The question of whether it is wrong to have raffles in church is an important one for Christians to consider carefully. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue, with some Christians feeling strongly that raffles have no place in a church context, while others see no problem with using raffles as a fundraising method. Looking at relevant biblical principles can help shed light on this debate.
Those who argue against church raffles make several points. First, they say raffles promote gambling, which is warned against in Scripture (Proverbs 28:19-20, 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Raffles invite people to spend money for a chance at a prize, rather than earning money through honest work and stewardship. This could feed addictive behaviors and poor financial habits. Second, raffles can promote greed and materialism, as people get caught up in trying to win valuable prizes. Scripture warns against loving money and possessions (Luke 12:15, Hebrews 13:5). Third, some see raffles as manipulative fundraising techniques that take advantage of people’s natural desire to win and get something for nothing. They argue that churches should rely on freewill offerings, not raffles, for financial support.
On the other side, those who defend church raffles make counter arguments. First, they point out that most raffles today sell tickets for a set price, thereby removing the gambling aspect. It is not a game of chance since everyone pays the same amount for a ticket. The motivation is to support a good cause, not get rich quick. Second, most raffle prizes are fairly modest in value, so it is a stretch to say raffles necessarily promote greed and materialism. Modest raffle prizes are also very different from exploitative, high-stakes gambling enterprises. Third, churches should have freedom in choosing fundraising activities, and well-run raffles with appropriate prizes can be an effective means of generating needed funds for ministries and charities.
In looking at these various arguments, there are a few key biblical principles to keep in mind. One is that Christians should avoid gambling and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). Another is that all things should be done in moderation, to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). A third principle is that while all things may be permissible, not all things are beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12). And a fourth is that Christians should avoid anything that may make a fellow believer stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9).
With these principles in mind, it seems the main questions churches should ask are: 1) Do our raffles truly stay away from gambling by charging a set ticket price for everyone? 2) Are our prizes modest and not promoting greed/materialism? 3) Are our raffles occasional and run ethically, or do they become manipulative and excessive? 4) Could our raffles possibly tempt a fellow believer struggling with gambling or greed issues to stumble in their faith?
If a church can answer these questions satisfactorily, then modest, occasional raffles may be acceptable, though certainly not ideal or required. However, prayerful wisdom is needed, as there are good arguments on both sides. Some Christians may wish to avoid raffles entirely to be on the safe side. Others may participate in limited, ethical raffles with pure motivations to help a good cause. Ultimately, each Christian must search the Scriptures, pray for wisdom, and follow their conscience. The main thing is to act in faith, love, and humility before God and others.
Looking more closely at relevant biblical passages can shed additional light. The book of Acts describes early Christians selling possessions and giving the proceeds to the apostles to distribute to the needy (Acts 2:45, 4:32-35). This was done voluntarily, not by compulsion (Acts 5:4). Paul frequently organized collections for struggling churches, encouraging generous freewill giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9). These examples show giving motivated by compassion, not chance at prizes. At the same time, the Bible nowhere expressly forbids activities like raffles. And some point out that Proverbs 18:18 refers to casting lots, which had an element of chance, yet was used to make decisions in both Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 16:8, Acts 1:26).
One of the strongest cases against raffles comes from 1 Timothy 6:9-10. In warning about the dangers of loving money, Paul says, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” Since raffles appeal to the human desire for riches, this passage gives caution. Yet verses 17-19 clarify that what matters is one’s heart motivation and stewardship, whether rich or poor. So raffles should likely be avoided if rooted in greed, but may have a place in fundraising if run ethically.
In summary, the Bible does not expressly forbid raffles, so views of individual Christians differ. Wise principles include avoiding greed and gambling, acting in love, keeping earthly possessions in perspective, and avoiding anything that may tempt others to sin. With prayerful wisdom, churches can decide if occasional, ethical raffles have an appropriate place in their ministries or if it is safer to avoid them altogether. The higher priority is nurturing pure hearts focused on glorifying God and serving others in love.
Looking at some key objections, the gambling charge can perhaps be mitigated by selling raffle tickets at set prices. The materialism concern can potentially be managed by keeping prizes modest in value. Manipulation issues can be minimized by running raffles ethically and infrequently. Causing others to stumble can be addressed by allowing members freedom to refrain from participation. No fundraising method is perfect, so principles of acting in faith, love, and moderation are important.
Potential alternatives to raffles could be special offerings, pledge drives, donations for specific projects, or special events like concerts and banquets. But raffles may motivate some who would not otherwise give. So again, this comes back to maintaining right motivations and perspectives. If raffles stir up excessive zeal for prizes over compassion for people, they should be avoided. But if they simply represent a creative way to raise needed funds from willing participants, they may not be inherently wrong.
In conclusion, rather than categorically judge raffles as universally right or wrong, it is better to evaluate each situation. Considering the ministry needs, the perspective of the congregation, and the way the raffle is actually carried out in light of biblical values can help determine if a particular raffle is acceptable or not. This calls for prayer, wisdom, and sensitivity to how different Christians view the matter. The overarching principles are to avoid greed and gambling, act in love and moderation, keep priorities on eternal things, and focus most on honoring God in all we do.