WHEN FUNDRAISING BECOMES JUST A MEANS AND AN END IN MINISTRY by Dr. Josimar Salum

WHEN FUNDRAISING BECOMES JUST A MEANS AND AN END IN MINISTRY by Dr. Josimar Salum

   When ministry essentially becomes a means to raise money instead of fulfilling Jesus’ commission and serving the church, Mammon has become the lord, and godliness has turned into a source of profit.

   “…thinking that godliness is a means to gain. Withdraw from such people. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:5-10

   “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:24

   What happens when ministry is just a pretext for raising financial resources?

   1 - The motivation is materialistic

   If the primary reason for preaching or ministering is to obtain financial resources, there will be no faithfulness to the Lord or His Word. The message will cater to the audience rather than remaining faithful to the Scriptures.

   “For the love of money is the root of all evil; and in their greed, some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

   This is how the love of money becomes the downfall of preachers. The depravity, heresies, bad testimony, and immorality they experience are merely natural consequences.

   2 - There is manipulation and exploitation

   When the focus is on raising funds, there is a risk of manipulating believers’ faith, using spirituality as a tool for personal or institutional gain. This will inevitably erode the congregation’s trust in church leadership.

   “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.” John 10:1, 12

   3 - The mission is diverted

   Ministry should ideally be an instrument for personal and church transformation. If the goal is merely to raise money, the essence of the Gospel and the mission of serving and caring for people are neglected.

   “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3

   4 - Consequences for the church and community are inevitable

   When ministry is seen as a means to get rich and gain personal advantage, disillusionment, disappointment, and frustration among believers will follow, leading to disengagement, internal conflicts, and ultimately the fragmentation of the church.

   “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” 2 Peter 2:2

   The Opportunistic Use of Exchange Rates

   For at least three decades, we have observed fluctuations in the number of ministers and gospel singers visiting the United States. When the motivation for preaching or ministering is driven by the depreciation of the Brazilian real—taking advantage of exchange rate variations to attract more people or resources—it raises serious concerns.

   1 - Financial utilitarianism

   If the attraction of followers and financial resources is based solely on economic “timing”—for instance, when the U.S. dollar is strong and donations become more profitable—then the spiritual mission may be overshadowed by financial interests.

   This approach distorts the essence of ministry, which should prioritize spiritual transformation and community service. This is why visiting and itinerant preachers maximize their schedules to make the most of their stay in the country. More bookings mean higher earnings.

   2 - Manipulation of the congregation

   Using economic factors to drive participation will inevitably be seen as a form of manipulation.

   Instead of inviting people to a genuine encounter of faith and communion, the focus shifts to personal charisma and temporary financial gains, which has significantly damaged believers’ trust. Participation in church is incentivize by the fame of the preacher.  

   3 - Misalignment with Gospel values

   The practice of leveraging economic conditions to attract resources contrasts with biblical teachings, which emphasize sincerity, selfless service, and love for others.

   When financial gain becomes the primary focus, the essential elements of care and dedication to the church are compromised.

   4 - Long-term impact

   This strategy may work in the short term, but over time, it erodes the credibility and authenticity of the ministry.

   A growing number of believers have become disillusioned upon realizing that fundraising, rather than the practice of Gospel values, is the priority.

   Of course, there are genuine workers, preachers, and gospel singers who come to the United States solely to bless the church and the faithful.

   There are also those who do not turn their ministry into a mere commercial activity, diverting it from its original function of building up the Body of Christ, caring for lives, and preaching the living message of the Gospel.

   “By covetousness and greed they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." 2 Peter 2:3

   When I write these things, I am certainly not referring to the faithful, but to the money changers in evangelical temples—those devotees of Mammon who go from city to city plundering the people with the support of some pastors.

   “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should live from the Gospel," not that they should get rich from the Gospel.1 Corinthians 9:14

   The words of Jesus still echo today:

   “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:7-8

   Oh pastors, preachers, and gospel singers—you and we have freely received, so freely give!

   #ASONE