If what you’ve heard about their approach to fundraising makes you uncomfortable, then you certainly should express your concern to your pastor or your church’s governing board. Others may share your concern, and in any case your church’s reputation could be damaged by such an approach.

I have always found that God’s people will give to God’s work if they understand the need. This doesn’t mean fundraising isn’t necessary, however, because it often is. When Paul learned of the terrible situation the Christians of Jerusalem were facing because of a famine, he and his coworkers immediately began raising funds to help them (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

But Paul didn’t try to pressure people into giving. He wrote that “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Remember: Everything we have came from God’s hand, and when we give to God’s work, we are only giving back to Him what is already His. Admittedly, most people don’t look at their money this way—but they should. Jesus warned, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). When we truly put Christ first in our lives, a generous spirit will follow.