There are many people in this world who have a desire to know our Creator.
We are told in scripture how to know and how to follow Him.
Unfortunately, churches have created big-business to cater to this desire.
On the surface, this does not seem to be a bad thing…
But if we slow down and evaluate the status quo, a few problems pop up.

IRS rules say churches are tax exempt by nature, and do not have to file ANY paperwork to be considered tax exempt.  Churches voluntarily fill out and submit applications to become a 501C3 non-profit, even though the instructions for the application specifically say churches are not required to do so. Why would they ignore the instructions and do it anyway?

Why is this a problem?  When this paperwork is completed, filed, and executed, the church has entered into a contract with the US Government, and has given up their own authority and autonomy to the government. Scripture says we cannot serve two masters.
If the government stays out of their business, it is not a problem. But what if the government, at some point in time, decides to interfere?  Will these churches honor scripture and truth, or will they be obligated to honor the government’s demands?  What if the government holds the power to end your ministry, if you do not comply? “Non-compliance” = “cease to exist”.
What will church leaders do?
Self-preservation…

Entering into this [not required]  501C3 contract gives the government authority to control what the church does, what the church speaks about, what the church teaches, etc.  There is no reason to give the government the potential to interfere with your ministry. The government even tells us this is not required, and yet, practically every single church in our nation is a 501C3 entity.

Most churches purchase or rent commercial property. When this obligation is set in place, additional substantial costs are incurred, including but not limited to:  utilities, maintenance, upkeep, insurance, internet, phone, landscaping, parking lot maintenance, security, vehicles, and the list goes on and on…
Collectively, billions upon billions of dollars of commercial real estate has been purchased by churches.  The burden of this cost, including maintenance and upkeep, is placed upon the congregations.  Don’t forget, these costs typically include the salaries and benefits of those who work in the building as well.

I checked my bible, and I couldn’t find the part where it says to purchase billions of dollars worth of property and to fill these buildings with new carpet, padded chairs, elaborate sound systems, and a coffee kiosk.
Nowhere in scripture can I find where it tells believers to contribute money to these purchases, and the ensuing responsibility of taking care of these properties.

Scripture tells us to be cheerful givers.
2Corinthians 9:6-7
⁶ But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Scripture tells us to care for widows and orphans. But we are to use discernment (1Timothy Chapter 5  advises how to identify whom we will help).
We are told to be generous to the needy, to love our neighbor as ourselves.
I obviously can’t speak of all churches, but I’ve served on church boards. I’ve been responsible for the church budgets. I’ve seen the numbers.
Good hearted people give money to church organizations, with a motivation to be helpful, caring, and obedient to the Word.
But then what happens to the money?  Congregants can be confident it is used wisely, in accordance with scripture, right?

Again, I’ve seen the numbers.
Almost none of the money taken in by churches ends up helping the community, or even the members of the church itself!
Why not?
Because they have a building to pay for, and costly expenses to maintain the building.
They have a staff to pay, and if they want to keep decent staff, there’d better be good health care, continuing education benefits, housing allowances, vehicle allowances, retirement plans, and on and on…
Yes, churches do dedicate money from their budget for hospitality/benevolence.  Maybe an elderly couple needs help with their utility bill? Maybe a family needs help with groceries? Maybe a congregant is unexpectedly unemployed and struggling?  Maybe a diabetic member can’t afford their insulin this month? Maybe this, maybe that?
But what happens if there isn’t much cash left over after the building and staff are paid?
Will the church take care of widows and orphans and the needy, just as scripture dictates?
Or will the church pay their staff and take care of the mortgage?
I’ve seen the numbers.  We are talking 2 or 3% of the budget going to the community.
Sadly, this number is accurate based upon what I have witnessed. [Again, I cannot speak for all churches.]

Why is this number so very small?
This is where we end up:  Self-preservation.
An organization or institution will always default to self-preservation when things get tight, and sometimes, even when things are not tight.
“How can we help the community if we cease to exist?”
The logic is sound.

But what if we took the billions upon billions of dollars collected every year by the church-business-enterprise, and obeyed scripture first instead?  What if we prioritized obeying scripture over self-preservation?
What if hungry children were fed first?
What if the elderly were cared for first?
What if single moms and struggling families were helped first?

Do we really need a building in order to love our neighbor as ourselves?
Do we really need new padded chairs, or a light and sound system that cost tens of thousands of dollars?
Do we really need pastors with the best houses, the best cars, the best vacations, and the best retirement plans? (Again, this is a general view of the entire church system, not every single church).

Maybe my concerns here sound petty…
Maybe I’ve lost everyone by now.
If you are still reading, consider this:
Read scripture and see what it says about living His way.
Read scripture and see what it says about helping others.

Instead of rejecting my ideas, slow down, consider them, and pray about them.
I’m not church bashing.
I’m just trying to see what scripture says, and do it.
I’m moving away from the traditions of men, even if those traditions are all we’ve ever known during our lifetime.

Since my exposure to church budgets is very limited compared to the whole, do this:
Ask your church if you can see their budget.
Ask your church what percentage of offerings go to salaries and benefits.
Ask your church what percentage of offerings go to mortgages/rent and building maintenance and operating costs.
Ask your church what percentage of offerings go to help those in need.
Be prepared. Most likely, you will be ABSOLUTELY shocked by the numbers, and not in a good way.
Let’s hope I’m wrong.  But try it anyway.
Find out if they will even let you look.