Are You Concerned That Your Ministry Requires Support from People with More Than Enough? Question 34.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, poses the question: “Are you concerned that your ministry requires support from people with more than enough?” While his point is valid in acknowledging that financial resources are necessary for ministry, his argument often skews toward the assumption that financial prosperity is the hallmark of God’s approval. This blog critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s statements, contrasts them with biblical teachings on generosity, and explores the roles of faith, stewardship, and community in supporting ministry work.

1. Shuttlesworth’s Claims and Their Flaws

Claim 1: Only People with Financial Excess Can Give

Shuttlesworth’s implication that ministries rely solely on financially prosperous people to function neglects the biblical examples of sacrificial giving by those with limited resources, such as the widow in Mark 12:41-44.

Critical Flaws

1. The Widow’s Offering:

   • Mark 12:41-44: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”

     
     

     • Jesus highlights the widow’s sacrificial giving, demonstrating that generosity stems from love for God, not financial abundance.

     
     

2. Givers Are Not Defined by Wealth:

   • The Bible consistently emphasizes the heart and motive behind giving, not the amount (2 Corinthians 9:7). Givers need finances to give, but their willingness is rooted in their faith, not their financial status.

     
     

Claim 2: Critics of Prosperity Preachers Contradict Themselves

Shuttlesworth criticizes a Bible college president for opposing prosperity theology while praying for financial provision for school repairs. He mocks this perceived inconsistency as “a mental problem.”

Critical Flaws

1. God’s Provision Is Not Limited to Prosperity Theology:

   • The Bible teaches that God provides for His people’s needs through various means, including generosity prompted by the Holy Spirit. This does not require a prosperity theology framework.

   • Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

     
     

2. Faith vs. Manipulation:

   • Prayerfully seeking God’s provision aligns with biblical faith, while prosperity theology often manipulates Scripture to promise financial gain in exchange for giving.

     
     

Claim 3: Prosperity Preaching Is Necessary for Financial Support

Shuttlesworth implies that preaching prosperity theology is essential to cultivating financial supporters for ministry.

Critical Flaws

1. The Role of the Holy Spirit:

   • God moves in people’s hearts to give without the need for coercion or blanket promises of financial rewards.

   • Acts 4:32-35: The early church shared resources freely, motivated by the Spirit’s work and mutual care, not promises of wealth.

     
     

2. Biblical Warnings Against Exploitation:

   • 2 Peter 2:1-3 warns against false teachers who exploit others for financial gain. Prosperity preaching risks prioritizing monetary goals over gospel fidelity.

     
     

2. A Biblical Theology of Giving

The Heart of Giving

1. Faithful Generosity:

   • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

     
     

     • True giving is motivated by love for God and others, not by promises of material returns.

       
       

2. Sacrificial Giving:

   • The widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) and the Macedonian churches’ generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-4) exemplify faith-driven giving, irrespective of financial status.

     
     

God’s Role in Provision

1. God Moves Hearts to Give:

   • Generosity stems from the prompting of the Holy Spirit, not from transactional promises (Acts 11:29).

     
     

2. Stewardship Over Resources:

   • Ministries are called to steward resources faithfully, relying on God’s provision rather than manipulating donors.

     
     

3. The Problem with Shuttlesworth’s Approach

Misrepresentation of Criticism

Shuttlesworth mocks critics of prosperity theology without addressing their legitimate concerns about the harm caused by unbiblical teachings.

1. Harm to Vulnerable Communities:

   • Prosperity theology often exploits the poor, promising financial blessings that lead many into further hardship.

     
     

2. Neglect of Non-Financial Ministry:

   • Shuttlesworth’s argument overlooks the vital role of everyday Christians—parents, workers, and neighbors—who share the gospel without platforms or wealth.

     
     

Misplaced Focus

1. The Gospel Is Not Dependent on Wealth:

   • Shuttlesworth implies that finances and platforms are the primary means for preaching the gospel, ignoring the power of the Holy Spirit to work through ordinary believers.

     
     

   • Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.”

     
     

2. Equating Wealth with Divine Approval:

   • Financial success is not evidence of God’s favor. Many faithful Christians live without wealth but demonstrate deep faith and obedience.

     
     

4. A Balanced View of Ministry and Giving

Ministry Requires Resources

• Financial resources are necessary for many aspects of ministry, but they must be stewarded faithfully and obtained through ethical means.

• 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

  
  

The Role of the Church Community

• The church thrives when all members contribute according to their ability, whether through finances, time, or spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13).

  
  

Faithful Dependence on God

• Ministries should prioritize prayer, faith, and obedience over reliance on prosperity preaching to generate funds.

• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

  
  

Conclusion: Do Ministries Require Support from People with More Than Enough?

Shuttlesworth’s question reveals a misunderstanding of biblical giving and ministry support. While financial resources are necessary, the Bible teaches that generosity stems from faith, not financial surplus. Sacrificial giving from all believers—rich and poor—reflects trust in God and love for His Kingdom.

Prosperity theology often distorts this truth, placing undue emphasis on wealth as evidence of God’s favor and neglecting the power of faithful obedience. True ministry thrives when rooted in dependence on God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and supported by a diverse community of believers.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)