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barryatk
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 101

Posted 10/4/2004 9:02 AM (GMT -6)

I know a ministry leader that has forwarded an email about government grants for faith-based minstries. I know many have grave concerns with going this route...church and state issues, etc. I also see many churches sponsoring "grant-writing" seminars. SO there must be 2 sides.

I'm asking if anyone has experience with these processes...recommendations or warnings?

I would love to see funding come into the local church to do more in God's Kingdom. Especially my own tax dollars.

Comments, anyone?
Barry

Sahid
Megistered Rember

Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 2013

Posted 10/7/2004 8:58 AM (GMT -6)

Let's say I buy myself a very big gun and walk around my neighborhood telling people that they must give me a certain percentage of their money. Now let's say your church knows all about what I've done when I bring that money to the church. I say, "If you use the money only in the way I tell you to use it, then I'll let you have some."

Now I know our government never threatens us with force and that our government never takes money from someone without first making sure 51% of his neighbors think it's ok. But as a church, how can we use money that was not freely given but taken under either the treat of force or emmigration? We can be sure that, given the choice, many people would withdraw their "contribution". I hope I wouldn't accept money taken under the threat of force.

Watch me fly. Freedom like wings and I will use them. Freedom like wings and I will spread them wide. - Stavesacre

barryatk
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 101

Posted 10/7/2004 12:19 PM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by Sahid

Let's say I buy myself a very big gun and walk around my neighborhood telling people that they must give me a certain percentage of their money. Now let's say your church knows all about what I've done when I bring that money to the church. I say, "If you use the money only in the way I tell you to use it, then I'll let you have some."

Now I know our government never threatens us with force and that our government never takes money from someone without first making sure 51% of his neighbors think it's ok. But as a church, how can we use money that was not freely given but taken under either the treat of force or emmigration? We can be sure that, given the choice, many people would withdraw their "contribution". I hope I wouldn't accept money taken under the threat of force.

Sahid,
I can easily see what you mean. Can you not see that it could be a good thing to take government money as A Christian Organization and do a service that needs doing and that is already being done by those with no desire to spread the gospel?

I also believe some grants are made privately...might it be that they would gladly fund a Christian group with a vision to make a difference for God? This info is what I'M SEARCHING FOR. And I'm willing to hear pros and cons as you offer as well.

Barry

Sahid
Megistered Rember

Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 2013

Posted 10/8/2004 10:09 AM (GMT -6)

What about the money that Judas threw into the temple? This case is similar in that the money was given by one who gained it in an unethical manner.

Maybe if we took the money as long as we did not become bound by laws concerning the use of the money and all we did was give the money back to people in accordance with what they paid in taxes. But even then...

For me, I see the ethics taking priority over the practicality. Essentially, how can we help the needy using stolen money? But of course just about no one thinks it's really stolen. Go figure.

Watch me fly. Freedom like wings and I will use them. Freedom like wings and I will spread them wide. - Stavesacre

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