Is there liberty in how we give?

Question:

I have a question concerning worship. Is there liberty when it comes to some parts of worship? For example when it comes to giving, does one have to give during worship service or can someone give any time just long as it’s on a Sunday. Can a congregation decide to just give at the entrance in a box before or after worship service? Can we do two collections on Sunday?

Answer:

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come" (I Corinthians 16:1-2).

The collection is an action commanded of the church; thus, implied is that the collection is taken when the church is gathered. Paul talked to the Corinthians about "when you come together as a church" (I Corinthians 11:18) in regards to the partaking of the Lord's Supper. Later he spoke of "the whole church assembles together" (I Corinthians 14:23) for worship. Therefore, we can assume that the collection is taken as a part of that assembly on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

How the collection is to be taken is not mentioned; thus, a congregation can decide what works best for their particular situation. I have been in churches that passes a collection plate and ones that had a collection box for members to deposit their contributions.

From what we know of the churches during the first century, they tended to meet once on Sundays. Because of modern work schedules that can include working on Sundays, many churches shifted to meeting twice on Sunday so that all members have a chance to meet with their brethren at least once. There is nothing in the command for the collection that indicates it has to be done at the same time on the first day of the week.

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