Money and Mission

Introduction:
One of the first questions an accepted candidate is going to rise is “What do I live on while I’m engaged in
deputation work”.1 The question of the relation between Money and Mission is one of the Knottiest question
Imaginable. In India as soon as one hears of money and mission the first thought that comes to mind is convertion
through money.2 Well, in Faith Mission Board practice, there is no guarantee of salary from the Mission Board for
living expenses from the moment of acceptance 3. In this taxing paper we would like to put in plain words what is
meant by money and mission. Whether money is aggressive to mission work or co-relative to it then we shall
elucidate how the evangelizer has too utilize money and what stance he ought to have to words it. Now, let pick up
one of the sub topic that is money and then moves on abusing of money in ministry.

Etymological meaning of money

Argurion, properly, a peace of silver, Chrema a things that one uses, Chalkoz coppers is used of copper coin,
Kerma primarily a slice, here a small coin John 2: 15 changes of money, Nomisma primarily that which is
established by custom, hence the current coin of a state currency is found in Matthew 22: 19. 4

To understand the simple meaning of money is that it is an economic category in a means of exchange that is
widely accepted in payment for goods and services and in settlement of debts. In our highly specialized modern
economy with its extreme division of labor money is a pivotal in the exchange. 5 Money also serves as a standard of
value for measuring the relative worth of different goods and services. Money plays an important role in the Market
economy, which has replaced the barter system of direct exchange. Further money stands as a symbol for
possessions, which may be material or financial. 6

Etymological meaning of Mission

Mission has many different meaning within its terminology. First it refers to the action of sending “As the Father
has sent me, so I am sending you” Christ sent His disciples on mission and that is founded on the mission of triune
God.7 According to Robert E. Speer, “ The last command of Christ is not the deep and final ground of the church’s
missionary duty, reasoned Robert E. Speer in his Duff Lectures of 1910.” He continued to saying:

That duty is authoritatively started in the words of the great commission, and it is of infinite consequence to have had
it so stated by our Lord Himself. But he had never spoken these particular words, or if having spoken, they had not
been preserved; the missionary duty of the church would not be in the least afflicted… The supreme argument for
foreign missions is not any word of Christ’s – It is Christ Himself, and what He reveals and signifies…. It is in the
very being and character of God that the deepest ground of the missionary enterprise is to be found. We cannot think
of God except in terms which necessities the missionary idea.8

Relationship between Mission and Money in Christianity

Without work faith remain in vain. As it is applicable to the human mission because money is one side of the coins.
Of course the Holy Spirit works as the main role in convincing and changing life of others. As a matter of facts the
Holy Spirit convince and speak to others to support the missionary in supporting as a means of working for God.
Therefore, we cannot separate Mission and Money.

The importance of Money in Mission:

1
Marjorie A. Collins, Manual For Accepted Missionary Candidates. (California: The William Carey Library Published,
1978), 58.
2
S. Arulsamy, Mission Today, October- Decemberm, VII/4, Meghalaya: Sacred Heart Theological College, 2005, 293.
3
opcit. Marjorie A. Collins, 58.
4
W. E Vine. An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. (Nashville: Thomas Publishers, 1798) 51-52.
5
Ibid, 293-294.
6
John P, Whalen (ed). New Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. (USA: Catholic University, 1967), 1052.
7
Ibid, 296.
8
Bibliothecasacra. Perspective on the Church’s Mission Part I: Missions in Biblical Perspective by George W. Peters.
January – March. Volume 136, Number 541, 1979), 3.

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When the Jesus called His first disciples ‘they left every things and followed Him”. (Luke 5: 11) Levi, the tax
collector, when called by Jesus “left everything “ and followed Him Luke 5:28) the tax collector left a lucrative
sincere. Similarly when Peter and the son of Zebedee were called, they left behind. When we come to Paul (Acts
18:3) gives us a great example regarding self-defense and money. 9 Fortunately, some people take the matter of
missionary giving very seriously. They not only resolve to put their finances to work in the service of the Lord, but
they want to know where their money is going and what it is accomplishing. This makes excellent business sense,
and certainly should be expected in the Christian world. Accountability is imperative! A report concerning
expenditure of mission funds should be available to each church member and contributor, whether it be a
denominational project or personalized support.10
The usual financial matters, which must be cared for before the candidate can leave for the field, are:
 Missionary support (In the case of those planning to be married, or expecting to raise a family on the field,
it is necessary to take this into account when raising support).
 Travel funds sufficient to cover transportation, shipment of baggage to the field, and estimated customs
duty.
 Outfit and equipment. The range of needs will be great in this category. Some folks can get by with very
little. Others feel they must have a great deal. Many missions set a limit on the value of outfits an
individual is allowed. In this case, set your priorities carefully.
 Language School expenses if the candidate is to attend.
Your mission will probably request monthly or quarterly financial reports from you, indicating the name and full
address of the each donor, amount received, purpose for which it was specified, whether it was sent to the Home
office, and if not, how it was utilized.11

What does the Bible say?

