Don Wildmon

AFA/AFR founder

October 1997 – I guess I hit a nerve, for some the wrong nerve, in last month’s column. In that column I cited the efforts of many at the very top positions in many of the old-line churches to take their denominations down a liberal path.

Some of our readers didn’t appreciate that column. What I proposed was that local churches cut out funding for those groups and individuals within their denominations who advocate the radical homosexual agenda – including the ordination of homosexuals, the acceptance of homosexuality as a normal and non-sinful activity, and even the approval of homosexual “marriage.”

Most of the national leadership in these denominations is funded by donations from local churches. Many of the leaders, because of their position and influence, are in a position to influence the direction of the denomination to a far greater degree than the person sitting in the pew who gives the money to pay their salaries and fund their agenda.

What I proposed was that local churches carefully examine how the money they provide their denominations is being used, and to cut off the funding where it is being used to promote an agenda clearly contradicting the scriptures.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with that proposal. It creates more involvement by members of the local church, which I think is a good idea. It will cause churches and individuals to be better stewards of God’s money, which I think is a good idea. It will mean that funds are used to the maximum benefit possible for those most in need, which I think is a good idea. It will mean that those who want to use their position in their denomination to promote the homosexual agenda would have to raise their own money, which I think is a good idea. It would allow the various denominations to more fully and carefully explain what their members are being asked to support, and how those who received the money use it. And, yes, I think that is a good idea.

In many denominations local churches and individuals have been supporting, often unquestioned, whatever their leaders asked of them. Some are left with the opinion that if they fail to fully support whatever is asked of them, they aren’t good members or loyal local churches. That is hardly the case.

It is best for people to do their own thinking and to base their decisions to support or not to support based on what they find. This approach should not be a threat to any leader. It simply makes better stewards of those who are both giving and receiving the funds.

The basic question is: Do you know how your funds are being used? If not, why not?