This is not written with anyone in mind nor is it written to rebuke or embarrass anyone. I realize it can be difficult to know the best words to say in worship before the contribution, however, after years of hearing the same phrases and concepts repeated, perhaps it is time for us to consider this matter a little closer.
What do we know about giving as an avenue of worship? We know that giving was practiced in the Old Testament as an act of worship (Num. 18:11; Heb. 5:1; Deut. 26:1-11). The “fellowship” in which the early church “continued steadfastly” (Acts 2:42) embraced “giving” (cf. 2 Cor. 9:13). We know that giving was a command of God to the New Testament church to obey “every first day of the week” (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Our Lord emphasized the sacrificial heart of the widow who “put in all that she had, her whole livelihood” (Mark 12:44), and the Christians who “abounded in the riches of their liberality,” giving “beyond their ability” (2 Cor. 8:2-5). When a child of God, as “a cheerful giver,” gives “as he purposes in his heart,” God truly loves such a one (2 Cor. 9:7).
Men, let me ask you to think about some of the common phrases being used in recent years in the comments and prayers before our contribution worship.
“As a matter of convenience, the men are already here, we are going to take up the collection at this time.” Giving is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of command.
“The elders have deemed this time in our worship to give to the local work.” Giving is deemed an act of worship by God, not by the elders.
“The elders have set this time aside in our worship to give.” Do we say, “The elders have set this time aside in worship to pray…sing…preach…have communion”? God is the one who has set the contribution in the worship.
“Lord, please be with the elders and those who spend these funds, that they may do so wisely and for the intent in which they are given.” We need to give the men some leeway in the choice of words, and there is a time to pray for the elders to have wisdom. However, is it possible such a mention at this time has more of a “business” flavor than a worshipful flavor? Our worship is about the giving, not the spending. The focus of giving in worship should be to “glorify God” (2 Cor. 9:13).
I know it is not easy to always find the right words when leading in worship. When it comes time to give, let us think about our gracious Father as the One who commanded us to give…to give cheerfully and sacrificially, just like He did.