Throughout much of the world, churches are facing a difficult reality. Many congregations are aging, baptisms have declined, and fewer people are actively participating in the life of the church. At the same time, millions of people profess faith in Jesus Christ but have little or no meaningful fellowship with a local body of believers. Others have become disillusioned with organized religion, viewing churches as places that meet once or twice a week rather than communities that genuinely transform lives. This trend is accelerating, but it’s not too late to change the direction.
The question we must ask is not, “How can we make the church more attractive?” but rather, “How did God grow the church in the first century?”
The answer is not found in marketing strategies, entertainment, elaborate buildings, or worldly programs. It is found in Christians who love God deeply and love one another sacrificially. In this age of pride and pomposity, there are few people who genuinely care for others. We are the only species on the planet that can make a difference in another person’s life through either acts of benevolence or malevolence. The latter is the current trend, and the former is what should be.
Benevolence is the quality of being kind and helpful, as well as the act of giving money or help to those in need. It reflects a disposition to do good and can involve both financial and non-financial assistance.
Benevolence is closely aligned with the second greatest commandment: “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” From this one statement, the church can reestablish its significance and importance in society if we implement it properly.
In the first century, the church grew because it looked different from the world. It was a new kind of family. One that didn’t care about your bloodline, where you came from, your social status, or what you’ve done in your life. There were many people who were disenfranchised in the first century, just as there are today. Many poor and lost people who wanted to be saved, economically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus and the church changed everything in how we are to value one another. The church is uniquely designed to address all of life’s issues in a single institution.
The Example of the Jerusalem Church
Immediately following Pentecost, the church experienced extraordinary growth. Thousands obeyed the gospel, but what followed was just as remarkable as the preaching itself.
Luke records:
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
— Acts 4:32–35
This passage is often misunderstood and seldom studied deeply. There was a bond within this community of believers that had never existed before in society, ever! Everyone realized that whatever they had of value paled in comparison to what they had just received in becoming aligned with Christ. They counted their possessions as nothing and sold them to benefit others in need, for the church. They were unified with each other and in the cause of Christ. Nobody had a need, such as food, clothing, or shelter, that couldn’t be satisfied. They had the best healthcare ever, as the apostles could heal any ailment. It had to be something to behold.
Some have suggested that the early church practiced a form of religious communism. That is not what the text teaches. The giving was:
- voluntary,
- motivated by love,
- directed toward genuine need,
- and inspired by faith.
No one was compelled to surrender his possessions. Rather, Christians willingly sacrificed because they viewed their brethren as family. The remarkable statement is not that people sold property. The remarkable statement is:
“Neither was there any among them that lacked.”
Imagine what that testimony meant in a society marked by poverty, persecution, and social division. The church became known as a people who cared for one another beyond bloodlines, genealogy, heritage, and social status.
The Collection Was Never Merely About Buildings
In many congregations today, the weekly collection has become almost synonymous with paying operating expenses:
- mortgages,
- utilities,
- insurance,
- maintenance,
- salaries,
- preacher salary & benefits,
- and other necessary costs.
These responsibilities are legitimate and arguably necessary. However, if the collection exists only to sustain the institution itself, we have lost sight of its primary biblical purpose. Some have argued that the building is entirely unnecessary, and there are compelling reasons to support this position. Smaller churches with only a few members could forgo having a commercial building altogether, which makes financial sense. Churches in the first century met in members’ homes. They didn’t have large cathedrals, converted stadiums, or ornate buildings that required large sums of money to maintain. They likely didn’t even pay the preacher at first. Nevertheless, as the church has grown in modern society, these buildings have become a traditional convenience that makes sense for congregations supporting hundreds of people. There’s nothing wrong with having a building for congregants to assemble, but it should never be valued above the collective welfare of the saints or the spread of the gospel.
Paul instructed the churches:
“Now concerning the collection for the saints…”
— 1 Corinthians 16:1
The collection described in this passage was specifically intended to relieve the needs of fellow Christians suffering severe hardship, particularly the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. The first-century church in Jerusalem faced significant persecution, particularly after the martyrdom of Stephen around 36 AD and the execution of James the Great under Herod Agrippa I around 44 AD. This persecution led to many Christians fleeing Jerusalem to escape violence and oppression. Despite the challenges, the church continued to grow as it spread to surrounding regions, aided by missionaries who sought to share the faith.
The church did not simply gather funds to preserve property. It gathered resources to preserve people. Those fleeing Christians needed support at the most basic level, and Paul was attempting to help them with resources from the Corinthian church. They didn’t need money to paint over graffiti on the building or to replace damaged ornaments. They needed food, clothing, shelter, and protection.
Buildings are useful tools, but people are the church. Whenever our priorities become reversed, our effectiveness declines.
