Money, Ministry, and Meaning

In my short time on earth, I’ve heard many people complain about the Church.

One of the most common complaints is about wealth—whether it’s individuals, church leaders, or the Church as a whole.

Some people argue that the Church shouldn’t have much money.

Others believe any money that comes in should be given out immediately, with nothing saved or invested.

Even some Christians act like being poor is a sign of holiness, while having healthy finances is something to be ashamed of.

Sadly, some churches reinforce this mindset. They treat money as if it comes from the devil and must be avoided at all costs.

The truth is, the body of Christ has a complicated relationship with money.

But just like everything else in life, we need balance.

As a student of God’s Word, I can boldly say this: It is not wrong for the Church to have wealth. And being poor is not automatically a sign of righteousness.

In fact, I believe the Church needs to have wealth.

And here’s why:

Why Wealth Matters

If money isn’t the enemy and poverty isn’t necessarily a virtue, what then is the right perspective?

Money and wealth in themselves can be quite neutral, but how we use them and the value we attach to them are what really matter.

Now, let me say a few things about the Church:

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to help usher in God’s kingdom in all its fullness.

To do that, we have many responsibilities. And one of them is to create and manage wealth.

In Ephesians 5:25–27, Paul describes the Church as the bride of Christ and Jesus as the Bridegroom.

As friends of the Bridegroom, we have a clear mission: to prepare the Church, the bride, so she is ready, pure and spotless, for His return.

To make that happen, we must preach the gospel, raise disciples, set the oppressed free, feed the hungry, serve the needy, and spread justice and righteousness to all.

Let’s take a moment and think: how can we do any of this effectively without money?

The Assignment Requires Provision

Understanding our calling is one thing, but fulfilling it requires resources. That’s where provision comes in.

God doesn’t send us on a mission empty-handed. He equips us for the task.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Wealth is one of the key resources God gives His people to fulfill His purpose for all humanity.

We need wealth to fight poverty, which is a mark of Satan’s kingdom and the opposite of God’s desire for us to live in abundance.

God created each of us for a purpose.

As believers, we’ve been given an assignment: to spread the gospel and bring the lost back to Him.

He wants to provide everything we need to complete this mission.

When Jesus came, He restored our relationship with the Father, and part of that restoration includes receiving the resources we need for the task ahead.

Speaking from my own experience as a young adult, I’ve felt what it’s like when people treat you differently based on what they think you have or don’t have.

But this isn’t just about appearances or the Church’s image.

It’s about the strength and capacity we must carry to show the world what it truly means to walk with God.

Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich, and he does it to fulfill the covenant he made with your ancestors.

Deuteronomy 8:18

Money as a Tool

Today, the Church is gaining recognition for the many ways it serves the world.

Church-run organizations now offer relief, rehabilitation, healthcare, community development, and other humanitarian services in some of the world’s most vulnerable areas.

But to carry out this work, the Church needs financial resources.

It takes money to send workers into the mission field and to meet the physical needs of those in poverty.

When Christians live well and use wealth to do meaningful things, it reflects the goodness of God.

It shows that He blesses His children and knows how to give us great and mighty things.

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

James 1:27

The Proverbs 31 Woman

One of the most ground-breaking passages on money in the Bible is Proverbs 31:10–31.

Let’s talk about the woman described in that chapter.

The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t afraid of hard work. She rolls up her sleeves to provide for her household.

She buys a vineyard, makes and sells clothing, and plans ahead with wisdom.

This woman laughs at the days to come because she knows she has prepared well and saved enough to withstand any storm.

Her efforts go beyond earning and saving. She also gives.

Generous to the poor and deeply involved in her community, she earns the praise of her family, not just because she brings in income, but because of how wisely money is used in her hands.

To her, money is a tool, not an idol.

Through her diligence, honor is brought to her family and glory to God’s name.

Yes, Scripture says she deserves to be rewarded financially for her efforts. But the goal is not just wealth.

She works to reflect God’s love by being a caring wife, a wise mother, and a provider for her household.

Instead of shying away from making money out of fear of falling into sin, she walks in trust, relying on God every step of the way.

I want to be like this woman in how I handle my finances and ministry throughout life.

I want to do meaningful work that helps others, give generously to the poor, and ensure my family has more than enough.

But above all, I want to honor God with how I see and use money, as a tool for impact, not a measure of worth.

All for the Glory of God

Let me say what should be obvious: every Christian church, ministry, and worker must be fully transparent and trustworthy when it comes to money.

Finances are one of the easiest ways for a church, leader, or ministry to fall—and sadly, we’ve seen it happen far too often.

We must handle money with integrity.

The Church already carries enough damage to its reputation in the eyes of the world.

We don’t need more scandals or reasons to be criticized.

Money can have a place in our lives without becoming our obsession.

As the Church, we must seriously consider what wealth means to us.

The Bible clearly warns us not to worship money, but it also doesn’t call us to avoid it completely.

Wealth is a gift from God. But if we misuse it, it becomes a trap.

It can stir up greed and tempt us to keep taking from the very people and places God has asked us to bless.

So, we must ask ourselves: What is our treasure as believers?

What do we value most as a church?

I pray God will continue to shape our hearts, helping us see wealth for what it truly is—a tool to honor Him.

May we use it wisely, humbly, and generously, and may His kingdom smile on the days to come.

Keep living like Christ here on earth.

Maranatha!