The issue of whether it is biblically permissible for a church to take on debt is one that Christians have debated for centuries. There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue, with each position being able to point to verses and principles from Scripture to support their view. In this article, we will walk through the key biblical considerations around church debt, examining the strongest cases both for and against it. By looking comprehensively at what the Bible says, we hope readers will be equipped to study this issue for themselves and come to their own thoughtful conclusion.
The Case Against Church Debt
There are several biblical arguments made against churches taking on financial debt. Here are some of the most prominent:
1. Debt Can Lead to Slavery
Several verses warn of the dangers of debt leading to slavery. Proverbs 22:7 says “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Romans 13:8 says “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another.” The concern expressed in these passages is that excessive debt can give undue control and influence to lenders over borrowers.
Since churches ought to operate under the lordship of Jesus, some argue that voluntary indebtedness to outside organizations compromises that allegiance. Just as individual Christians are urged to avoid debt that leads to slavery, so too should churches seek to operate free from financial chains that could hinder their kingdom mission.
2. Leaders Should Be Free from the Love of Money
Another common argument against church debt relates to the character qualifications for church leaders laid out in 1 Timothy 3:3. Elders are to be “not lovers of money.” The reasoning follows that loading down the church with debt could tempt leadership towards financially motivated decisions rather than purely spiritually motivated ones.
While not necessarily true in all cases, some suggest that a debt-free approach removes any appearance of money being a factor in major church decisions. This aligns with other passages urging leaders to pursue accountability and avoid even hints of potential greed (2 Corinthians 8:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
3. Debt Reveals a Lack of Faith
Some view acquiring debt as demonstrating a lack of trust and dependence on God’s provision. They argue faithfulness involves waiting patiently on the Lord to provide resources in His timing rather than presumptuously moving ahead relying on borrowed money. Hebrews 13:5-6 calls believers to live without covetousness and find contentment in God’s presence and promises.
This critique of debt connects it with worry and doubt rather than faith and patience. Christians are regularly exhorted to trust God in all circumstances, so some contend that faith principles preclude church borrowing.
4. Prioritizing Urgent Needs Over Wants
When churches take on major debt like building loans or mortgages, some question whether wants are being prioritized over more urgent needs. Psalm 37:25 reminds believers that those who trust God “have not seen the righteous forsaken.” Could some building projects wait while pressing needs like evangelism and discipleship are funded?
Critics of church debt ask if it reflects priorities aligned with God’s kingdom or merely human ambitions. Are comfort and impressiveness being elevated over meeting urgent spiritual needs? Is vanity wining out over stewarding God’s resources wisely?
The Case for Church Debt
While the above arguments form a biblical basis for avoiding debt, there are other principles and examples that provide grounds for viewing church debt as permissible:
1. Freedom in the New Covenant
In contrast to the Old Testament Law, some observe that prescriptive commands against debt are conspicuously absent from the New Testament. This signals freedom in the new covenant that could include prudent use of debt. Passages like Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-9 articulate principles of Christian freedom not being limited by extrabiblical constraints.
If debt is utilized in a disciplined manner, some believe churches should not be dogmatically opposed to it any more than to owning a building or having a bank account. Restrictions should only come from clear biblical mandates, which are not present on this issue.
2. All Things Are Permissible
1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23 teach that while not all expedient or beneficial, all things are permissible for believers in Christ. Some proponents of church debt argue that it can be employed wisely and so should not be considered off limits any more than other financial tools. The Bible allows freedom for leaders to steward resources based on discernment rather than dogmatically prohibiting options like debt.
3. Old Testament Examples
In Nehemiah 2:7-8, when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he specifically asked for letters from the king to obtain timber from the king’s forest for the project. This was not merely permission to gather discarded scraps but to take new lumber. In the original language, the phrase “as you will” indicates the lumber would be provided at the king’s expense. So this Old Testament leader willingly incurred a debt.
In 1 Kings 6, Solomon takes on massive debt in order to build a temple for the Lord. While the wisdom of specific applications today can be debated, it provides a positive example of borrowing for what was clearly considered a very “worthy” project.
4. Meeting Growth Needs
Many who defend church debt argue that loans are often necessary to facilitate growth and expand ministries. If a facility limits programming or staffing due to space constraints, taking on debt can be a wise investment to multiply ministry impact. Prioritizing immediate needs must be balanced with positioning for future potential.
Of course, building luxurious facilities far exceeding needs would be unwise. But conservative debt aimed at growth and reaching more people can be reasonable stewardship that accounts for both present realities and future opportunities.
Guiding Principles from Scripture
Since the Bible does not directly forbid church debt – and legitimate arguments exist on both sides – perhaps the healthiest approach is to glean principles that can guide wise financial stewardship either way:
1. Seek Accountability
Any decision about debt should involve outside accountability. Consider input from church members, other experienced leaders, financial advisors, etc. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Guard against insular and secretive leadership. The more accountable the process, the more legitimate the decision.
2. Be Motivated by Ministry Not Vanity
Extreme care must be taken to ensure financial decisions are motivated by advancing the gospel, not comfort or impressiveness. Highly questionable building projects have been rationalized as “for the ministry” when functionally about creature comforts and keeping up with cultural trends. Intentional soul-searching is crucial.
3. Make Conservative Projections
When considering major expansion projects, demand conservative expectations of costs and giving increases. Some church debt crises resulted from leaders making unrealistic ministry projections. Err well on the side of caution in planning. Don’t presume best case scenarios. Build in margins for error and delays.
4. Focus on Capacity Not Just Desires
Church leaders have a responsibility to discern true ministry capacity and make financial decisions accordingly. While many good desires exist, efforts should center on meeting the most urgent spiritual needs possible within realistic means. Just because a loan is attainable does not necessarily make it prudent and sustainable.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Luxury
Recognition that stewardship involves maximizing ministry impact with finite resources will lead to distinguishing needs from extravagances that could compromise finances. While subjective, choosing functional frugality over luxury communicates spiritual priorities. Set an example of stewardship over keeping up with cultural patterns.
6. Don’t Presume on Future Generosity
It is easy to rationalize expansion projects based on presumption that giving will increase. But trends change and economic winds shift. While being visionary involves some projection of ministry growth, plans must be prayerful and avoid gambling recklessly on rosy scenarios coming true.
7. Make Debt Temporary Not Permanent
If debt is utilized, prioritize structures that allow it to be retired within a defined timeframe. Avoid open-ended debt vulnerable to fluctuating circumstances. And make meaningful payments as quickly as possible to fulfill moral obligation.
Conclusion
The issue of church debt falls within the realm of disputable matters that faithful Christians can reasonably disagree on. Cases from Scripture can be made on both sides. Perhaps the healthiest approach involves holding views with humility, recognizing the complexity involved.
Wise stewardship is less about dogmatic prohibition of options like debt and more about the heart motivations and practical safeguards underlying important financial decisions. Seeking accountability, gauging true needs versus desires, prioritizing ministry over comfort, and avoiding open-ended debt are all biblical principles that can guide churches to glorify God in their finances, regardless of whether debt is utilized or not.
By wrestling sincerely with God’s Word, praying for wisdom, and seeking counsel from other believers, church leaders can move forward in ways that steward resources faithfully. And in disputed matters, Christians can debate charitably while maintaining gospel unity despite different policy conclusions on secondary issues like debt. Our shared identity in Christ far supersedes views on church finances.