Three important principles emerge as we look into the Bible to find out what the Bible teaches a Christian about
managing his personal fiancés. First, a Christian should understand that all his income and wealth do not belting to
him; but belong to God alone. Secondly, a Christian’s attitude towards money should be such that in no way should
be at any time tend to love money. Thirdly, a Christian should use his income and wealth to please and serve God.
1) Understanding about money: We read in the Bible that all the earth is God’s (Exo. 19:5). King David
acknowledged all that is in heaven and on earth is God’s He added, all things come of God (I chronicles
29:11-14). Apostle Paul argued, even we are not our own, having been bought with a price (1Corinthian
6:19,20). Thus it is clear that our income and wealth belong to God and God alone, and not to ourselves. If
we happen to have them we have them only as stewards who are obliged to account thereof to God. The
parable of the shrewd manage brings out clearly this obligation of giving account as a steward (Luke 16:2).
Money is what God owns, given to us, his stewards.
 Attitude towards money: Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, stated in clear words that the love of money is
the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6: 10). While laying the qualifications for an overseer Paul deemed it
important to state that an overseer must be one who is not a lover of money (II Timothy 3:1). Through the
parable of the rich fool Jesus pleaded for guarding against all kinds of greed (Luke 12:15). In the parable of
the shower, Jesus mentioned that the deceitfulness of wealth and desires for other things could choke the
Word, making it unfruitful. Jesus had no hesitation in declaring that one cannot serve both God and Money
(Luke 16:13). It is imperative that a Christian ought to keep his life free from the love of money and be
content with what he has, develop the right attitude towards money.

 Tithe and Offerings:

A Christian should set aside substantial portion of his income regularly for God’s work, on top priority. None of his
expenses, or other financial commitments should be allowed to affect this act of returning to God a portion of what
belongs to Him. To please God in the use of Money. Luke 16:9, II. Corinthian. 8:3, Matt. 6:19. Luke 21:3,4.
 Taxes: A Christian should pay his taxes honestly and should stand absolutely transparent in this area. First
Matthew’s use of the word “tax collector” will be discussed in order to determine if his use of the word
9
Ibid, 297-298.
10
Marjorie A. Collins Who Cares about the missionary? Chicago: Moody Press, 1974, 26
11
Opcit. Marjorie A. Collins, 59.

2
 differs from others synoptic. Second, Matthew’s use of money word will be considered and the third will be
a brief examination will be made of other money-related terms used by Matthew. God speed failed to
follow a number of interesting trails. The tax collector’s job required a man of special gifts. As far back in
231 BC the Tebtunis Papyri listed three kinds of taxes that were collected, ranging from taxes on horses,
pigs, cattle and wool, to upkeep taxes on temples and watchtowers, as well as taxes on bathhouse and a tax
on policeman. The tax collector had to write fast, with great accuracy, often using shorthand while keenly
observing lift about him, to make sure all t ax obligation were being met. To be a tax collector here requires
extraordinary gifts.12
 Expenses: One of the ways of pleasing God is by caring for one’s own family, including parents and
grandparents. This is also commended as putting the religion into practice (I Timothy 5:4). This gives
authority to a Christian to use the money in his possession for the expenses on himself and his family. So
doing, he should not forget that godliness with contentment is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6).
 Savings: The wise king Solomon refers to the nature of an ant to store its provision in summer and to
gather it s foods at harvest as a n example to follow (Pro. 6.: 6-8). A Christian will be advised to carefully
and systematically save on a regular basis, so that he may
(a) Reduce his tax liability. (b) Increase his future income (c) Enable acquisition of assets
(d) Leave an inheritance 13

Money versus Mission:

Bishop in India comparatively earned a higher salary than the missionaries and the chaplains as their position of
rank was considered to be next to that of Governor General. For the Bishop in Madras was proposed a sum of £
6,000 per annum, salary equal to that of judge at the Presidency. 14 Far East, India Company, money was a trades
weapon for profit and exploitation. As Roy Porter puts it in this way that finance and become the soul of England’s
enterprise. Christian mission, generally speaking adopted a different attitude towards money. The relationship
between money and mission is multiple and complex how did the missionaries, chaplains and bishops live with it?
How did they realize their goals with it? We are not entering into the theological discussions about money; it uses
and abuses. Money indicates relationship with oneself and with others. Central financial relationships developed
along the pathways of the missionary task of the church. How did money play its part in the advance of Christian
mission in India and others nations? We do not have all financial facts available in order to adequately answer the
questions. Some saw money as a means to achieve an end, some as a tool to wield power, some as an end in itself
thinking that it a would buy freedom for and self-worth in others. The missionaries had to depend entirely on
money and supplies that would come by ships from Europe.15

How to raise Funds:

Fund raising is not an easy task as the idea is shared. “Fund raising means stirring up Christian communities to
mobilize a steady flow of resources for a particular purpose”. Concern for fund rising for missions or a church
has biblical precedence. God has always been concerned about funds for the church and related purpose God is
sovereign. So He calls his people to act in responsible obedience to His. Mission Fund raising will not be a
problem if the sovereignty of God and human responsibility are kept in proper balance. II Corinthians 9:7
states, “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart not grudging or of necessity for God loves a cheerful
giver.” As long as we have cheerful givers were may not have any anxiety in our fund raising programmes. So,
a fundraiser for Mission must brings the donors forms this stage of UNSETTLED to the state of
INTERESETED. For that he can approach such a way through the following two stages.
First, explain the Biblical foundations of Mission and the Greatest Commission Granted by our Savior. Convince
them with the blessing that God would grant them for their participation in you mission.
12
Bibliiothecasacra: Money Matters in Matthew by Warner. G. Marx. April – June, Vol. 136, NO. 542, (USA: Dallas
Theological Seminary, 1979), 149.
13
Raja B, Sing. Christian Manager. (February – March, 2001), 3-4.
14
Bibliiothecasacra: Money Matters in Matthew by Warner. G. Marx. April – June, Vol. 136, NO. 542, (USA: Dallas
Theological Seminary, 1979), 68.
15
Bangalore Theological Forum. Money Chaplains, Missionaries and Bishop in the Protestant mission in India by
Joseph G. Muthu Raj. Vol. No. XXXVIII, NO. 1. (Bangalore: United Theological College, 2006), 59- 61.

3
Methods of Fund Raising:
There are different kinds of ways in which the fund can be raise like for instance direct mail, Press advertising,
Special events, Personal contacts, Sales for profit, Pay roll giving, Pledge giving. 16

THE USES OF MONEY:

The Personal Support Model: In some ways what we have written above leads to the discussion of the possibility
of self-support in missions. It is t rue that William Carey had the idea that missionaries could become self-
supporting after a short time on the field. The London Missionary Society had the same ideas and only gave it up
after a number of years of experience. Other missions, too, have attempted the same thing. William Taylor’s self-
support in missionary service was on a somewhat different basis. Yet they later had to be taken over by a regular
missionary society. One of the ideas that some young people have in thinking of self-support in missionary service
is this: they can be paid an adequate salary by an impersonal company or government on the basis of merit and of
work done. They will not be dependent on the generosity of Christians nor hampered by them in the kids of work
that they prefer to do. This model foreign churches and individual Christians, mission agencies, send money,
directly to national preacher and evangelists, without collaboration and over sight by mature church leaders on the
field. Outsiders make decisions without a mature body of believers or agency. Frequently this direct may use both
way bed and goods mostly missed used by recipient, in other words, money from rich nations is employed in the
support of local preaching ministers rather than to support “evangelists” or “missionaries”. This order thus tends to
hinder rather than empower mission. But this model is appropriate or easy for the local churches to implement
because supporter can go and visit and get picture of the work.

The Indigenous Model: The Indigenous model contrasts sharply with the personal support model. In the model,
missionaries seek to initiate churches that are self-supporting from their inception. For example an America,
European and Korean Church or agency supports, their missionaries to plant new churches nurture young Christian
in these churches to grown to maturity, equip national leader supported by their own people and resources. A
number of principles guide the self-support orientation of the indigenous mode. But when missionaries churches
and agencies with great wealth being supporting local preacher living in lees wealthy areas of the world
dependency occurs which ultimately binders the growth and maturity of the Christian movement. 17

