The practice of collecting offerings in church is rooted in biblical teaching and serves several important purposes.
1. Obedience to God’s Command
The collection of offerings is not a human invention, but a practice established by God Himself. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to bring tithes and offerings as an act of worship and obedience (Malachi 3:10). In the New Testament, the early church continued this practice, not as a legalistic requirement, but as a joyful response to God’s grace.
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”—1 Corinthians 16:2
Paul instructed the Corinthian church to set aside offerings regularly, showing that giving was a normal part of Christian worship.
2. Supporting the Work of the Church
Offerings are used to support those who labor in preaching and teaching, as well as the practical needs of the church. The Bible teaches that those who serve the church, especially in preaching and teaching, should be supported by the congregation.
“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.”—Galatians 6:6
“The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”—1 Corinthians 9:14
This support enables pastors, missionaries, and church staff to devote themselves fully to ministry.
3. Caring for the Needy
A primary reason for collections in the early church was to care for the poor and those in need. The church in Jerusalem, for example, received help from other believers during times of famine and hardship.
“They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”—Galatians 2:10
“All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”—Acts 2:44–45
This demonstrates that offerings are not just for the maintenance of church buildings, but for meeting real needs in the community and beyond.
4. Worship and Thanksgiving
Giving is an act of worship, expressing gratitude to God for His provision and grace. The Bible teaches that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and that our offerings are a fragrant offering to Him.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7
Church collections are a biblical practice with deep spiritual significance. They provide for the needs of the church, support ministry, care for the poor, and express our worship and gratitude to God. As believers, we are called to give generously, regularly, and cheerfully, trusting that God will use our gifts for His glory and the good of others.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”—2 Corinthians 9:8
A biblical offering is much broader than just giving money. In Scripture, an “offering” refers to anything presented to God as an act of worship, thanksgiving, or atonement. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about offerings and whether they are limited to money.
1. Old Testament Offerings: More Than Money
In the Old Testament, offerings included:
Animal sacrifices for atonement (Leviticus 1:3-4)
Grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1-2)
Drink offerings (Numbers 15:5)
Firstfruits of crops (Exodus 23:19)
Freewill offerings of various kinds (Exodus 35:29)
These offerings were acts of worship, expressing gratitude, repentance, or devotion to God. Money was sometimes given (e.g., the temple tax in Exodus 30:13-16), but offerings were not limited to finances.
2. New Testament Offerings: Expanding the Meaning
With the coming of Jesus (Yeshua), the focus of offerings shifted. The ultimate offering was Jesus Himself, who “gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2, ESV). Because of His sacrifice, believers are called to offer themselves to God:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”—Romans 12:1
Offerings in the New Testament include:
Financial gifts to support ministry and the needy (Philippians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
Acts of service and love (Hebrews 13:16)
Praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15)
Our very lives (Romans 12:1)
3. Offerings of the Heart
Jesus taught that the heart behind the offering matters more than the amount or type of gift:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:21
He commended the widow who gave two small coins, saying she “put in more than all” because she gave out of her poverty and with a sincere heart (Luke 21:1-4).
4. Giving Beyond Money
The Bible encourages believers to give:
Time (serving others, Acts 6:1-4)
Talents (using spiritual gifts, 1 Peter 4:10)
Resources (hospitality, sharing possessions, Acts 2:44-45)
Love, kindness, and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Conclusion
A biblical offering is anything given to God—money, possessions, time, talents, praise, or acts of love—as an act of worship and devotion. While financial giving is important and biblical (2 Corinthians 9:7), offerings in Scripture encompass every area of life. God desires offerings from a sincere and grateful heart, not just outward gifts.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
—Hebrews 13:16