Primary Purpose of the Collection
The primary purpose of the collection, according to scripture, is for the saints or the people of God. Those believers who have obeyed the gospel through repentance and baptism. They have given their lives over to God and to His purposes. God sacrificed His son for us; we sacrifice our lives back to Him. All for the glory of heaven one day. Nothing matters beyond this fact, and we trust Him to take care of us while we’re here, and He does. One way this is done is through the church community. The shared sacrifices that each of us makes for another. No one in the church should have an essential need left unsettled.
Many of us have witnessed churches taking up collections for building maintenance and other costs while members have observable life issues, including medical problems, food or clothing insecurity, or even residence and transportation problems. Many people on fixed incomes have trouble paying the rent or mortgage over utilities, or have to choose between eating healthy and getting their meds. Looking at our aging population, we see the cost of living going up every year, and do we assume that everyone is OK, really?! Do we ask if they have a need, or do we expect them to come groveling, hoping we will help?! And when they ask, do we respond with a stone, a serpent, or an excuse?! An exaggeration, perhaps, but one thing is sure: we can certainly do better as leaders of the congregation at detecting and addressing problems within our membership.
Caring for the Poor Is Not Optional
Throughout Scripture, God’s people are repeatedly commanded to care for those in need.
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
— Psalms 9:18
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and on them he has set the world.
— 1 Samuel 2:8
The Old Testament required concern for:
- widows,
- orphans,
- strangers,
- and the poor.
[Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.]
— Matthew 23:14
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
— Mark 9:42
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
— Hebrews 13:2
James 2:1-9 discusses how we should regard one another as equals regardless of social position. Read this and study how in society we treat people of status better than those without status. Favoritism is sin, and we are to regard one another as equally valuable before the Lord.
Jesus continually ministered to:
- the hungry,
- the sick,
- the marginalized,
- and the forgotten.
James wrote:
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
— James 1:27
Helping those in need is not merely an act of kindness. It is an expression of genuine faith.
Likewise, John asked:
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
— 1 John 3:17
Biblical compassion is measured not by good intentions but by faithful action. God provides for all His children through the service of His faithful children. Meditate upon these words of Jesus:
For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
— Matthew 7:8-11
As God’s creation, we are all entitled to the basics of life, the most fundamental of which is food. Yet, there are starving people all over the world, some as close as communities within driving or walking distance of our homes. This is not acceptable, and it’s not God’s fault; it is the fault of people who are uninterested and lack actionable compassion for their fellow man. It’s not a question of resources, as resources are truly plentiful. It requires people with a heart of service to pull those resources together to help someone in need. If a person is hungry, you can’t teach them the gospel, for they are preoccupied with their hunger. After they’re fed, they are more willing to listen to the message. If Jesus receives the glory for satisfying their hunger, they’re likely to want to know more about Him.
We know the right thing to do, but struggle to do it. Government policy isn’t the answer. Even non-profit organizations aren’t the complete answer, though they do better. The only complete answer is Jesus and the church, providing the life that supplies food for the body and, more importantly, for the soul in His word.
Why Compassion Leads to Growth
People are not simply looking for another religious service. They are looking for hope. They are looking for purpose. They are looking for authentic relationships. When the early church cared for people in tangible ways, those lost souls responded to the gospel message, and outsiders witnessed something they rarely saw elsewhere:
- unity,
- generosity,
- forgiveness,
- sacrificial love,
- and genuine concern.
The church became a living demonstration of the gospel it proclaimed.
Luke records:
“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
— Acts 2:47
Notice carefully: The church did not grow because it pursued numerical growth. There were no elements of entertainment, manipulation, or sensationalism. It grew because God’s love was faithfully translated into the lives of those who obeyed the gospel and understood the need for caring for one another. God gave the increase.
Translating First-Century Principles Into Modern Practice
The exact circumstances of the Jerusalem church cannot be duplicated today, nor should they be mechanically imitated. The sale of possessions described in Acts arose from extraordinary circumstances, including persecution and sudden economic hardship among many new believers. Yet the underlying principles are timeless.
Imagine if every congregation intentionally developed ministries such as:
Benevolence Funds
Rather than maintaining only a small emergency fund, churches could intentionally prepare to assist members facing:
- unexpected medical crises,
- temporary unemployment,
- housing or transport emergencies,
- utility shutoffs,
- or food insecurity.
Such assistance should always be administered wisely and with accountability, but it should also be generous. A member needing help should expect assistance without feeling like they’re asking for a handout, when it’s a blessing that naturally flows from the love of others.
Food Ministries
Many congregations already operate food pantries. These ministries become even more effective when volunteers:
- know those they serve,
- pray with them,
- study Scripture with them,
- and continue building relationships.
A food box may meet today’s hunger. The gospel addresses eternal hunger. This ministry should be the easiest in which to teach the gospel, for there are many correlating examples in scripture.
Job Assistance
Many Christians possess valuable professional skills.
