The offertory is an important part of many Christian church services and worship. The word “offertory” comes from the Latin “offerre” meaning “to bring or bear an offering.” In a church context, the offertory refers to the portion of a worship service when offerings and gifts are collected from the congregation.
The practice of receiving financial offerings during worship services has ancient biblical roots. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were commanded to bring required offerings and sacrifices to the tabernacle and temple. These offerings supported the priests and Levites who served in the temple, as well as providing for the poor and needy (see Leviticus 27, Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 14). The people were to give willingly and generously as an act of worship to God.
In the New Testament, Christians continued the practice of giving financial offerings as part of their worship gatherings. The apostle Paul gave instructions for orderly giving and collecting of offerings in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) and Romans (Romans 15:26). He emphasized that giving should be done cheerfully, deliberately, regularly, and in response to needs. Other New Testament passages encourage generous giving out of love to meet needs in the church and beyond (2 Corinthians 8-9, Philippians 4:10-20).
Throughout Christian history, receiving offerings during worship services has been a standard practice across most denominations and traditions. The offertory provides believers an opportunity to tangibly express gratitude, support the mission of the church, and participate in kingdom work. It is generally seen as an act of worship and spiritual discipline.
In most church services today, the offertory takes place at a designated time when ushers will pass offering plates through the congregation to collect financial gifts. This may be accompanied by music, Scripture readings, prayers, or a message from church leaders about stewardship and giving. The congregation reflects, prays, and makes their offering as an act of worship. The gifts collected go to support the ministries and outreach of that local church body.
Beyond just collecting money, the offertory serves several important purposes in Christian worship:
- It allows believers to obediently give back to God – The practice has roots in biblical commands to bring offerings. The offertory allows Christians an opportunity to give cheerfully and generously as worship.
- It expresses gratitude – Giving offerings is a tangible way to express thankfulness for what God has given us.
- It supports ministry – Money given funds the programs, staff, facilities, and outreach of the church.
- It meets needs – Offerings allow the church to provide help to those in need both locally and globally.
- It spreads the Gospel – Offerings enable evangelism, discipleship, and kingdom work near and far.
- It teaches stewardship – The discipline of regular giving reminds believers that everything we have is a gift from God to be used for His purposes.
- It unifies the church – Giving together enables believers to participate collectively in God’s mission on earth.
The offertory is not meant to be a meaningless ritual or a time to just think about one’s own finances. It is a sacred time to corporately reflect on God’s generosity and worship through gracious giving. The gifts collected support kingdom work near and far. While monetary offerings are most common, some churches occasionally designate special offertories to collect food, clothing, or other items for causes in need.
In summary, the offertory is the dedicated time in a Christian worship service when financial offerings are collected from the congregation. This practice has ancient biblical roots and continues today as a standard part of most Christian traditions. The offertory enables believers to express gratitude, support the church, meet needs, and participate in God’s mission through generous, cheerful giving. It serves as an integral act of worship when God’s people give back sacrificially out of what He has given them.
The offertory is not without controversy, however. Some Christians raise questions about the emphasis or methods surrounding collections taken during worship services. Concerns include:
- Overemphasis on money – In some churches, there is a lot of emphasis put on the offertory, where pastors repeatedly urge people to give more. This can distract from true worship.
- Compulsory giving – Giving is meant to be voluntary. Yet in some traditions, there is heavy obligation to give a certain amount.
- Misuse of funds – Money given is meant to support ministries, but sometimes is misused by church leaders.
- Giving for show – Jesus condemned giving just to impress others (Matthew 6:2-4). The offertory can tempt pride.
- Emphasis on blessings – Some pastors promise financial blessing for giving. But the Bible condemns giving only to get.
These controversies point to how important it is that the offertory be practiced biblically and sincerely as an act of worship. Warnings in Scripture against pride, greed, and compulsion should be heeded. While differences exist, most Christians agree the offertory has an appropriate place in worship when done with a joyful, generous spirit.
In conclusion, the offertory is a longstanding act of worship whereby Christians give financial offerings during a church service, following biblical precedents. The gifts collected support ministry and meet needs near and far as an expression of gratitude, worship, and obedience. While potential abuses exist, the offertory occupies an appropriate place in most Christian traditions when practiced faithfully and with biblical motivations.