[Kansas58]

Liberal Christian Churches have supported expansion of social programs and the welfare state.
At one time, the Church was pretty much the only true charity.
Now? The Church has ceded much of their authority and purpose to the State.
I do not think there can be much argument about that.
What does the Church do with its money? Don’t we have some authority to withhold money if the Church does an awful job managing money?

[Engedi]

I stopped giving to my church, which Church of Nazarene. I love this church and when I started attending about 4 years ago was involved in their soup kitchen, worked monthly at Interfaith Shelter, worked the free thanksgiving dinner for two years.

Then- they added on this huge section to the church. About a year after, said they were struggling financially, could we give more. People gave, they added several more charity programs, book packs for kids, Mobile food cart, added some more positions. Always raised money for annual Mission trip, usually to Mexico.

Hadn’t been to church in about 6 months, went few weeks ago...and before Pastor got up to preach, the treasurer of church said we are struggling financially, we need folks to give more money- for 10 weeks.

I had a negative critical spirit after that working on my soul. We have people in our church who struggle financially via lost jobs, illness, etc and yet they had to curtail help to their members...and yet, they expand their charity programs to the poor.

How are they struggling financially? Are they being irresponsible with money? Yes I think so. I really need to pray over continuing at this church....I prefer to give in my own way when I see a need for someone who needs in lieu of throwing money at a church that seems to have issues with spending our money wisely.

[Theodore R.]

One is giving to God, rather than the specific church. He is not responsible if a church handles the money poorly. His alternative is to find another church so long as he is guided by the Holy Spirit.

[HarleyD]

What does the Church do with its money? Don’t we have some authority to withhold money if the Church does an awful job managing money?

You, my friend, are a WISE steward.

[rollo tomasi]

If a Church/Denomination lobbies the State to run/fund charity projects then one should subtract the 10% from part of your tax rate. Fair is fair if the Church wants to play the guilt game while lobbying to have your taxes raised.

Churches should be taxed btw, with heavy deductions for charitable enterprises. If a Church is giving after expenses then the tax rate could be deducted to 0%. In this political climate, it is better to criticized our Reps directly than to stay silent with threat of losing your tax exemption.