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| Q: | I am a member of a LCMS EnglishDistrict church, and we are a struggling congregation. We have recently formed a new council and are attmpting to find our to an organized institution. In the past the pastor has had to do many things himself and we understand this. But he is adament that the offerings of the congregation go through im and a few select members. I understand the confidentiality of this, but is it not written somewhere that the pastor does not see these? He tells u to be careful not to judge others on the amount they give, but he must know to help them better in their spiritual life. I cannot understand this and his explanation was not sufficient. He was offended even being questioned aobu this. Any information on this matter would help. I know you are a different synod, but I do not have much choice up here and am making the best of it. | ||||||
| A: | There is no Bible prohibition that excludes a pastor or other leaders among God's people from having a knowledge of what the members contribute. The subject really isn't addressed directly in Scripture. The emphasis is naturally on the pastoral and leadership role in the use of law and gospel to serve spiritual maturity, motivation, and generosity in giving on the part of all believers. I am not sure what you mean when you refer to the idea that the offering of the congregation "go through" the pastor and a few select members. Most congregations elect or appoint a "financial secretary" (not the same as "treasurer") who keeps records of all contributers and the level of their contributions. For a pastor to be actively involved in this would not be wrong, but (in my opinion) a misuse of limited time and energy that could be better used doing a lot of other things. I'd say that in the vast majority of cases in Lutheran churches the pastor is not actively involved in gathering, tallying, or recording member offerings--but he has full access to those records and may consult them if he wishes to. This information can serve as one of many potential diagnostic tools for a pastor to determine spiritual strengths and weaknesses of members. It is by no means the most important diagnostic evidence available, but when used in conjunction with other observable behaviors (especially the use or non-use of the means of grace as a part of lifestyle), it can serve a useful purpose. When you say the pastor was "offended" when he was questioned about this, I hope you were using hyperbole. Otherwise I fear the pastor is somewhat insecure or prone to overreaction. | ||||||
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