A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 2 NO. 29                                        September 4, 2005

“SCAMMING” THE CHURCH

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

The title of an article in the February 6, 2004 issue of The Herald-Bulletin (an Anderson, Indiana paper) was “Couple charged with scamming church.”  It seems that this couple was going from “church” to “church” with different stories in order to secure monies from them.  As it so often is in cases such as this, the “churches” would just give them money from their treasury and be done with it.  We find nothing in the scriptures giving us authority to use the Lord's treasury to distribute out to everyone that asks.  The Lord's treasury is to be used for evangelism, edification and benevolence for needy saints.

What is amazing about this story is that the man that was arrested also visited the congregation then located at Alexandria shortly before his arrest.  He had a different woman with him when he visited and their story was different as they were supposedly on their way to Arkansas.  Some of the men of the congregation did reach into their pockets and give money to them.  There was nothing wrong with this as if we are going to be taken by a “scam” artist then let the “scam” artist stand before the Lord and give an account for their actions of taking advantage of individuals with good and honest hearts.

“Scamming” a church is not new and occurs no matter where the congregation is located.  Just a few short months ago a member of the church received a phone call from a “truck driver” who had a story of needing to get home and because of confusion surrounding a fellow driver was stranded at a truck stop.  This story sounded familiar when relayed and as we drove up to the truck stop and met the man it all became “deja vu” all over again.  Surprisingly when confronted and delivered to another truck stop the man decided he needed no financial assistance and promised we would see him at services in the near future.  Months have passed and he hasn't appeared.

The members of the Lord's church will continue to receive requests and be “scammed” from time to time.  It is very appropriate for congregations to set guidelines on how they handle these requests remembering that the guidelines cannot violate the scriptures.  Questioning and checking out their story is appropriate.  Buying groceries or gas or a motel room is appropriate instead of just giving cash from our pockets.  We are to be good stewards of the Lord's money and also or our money.  However, if we are “scammed” let it be from our own pockets and not from the Lord's treasury.

The couple mentioned in the article was arrested and charged with theft.  One cannot help but wonder what would happen if members of the church were arrested and charged every time they “scammed” the Lord?  You know, when forsaking the assemblies, worshipping with improper attitudes, not giving of their means with a cheerful heart, not practicing brotherly love, judging unrighteously, and other acts of selfishness that violates Matthew 6:33.  Many congregations might have to cancel scheduled services at the normal meeting place and re-schedule them at the local detention facility.  Brethren lets leave the “scamming” to the wicked heart and focus on bringing forth fruits of righteousness in honor and glory of God Almighty through His Son Jesus Christ.