The issue of whether churches should accept money that was obtained through unethical or sinful means is an important one for believers to consider carefully. There are several key principles from Scripture that can guide our thinking on this matter.
Wealth itself is not condemned in Scripture
First, it is important to note that the Bible does not universally condemn wealth or the possession of money. Genesis 13:2 tells us “Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.” Abraham, whom God chose to begin the nation of Israel, was a wealthy man. The book of Job describes Job as the greatest man in the East during his time (Job 1:3), and that he had huge flocks and herds, many servants, and great prestige. Yet God called Job “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1). Money is simply a resource, and resource can be used for good or ill. So wealth itself is not the problem – it is people’s attitudes toward money and how they use it that matters.
We should be concerned about the source of donations
However, Scripture does caution us to consider the source of wealth and counsels great care when accepting donations. Proverbs 10:2 says, “Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.” And Proverbs 13:11 warns that “wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” These verses advise us that money gained through exploitation, deceit or cruelty will not result in lasting good. There are also stern warnings against profiting from ill-gotten gain: “As a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who get riches but not by right; in the midst of their days they will leave them, and at their end, they will be fools” (Jeremiah 17:11). So Scripture alerts us to be wary of accepting money when we do not know its origins.
Tainted money wrongly associates the church with sin
Furthermore, accepting donations from corrupt sources can wrongly associate the church with the sin used to generate the funds. The prophet Isaiah strongly condemned the hypocrisy of those who mixed worship of the true God with illicit practices: “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? Says the Lord… Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me” (Isaiah 1:11-13). The Psalmist exhorted, “I will wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord” (Psalm 26:6). Although these verses addressed corrupt sacrifices, the principle still applies – God’s work should not be supported through unethical means.
We must consider what message acceptance sends
Churches also need to be aware of what message acceptance of tainted money may send to their members and community. Paul asked the Corinthians, “What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Even if good is done with ill-gotten gains, it can appear as if the church condones the immoral behavior that produced the money. This can blunt the church’s witness for Christ in promoting godly conduct and values.
Biblical giving should be motivated by faith and love
The Bible encourages generous giving to God’s work, but says such giving should be voluntary, cheerful and based in faith. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” And Jesus emphasized giving to the Lord’s work out of love when He pointed out the sacrificial gift of the widow who “out of her poverty put in everything she had” (Luke 21:1-4). We are to give as “an act of grace” (2 Corinthians 8:7). So donations motivated by self-promotion, public acclaim, or guilt have no part in funding Kingdom work.
Churches should develop careful donation acceptance policies
Given these biblical cautions, churches should give prayerful consideration to developing stated policies on what donations they will and will not accept. This protects the church’s witness and minimizes pressure on church leadership to make difficult acceptance decisions on the spur of the moment. Any policy should be grounded in applicable scriptural principles and allow reasonable discretion based on the facts of each case. But a published donations policy demonstrates an ethic of accountability and thoughtful stewardship.
Anonymous donations prevent full discernment
One complication is anonymous donations, where the source of the funds is unknown. Unless there is evidence suggesting the money came through sinful means, it may be difficult to justify refusing it outright. In such cases, church leaders could consider designating anonymous donations for general budgetary purposes rather than specific projects. This minimizes prominently associating the church or its activities with money from unclear origins.
Seeking wisdom from godly counsel
Given the complexities involved, church leaders would be wise to seek collective counsel on major donations that raise ethical questions. Proverbs 11:14 advises that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” And Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” God can use the perspectives of several spiritually mature members to help the leadership discern His will on handling sizable, potentially problematic donations.
The decision may vary case-by-case
Finally, precedents on money acceptance may not perfectly apply to every new situation that arises. Church leaders may need to prayerfully consider each questionable donation on a case-by-case basis. As James 4:17 tells us, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” This implies carefully weighing not just the principles involved, but also the parties affected and specific facts of each donation. With godly wisdom and pure motives, churches can glorify Christ even in their policies on finances.
In summary, Scripture does not condemn money itself, but cautions against its misuse. Churches should thoughtfully consider the message sent by accepting donations from unethical sources. While giving policies can help guide decisions, some cases may require individual judgment. With prayer and counsel from spiritual advisors, church leaders can maintain their witness while stewarding donations in a way pleasing to God.