Congregations can organize members to:
- help prepare résumés,
- conduct interview coaching,
- connect employers with job seekers,
- provide vocational mentoring,
- and assist with transportation.
Helping someone find meaningful work often restores dignity as well as financial stability.
Financial Stewardship
Many families struggle not because they lack income but because they lack financial guidance.
Biblical teaching on:
- contentment,
- stewardship,
- debt,
- generosity,
- and planning
can dramatically change lives.
Widows and the Elderly
Many older adults suffer from loneliness more than poverty. Regular visitation, transportation assistance, home maintenance, meals, and companionship demonstrate Christ’s love in practical ways. For larger congregations, this should be easier to implement than for congregations with only a few members.
Paul devoted significant instruction to the care of widows within the church. Widows are unique in that they’ve lost their spouses, and a deep emotional and spiritual hole is left in their lives. The older the widow, the deeper the hole.
Honor widows who are truly widows.
— 1 Timothy 5:3
She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,
— 1 Timothy 5:5
Single Parents
Single mothers and fathers often carry enormous burdens. God’s plan for the family expects both parents to be involved in the raising of children. Churches should be diligent in ensuring that both mothers and fathers are united in raising their children, regardless of any interpersonal challenges that may exist. Too often, church leaders avoid getting involved in people’s personal lives because of the intensity of therapy, but that is precisely why such involvement is needed. For the church to grow, these issues must be addressed.
Church families can assist through:
- childcare,
- mentoring,
- practical repairs,
- meals,
- transportation,
- and encouragement.
Modern Practice Summary
Sometimes the greatest evangelistic opportunity begins with simply showing up, showing interest, and engaging on a personal level. Sincerity of interest in the soul is often the best way to disarm, introduce Christ, and encourage the family unit.
Pastors/Elders/Bishops/Presbyters are the primary leaders of the congregation and are charged with dealing with spiritual matters. They have the harder job of strategically developing an understanding of the congregation as a whole and assessing the spiritual intent and capabilities of individual members. They have the final say on what happens regarding benevolence. Deacons, likewise, have a responsibility to ensure they can assist elders at a tactical level, ensuring that what needs to be done gets done.
Compassion opens doors for the gospel. Helping people materially should never replace preaching the gospel. Nor should evangelism become merely a condition for receiving assistance. Jesus often met physical needs while calling people to repentance and discipleship.
The church must do both.
Material assistance without Christ addresses only temporary suffering and fosters selfish ambition. Preaching without compassion may sound hollow, insensitive, or condemning to those whose immediate needs are overwhelming.
The two belong together. When material assistance is made while giving Christ the glory and is done in a manner that shows sincerity of interest, the message, when delivered, is more likely to be received both emotionally and intellectually.
The World Notices Genuine Love
Jesus declared:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
— John 13:35
He did not say the world would recognize His disciples primarily because of:
- impressive buildings,
- polished presentations,
- or institutional success.
The defining characteristic was love. Not sentimental affection. Sacrificial love demonstrated through action.
When churches become communities where people know they will be loved, encouraged, supported, corrected in truth, and cared for during life’s darkest moments, they become visible reflections of Christ Himself. History has shown that this is what brings people back to church. First, it’s because of the representation of Christ or the people. As that person grows, they will come to recognize Jesus Himself and love Him all the more for the disciples work.
A Challenge to Every Congregation
Imagine a community saying:
“If someone loses a job, the church helps them.”
“If a widow needs her roof repaired, the church comes.”
“If a family cannot buy groceries, the church provides.”
“If someone is lonely, someone from the church visits.”
“If someone wants to understand God’s Word, there are Christians eager to study with them.”
That is not a social program. That is New Testament Christianity lived before a watching world. Nowhere else can people get this kind of quality support. The more genuine and involved the church is with people in need, the more likely they are to develop an interest in Jesus and His church.
Final Thoughts
The first-century church grew because it faithfully proclaimed Christ and visibly embodied His love. Its members were “of one heart and one soul,” and they regarded their possessions as tools for serving others rather than treasures to be guarded. Their generosity reflected transformed hearts, and their compassion gave credibility to their message.
Our circumstances differ and, perhaps, are more complex today than theirs, but the principles remain unchanged.
Every congregation should ask:
- Are we using the Lord’s resources primarily to preserve our institution, or to serve the people Christ died to save?
- Do we know within our congregation who needs help, and are we willing to help without them having to ask?
- Does our community know us for our love as much as for our doctrine?
- Are we willing to invest not only our money, but our time, talents, and lives in one another?
- How can we use those resources to bring others to the knowledge of Christ?
Faithful churches must never abandon the preaching of the gospel. But neither should they neglect the works of mercy that naturally flow from the gospel. When truth is proclaimed and compassion is practiced, the church once again becomes what God intended it to be: a family where no one stands alone, a refuge for the weary, and a powerful witness to the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
