Collection

Interestingly, after 15 chapters of "elders' business," Paul starts chapter 16 of Corinthians with some "deacons' business." He gives some very practical guidance on collecting and disbursing aid.

He writes (vv 1-4), "Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me."

Boy, in comparison to his rant on gifts, his eloquent exposition of love, and his detailed discussion of the question of the resurrection, this is pretty brief and straightforward. I think that's maybe because for Paul and the early church, there wasn't much controversy over the offering plate.

There is no question in Paul's mind that the Corinthians will give; he just has some advice on how to make it easier. Take out a little money every week, whatever makes sense based on your income, he says. Then when I come we'll empty those savings accounts and get it shipped to where it's needed.

Notice, no debate over percentages, no talk of before or after taxes, no discussion of all the other ways they're already supporting the church. Giving is what Christians do, Paul seems to be saying, the only thing left to talk about is how. And the Corinthians must have agreed, or there would have been more.

Our whole process is a lot more complicated than that, but we have more structure than the early church. We have a building and paid staff, which they didn't. Those things are huge blessings, but it means we have to have a certain amount in the offering plate. So we get into a lot of measurements trying to make sure we get enough money.

It makes me think there are a couple of things we don't do well. Church leadership isn't always as careful as it could be about where the money goes. And church members don't always see giving as automatic.

Maybe the point isn't really about money. Maybe money wasn't controversial for the Corinthians because the church was their first priority, so that's naturally where their first fruits went. Maybe we have to talk about it so much because there are a lot of other things higher on our list, usually things that make our lives here more comfortable.

Giving isn't a question of whether or how much for a truly obedient Christian. Whether is "Of course," and how much is "whatever's available." After that, as with Paul, it's just a matter of mechanics.