Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:29-30
As an important footnote to the previous two posts about giving, verse 30 adds this important bit of instruction. The handling of what people give (as an act of worship) is to be done by those who are both trusted and accountable. Paul makes this same point in 1 Corinthians 16:3-4.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the government understood that the money they handle is “other people’s money”? And if only they actually were accountable to the people from whom it comes!
As human leaders in the Church (specifically at GBC), we are keenly aware that the church’s funds are not only other people’s tithes and offerings, but once given, they belong to God—and we are also keenly aware that we are accountable to Him for every last penny. This is why we supply an annual financial report to our church family—which we hope you take a look at.
As those who give, it is our responsibility to know and trust those who handle the ministry’s finances. We should be careful to give only to responsible ministries that are transparently accountable to donors, and to God.
May we be good stewards of how we give—including to whom. And may those who handle the funds fear God.