 10%, or more. However, it is not impossible for some to think of their tithes and offerings as a "fee" they pay to enjoy certain benefits. Some may even view receiving subsidy as a form of "benefit." Because higher subsidy is given to members, some may think that this is because of their "membership status", very similar to that of being members of a club or citizens of a country.

Consequently, one may begin to think of receiving subsidy as a right and may even plan to maximise its benefits. Some may go so far as to expect or compare the benefits they receive with others and feel aggrieved if they ‘lose out’. Is this a biblical mindset?

Let us understand first of all, that tithes and offerings are given to the Lord and not to the church. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7). It is our privilege to return to the Lord a portion of what the Lord blesses us with. The church is a steward of these offerings and God appoints leaders in the church to dispense the money for the work of the ministry by following the guidelines in the Scriptures. These leaders have to answer to God for how God's money is to be used. We give because we love God and we want to honour God. We certainly do not give to maintain our membership through a ‘fee’ we ‘pay’ on the Lord’s Day. The basic understanding is that all that we have come from the Lord and everything in our lives belong to Him, including the air we breathe and our very lives.

Secondly, as a consequence to the first point, subsidies are from God. The money is God’s money and not ours, even though we may have given it in the first place. The reason is the same - everything belongs to God in the first place. It is unlike our cash deposits in a bank or investing in a Trust fund. Our tithes and offerings are what God has blessed us with, which we gratefully return to the Lord as a form of worship from grateful hearts. Please do not see subsidy as a form of rebate because of our contribution or because of our membership. This is a transgression of the mind and heart.

Subsidy is given gratia: not as one deserving by virtue of his standing. When church leaders decide to subsidise an activity, it is to provoke all believers to apply themselves to every profitable spiritual exercise.

In the case of the family camp, the leaders would like to encourage all to take their families away from the cares of the world and together, to wait on the Lord to be sanctified by His Word and to build close spiritual bonds with other believers. It must never be abused as an annual family holiday that is heavily subsidised by the church. I was told that some campers skipped meetings or discussion sessions so that they could visit other parts of Malaysia near the hotel or to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. This is a sin that must stop.

Let us be grateful for the gracious subsidy provided by the Lord and apply our time profitably at camp in the study and meditation of God’s Word and in knowing other fellow pilgrims on the way to the heavenly city and to provoke one another unto love and good works.

Camp time is such a wonderful time not because of the superb hotel facilities and wonderful food, but the precious fellowship with fellow brethren that we can have when we dwell together around the Word of God. It is a time when we see lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the preaching of God’s Word and the testimony of the saints. The food, ambience, games and outings only add to the joy we already have in the Lord but are in no way the source of our joy. Even when the food and accommodation are basic, we can still rejoice that we have been to church family camp.

Let us not see receiving subsidy as our rights, but rather as an encouragement to apply ourselves to the spiritual programmes planned by the church. Let us live with eternity's values in view and invest our resources in these programmes. Let none entertain any bitterness because they get lesser subsidy than others. God forbid that anyone should even abuse the charity of the Lord to want a bigger subsidy or use it for carnal gains.

If you know of someone in need and cannot help personally, do bring it to the attention of the camp committee. The church leaders would not want anyone or family to miss out on the spiritual blessings awaiting them at church camp. I was provoked when some brethren showed charity privately by paying for some family members and individuals to come to church camp. It is your blessing to help. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God. (2 Cor 9:12) This is what a household of God should be like.

Camp 2015 is coming soon, 15-20 Jun. Have you booked your leave? Have you made all arrangements so that your whole family can be there? See you there!