Sowing seeds in the church refers to the practice of giving monetary donations to the church or religious organization.
Sowing seeds in the Church is a common practice among many Christians, especially those who follow the Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith teachings.
The idea is that by giving money to a ministry, one can expect God to bless them with more money, health, success and other benefits.
But is this biblical? What are the arguments for and against sowing seeds in the Church?
Here are some arguments for and against this practice:
Arguments for sowing seeds in the church:
⇒ Biblical basis: Many Christians believe that sowing seeds in the church is a biblical mandate. The Bible contains numerous references to tithing and giving offerings to support the work of God.
Sowing seeds is an act of obedience to God’s command. In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul writes: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” By sowing seeds, we are showing our faith and trust in God, and we can expect Him to reward us accordingly.
⇒ Supporting the Church: Sowing seeds in the church helps to support the work of the church and its ministry. It helps to pay for the upkeep of the church building, salaries of the staff, and various other expenses incurred in running the church. Sowing seeds is an act of generosity and love.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” By sowing seeds, we are demonstrating our love for God and His work, and we are also blessing others who benefit from the ministry we support.
⇒ Spiritual benefits: Some Christians believe that sowing seeds in the church brings spiritual benefits, including blessings and favor from God. They believe that by giving generously to the church, they are demonstrating their faith and obedience to God.
Sowing seeds is an act of spiritual growth and fruitfulness. In John 12:24, Jesus says: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” By sowing seeds, we are dying to ourselves and our selfish desires, and we are allowing God to use us for His glory and purposes. We are also multiplying His kingdom and His harvest through our giving.
Arguments against sowing seeds in the church:
⇒ Misuse of funds: Some people are skeptical about sowing seeds in the church because they have seen instances where church leaders have misused funds or used them for personal gain. This can be a deterrent to giving, as people want to ensure that their money is being used for its intended purpose.
Sowing seeds can be motivated by greed and manipulation. Some preachers use the phrase “sowing seeds” to pressure people into giving money to their ministry, promising them unrealistic or unbiblical returns. They appeal to people’s greed and selfishness, rather than their faith and love. They also twist or misuse Scripture to support their claims, such as Malachi 3:10 or Luke 6:38.
⇒ Pressure to give: Some people feel pressured to give to the church, either because of peer pressure or because of teachings that suggest that those who do not give will be less blessed by God. This pressure can be uncomfortable for those who may not have the means to give.
Sowing seeds can be a distraction from the true gospel and mission of the Church. Some people focus too much on sowing seeds for their own benefit, rather than on sharing the gospel with others and making disciples of all nations. They also neglect other aspects of Christian stewardship, such as tithing, giving to the poor, serving in the Church, etc. They miss the point that sowing seeds is not an end in itself, but a means to an end – that is, glorifying God and advancing His kingdom.
⇒ Sowing seeds can be based on a wrong understanding of God’s grace and sovereignty: Some people think that by sowing seeds, they can manipulate God into doing what they want or need. They treat God as a vending machine or a slot machine, rather than a loving Father who knows what is best for us. They also ignore or deny that God’s blessings are not always material or temporal, but spiritual and eternal.
⇒ Other charitable causes: Some people prefer to give to other charitable causes that align more closely with their personal values or interests. They may not feel that the church is the best use of their charitable funds.
In summary, the decision to sow seeds in the church is a personal one that depends on individual beliefs and circumstances. While there are arguments for and against this practice, it ultimately comes down to each person’s values and priorities.
