28/04/2025
**APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH AND THEIR APPROACH TO MONEY COLLECTION**
(By Latunde Akin)
In the sacred narratives of the Bible, one scarcely finds money given precedence in the fellowship of believers. Throughout the Old Testament, there is no mention of announcing an offering time during congregational gatherings. Instead, they simply crafted a wooden box for voluntary contributions.
Similarly, the New Testament does not emphasize offerings, except for the communal sharing of resources. It remains a mystery how the pursuit of monetary donations infiltrated church services, which should be dedicated to spiritual enlightenment rather than financial collection.
My spiritual journey began at the Baptist Church, with discipleship in the C.A.C., growth in Deeper Life, and ministry training in Winners, Christ Life, and CAC. I had close ties with Covenant Christian Center during its nascent stage, now known as Covenant Nation. For the past sixteen years, my family has been part of the Apostolic Faith Church, which serves as my base during missions and missionary endeavors.
Throughout my experiences, I have observed a distinctive approach within the Apostolic Faith Church regarding money. Their attitude towards financial contributions is markedly different, and I can confidently assert this. Apostolic Faith Church refrains from collecting money during services, and their sermons do not revolve around financial themes. They do not prioritize wealth or wealthy individuals, and donations are accepted solely from those who are born again.
Apostolic Faith Church does not impose financial obligations on its members, nor do they pressure individuals for money. Whether one chooses to give or not is of no concern to them. They do not employ manipulative tactics to encourage giving, nor do they equate prayer with obligatory offerings.
Unbelievers are not solicited for tithes, and donations from those whose values do not align are returned, unless given anonymously. In such cases, a