No. At Memorial Church of Christ, visitors are not expected to give money. You will not be singled out, pressured, or made to feel uncomfortable when the collection is taken.
A contribution is collected during Sunday worship, but it is an opportunity for the members of the congregation to support the church’s work. When the tray reaches you, simply pass it to the next person. No one will think less of you for giving nothing.
This concern is understandable. Some people have attended churches where requests for money seemed to receive too much attention or where visitors felt pressured to contribute. We want you to know what you can expect when you worship with us.
What Is the Sunday Collection?
Once each Sunday, members of the congregation have an opportunity to give. This is not a fundraiser or an attempt to raise a certain amount from those present. It is a quiet and orderly part of the assembly through which Christians willingly support the work of the local church.
When Paul instructed the church in Corinth concerning assistance for needy Christians, he wrote:
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper” ().
This passage addressed Christians who had committed themselves to helping with a particular need. It shows giving that was regular, planned, and based upon each person’s ability.
The collection at Memorial is intended for those who are part of this congregation, not for people who are visiting.
Why Aren’t Visitors Expected to Give?
The New Testament teaches that giving should be willing and personally decided, never the result of pressure:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” ().
A contribution produced by embarrassment or pressure would not reflect the spirit of that instruction. God is interested not merely in what a person gives, but in the willing heart from which the gift comes.
You are our guest. We are glad that you have come to worship, hear God’s Word, and learn about the congregation. You do not owe us anything for being present.
What Happens When the Tray Is Passed?
During the Sunday worship service, trays are passed quietly along the rows. Members who have chosen to contribute may place their gift in the tray. When it reaches you, you may simply pass it along.
No one will be watching to see whether you give or how much you place in the tray. You will not be asked to explain why you did not contribute, and you will not be approached afterward about giving.
Some visitors prefer to know this before they arrive: you do not need to bring cash, prepare an envelope, or make any financial commitment. Your presence is welcome without a contribution.
Why Do Church Members Give?
Members give voluntarily according to their ability and the decision they have made in their own hearts.
Those contributions support the work of the local church. This includes teaching and strengthening Christians (), spreading the gospel (), and providing care where Scripture directs the church to meet genuine needs ().
We believe the congregation should carry out its work through the willing generosity of its own members rather than by placing financial expectations upon visitors.
Churches of Christ have no central earthly headquarters governing every congregation. Each local church handles its own finances and determines how its collection is conducted. We cannot promise that every congregation using the name “Church of Christ” follows precisely the same procedure. We can promise that visitors to Memorial will not be expected or pressured to give.
Come Without Concern
If a fear of being asked for money has kept you from visiting a church, we hope this answer puts your mind at ease.
Come and worship with us. Listen, observe, and take the time you need to become acquainted with us. When the collection passes, you are free to give nothing and simply pass the tray along.
What matters most to us is not whether you leave money behind. We want you to hear God’s Word, see Christ honored, and know that your questions are welcome.
You Are Welcome Here
At Memorial Church of Christ, you are invited to come as our guest without any financial expectation. We would be glad to meet you, worship with you, and open God’s Word together.
Plan your visit. Come as you are, and ask us anything.
If you would like to examine what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9:00 am, Worship 10:00 am, Worship 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:00 pm