Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: June 14, 2009
THE ECONOMY AND THE CHURCH
Ben Justice
There are many different economies. The word “economy,” in its most basic sense, means “a system for the
management and development of resources.” “Economy,” “economics,” and “economical” are all related words.
Most people associate economics with money. We often talk about the US economy. In other words, the US
economy is how the US manages the resources it has, mostly money. The state of the economy will always be
determined by this. If you listen to the news for very long, this is a hot topic, in particular how to improve the
economy. There are two major views concerning this. The view that the current administration is implementing
is a socialistic and marxist ideology — something that has never been seen in this country, at least to this
degree. Only those who don’t know what these are or hasn’t kept up with what is going on don’t know this.
Sadly, many Americans have not educated themselves on these issues. Of course, for the Christian, he should
always be ruled and guided by Biblical economic principles, for they always work. One thing we don’t see in the
scriptures is “socialism.” As I said, there are many different economies. There is the economy of the nation;
there is the economy of the home; there is the economy of businesses; there is the economy of the church. The
church is truly unique in this, due to the fact that the Lord’s church is not “of this world” (John 18:36; cf. Rom.
14:17). However, one economy can and does affect the other. The church is in the world, but not of the world.
This being the case, the church is affected by the economy of the home, which is affected by the economy of the
nation. There is where it ends, though. Here are several things to note that has to do with the economy and the
church:
1.) As was just noted, the economy of the home affects the economy of the church. The economy of the home is
affected by the economy of the nation. If people are losing jobs, this affects the home. Those who are members
of the church who have experienced a job loss will obviously not be able to give as much to the church on the
first day of the week. It may be the case that the church sees very little, if any, impact from the economy of the
nation. This would be due to the fact that no one has been affected in losing their job or whatever may have
occurred to bring about a negative effect on the church. Thus, the church continues on just the same.
2.) The question is, “What if the church is affected by the economic situation of the nation?” Here is where a lot
of brethren err: They start operating the church like a worldly business or even like the home. They begin to stop
the works of the church until the “financial situation” improves. There is no denying that the work of the church
may slow down and in fact will slow down if the church is affected. The church can’t “spend” what it doesn’t
have. However, the only way for the work of the church to stop completely is if the church doesn’t exist any long
or the leadership completely stops all works of the church, even though there is still money being contributed on
the first day of the week. The contribution will likely go down in hard economic times. But, if a congregation gets
down to a dollar a week, then the church still has the obligation to use that in the work of the Lord. Remember
the one talent man? Remember the churches of Macedonia? Thus, the church never has economic or financial
problems. The Lord didn’t design the church for it to have financial problems. To suggest that the church has
financial problems is to fail to understand this. Just because the church is not able to do what it once did doesn’
t mean it has financial problems; it just means there is less to work with. The moment one begins to think of
the church treasury as a savings fund or emergency fund is the moment they will view the church as having
financial problems. The Lord expects each individual and each congregation to use what they have according to
their ability (2 Cor. 8:12; Acts 11:29).
3.) It is easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of the world. And, let’s be honest, the economic situation
has been grossly exaggerated by some, even saying that this is the worst since the great depression. Well, that
is non-sense. The numbers are not even as bad as they were during President Carter’s administration. Of
course, this is not to diminish or make light of the fact that many people are on hard times. If you don’t have a
job, then it is certainly bad for you. But, as Christians, what should we be striving to do? The answer is what we
have always done! I believe Christians should be the first ones to find a job. This is based on the fact that
Christians live by the greatest work ethic known to man — the “Christian” work ethic. This is the work ethic
given in the Word of God. Christians make the best workers; it’s pleasant to work with Christians and those
who strive to have that kind of work ethic. This world would be a better place if there were more who
implemented this work ethic while on the job, and not just on the job, but in the church and in the home. It has
been reported of people committing suicide because of their financial situation. They feel utterly hopeless. They
are so wedded to this world they have nothing else to hold on to. What a shame! How sad! The Christian,
however, is not like that (or at least he shouldn’t be). The Christian gets up when the going gets tough and
beats the pavement trying to be the best he can be. And, as far as the work of the church is concerned, he keeps
on being a worker. He never quits. The church as a whole never quits.
Let’s not use the economic situation as an excuse for quitting or stopping the work of the Lord. Sure, there may
have to be some adjustments with some congregations. Each congregation is different, but know this: THE
WORK OF THE LORD NEVER STOPS! What did Paul say? “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I
Cor. 15:58).