The Partnership Model: The Partnership model is significantly different from both the personal support and
indigenous models. The partnership perspective recognizes that there are certain contexts in this Internationalizing
world where foreign money. If appropriately used, can empower missions without creating dependency. This is
money, however, rather than going directly to other recipients, should go through a local accountability structure of
mature Christian leaders. Effective partnership requires churches, agencies or consortiums of national elder that
have the maturity decides the duration of the partnership, accountability for use of money and methodologies of
their specific mission task.18

Misuse of Money in Mission

The biggest obstacles faced by the Christian leaders around the world are the misuse of money in Mission. God will
hold leaders accountable for what happen within their organization and ministries. Many Christian leaders
erroneously believed that primary motivation congruent with implementer good system of internal control. Is this
true? Or should the rational for implementing good financial controls in a Christian ministry in different from
others. Matthew 12:36 “ But I tell you that every careless world that people speak; they shall given accountable for
it in the Day of Judgment.” Upon death all human beings will stand before God and given an account for their lives.
Christian leaders are not helping people prepare for the impending reality by shirking accountability in the financial
realm. God abhorred dishonesty in financial transaction and felt that strongly about financial impropriety at such a
critical time the life of the church. Is it logical to believed that 2000 years later contemporary ministry of greater
value than honesty and integrity in the financial realm? God did not want his church polluted by fraud, impropriety
16
Kumar S.D. Jeya. Christian Manager. (February-March, 2001), 5-6.
17
Jonathan J, Bonk J. Mission and Money. (Maryknoll: Society of Missiology, 1992), 37-39.
18
Ralph W. Stice, Evangelical Missions Quarterly (October, 2002). Vol. 38/4, 420-424.

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and dishonest. Effective and life-changing ministry does not negate or diminish the need for financial integrity. It
seeks to ensure it.19 One might have expected to know whether it is lawful to use money in mission work and
whether one can continue to get foreign money for this purpose and so. Such an expectation is based on the
constant accusation of Hindu fundamentalist that Christian are getting foreign money in order to convert the
socially and economically downtrodden people by offer of money as allurement and incentive. 20

Evaluation:

From the title of the article Money and Mission, we can visualize that how far we have gone. Money and
possession are useful and may be necessary from the perspective of the evangelizer and the evangelized. But undue
attachment to them may turn out to be a hindrance to mission work. Hence, a balanced is a must. Similarly, thought
gathering help form other countries, may not be wrong from the Christian perspective of sharing with those who do
not have, too much dependence on such help may not be conductive to authentic evangelization.

Conclusion:
Money is useful in mission and sometime it is necessary for mission. But one should be aware of the other side of
the coin is that much of the material, possession and money could become a stumbling block to mission.
Dependence on such help can be counter-productive in the long run. Much attachment to money may turn out to be
a hindrance to mission work. Hence, a balance should be between money and missions. As the Sermon on the
Mount teaches, one should have a correct attitude towards, wealth and money (Matthew 6: 22-34). Therefore, if you
have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?” May Christian
leaders fulfill their God gives responsibility and proves faithful with all the treasures entrusted to us.

Bibliography:

Arulsamy S. Mission Today, October- December 2005, VII/4.

Bangalore Theological Forum. Money Chaplain. Missionaries and Bishop in the Protestant mission in India by
Joseph G. Muthu Raj. Vol. No. XXXVIII, NO. 1Bangalore: United Theological College, 2006.
Bibliiothecasacra: Money Matters in Matthew by Warner. G. Marx. April – June, Vol. 136, NO. 542, USA: Dallas
Theological Seminary, 1979.
Collins Marjorie A. Manual For Accepted Missionary Candidates. California: The William Carey Library
Published, 1978.
John P, Whalen (ed). New Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. USA: Catholic University, 1967.
Jonathan J, Bonk J. Mission and Money. Maryknoll: Society of Missiology, 1992.
Kumar S.D. Jeya. Christian Manager. February-March,l 2001.
Raja B, Sing. Christian Manager. February – March, 2001.
Ralph W. Stice. Evangelical Missions Quarterly .October, 2002. Vol. 38/4.
Vine W. E. An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Nashville: Thomas Publishers, 1798.
WEBBLIOGRAPHY:
www. Google.com / Mary Leaderleitner, EMQ, October 2006.

19
www. Google.com/ Mary Leaderleitner, EMQ, October 2006, The Theology of Internal Controls: Reducing the Risk
of theft and fraud in your ministry or Non Profit Organization, 516-521.
20
S. Arulsamy, Mission Today, October- December, VII/4, (Meghalaya: Sacred Heart Theological College, 2005), 309-
310.