[bsktlvr97]

I'm new here but wanted your opinions. We attend a rather large church (about 1200 weekly attendance) and our church has a "no fundraising" policy. It is kind of frustrating. I totaly understand that they do not want people to be bombarded with people wanting money, but what an opportunity that would be. They have allowed us to use the facilities for fundraisers, we are just not allowed to advertise/sell at church or church functions.

Unfortunately for us, our "family" is our church family, and they are our biggest supporters. We have an Adult Bible Fellowship group of about 60 people who have been so generous, but that only goes so far.

Anyone else dealing with "politics" at church?

Trust me, we LOVE our church, but this has been difficult for us to deal with.

Appreciate your insight.

[Maggie Beth]

Can you explain a little more of what you mean? What exactly did you ask for and what was the policy that they cited to say you could not fundraise?

I would suggest requesting a one-on-one meeting with the pastor to discuss the issue...

Good luck and God Bless!

[bsktlvr97]

I did meet with one of the pastors. We wanted to do a dinner, and an Antiquities photos fundraiser. They said we could use the facility, but could not put flyers up, but it in the bulletin or actively sell tickets at church.

It's just hard because I can understand, if everyone was doing a fundraiser for every little thing, the point would get missed. They have limited fundraisers in our church to students. They are allowed to do them for their missions trips. But adults can not even do fundraisers for that. You have to be creative off site and can not "advertise" at church.

[Maggie Beth]

Huh. Will they allow you to use an email list or address list to contact families?

I am sorry this is happening. We have a pretty small church, so we fundraise when necessary. For example, our youth director is currently having cancer treatment and we've been fundraising for her medical expenses.

Hopefully you can still get a large group to attend. Good luck!

[bsktlvr97]

Unfortunately, no. They won't give us any information. We know so many people... casually... from church only. So I would feel I was "breaking the rules" to contact them about this. I just can't get out of my head how successful an event would be if we could open it up to the entire congregation. I know people would help. Oh, well. I was just wondering if anyone else has run into this with thier church.

[Lorraine123]

You probably will not like my reply, however...

I don't think the church congregation is there to be solicited for personal fundraising. Church contributions are given through the benevolence of the members, not because someone was fundraising. I, personally, would be somewhat offended if this occurred in my church.

Now, if you wanted to have a dinner in a different location and you gave out personal invitations to church members who are like family to you, that is a different situation.

[bsktlvr97]

I totally respect your reply! And I guess that is why I'm so torn. But I hear of all these people that have these tiny church, and they do one fundraiser and raise so much money for the adoption. I know not everyone is a fan of fundraisers, I can absolutely understand that. I just think there are many people, especially in a church our size, who would be happy to help, if they even knew we were doing this. So many people have already been very generous. And I thank God for that. I am not angry with the church AT ALL we do LOVE our church.

Thanks for your honesty! That's what I need to keep me focused!

[Sleeplvr]

Does your church have an Adoption and Foster Care Ministry? I go to a large church and they have a team who helps families going through the adoption process find the help/support they need. I contacted them to get a list of the adoption agencies that they have worked with or support financially.

If your church doesn't have one how about getting one started. It may not help you now but may help someone else down the road.

[bsktlvr97]

Originally Posted by Sleeplvr

Does your church have an Adoption and Foster Care Ministry? I go to a large church and they have a team who helps families going through the adoption process find the help/support they need. I contacted them to get a list of the adoption agencies that they have worked with or support financially.

If your church doesn't have one how about getting one started. It may not help you now but may help someone else down the road.

I have certainly thought of that. I know Shoahannah's Hope has a ministry that they help you get started. I'm currently trying to get a support ministry started for parents who've lost infants through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. That would be taking on a lot! I'm not against it, and hope to someday do that, for sure!