🧵 *Fundraising ≠ Scamming: A Biblical Defense of Church Planting* 1/ Fundraising for ministry, like church planting, is NOT scamming. It’s legal, biblical, and vital for spreading the Gospel. Yet some see a PayPal or GoFundMe link in a bio and cry “scam!” Let’s set the record straight. 2/ Scripture supports raising funds for ministry. Paul collected offerings for churches (1 Cor 16:1-2). Jesus’ ministry was funded by supporters (Luke 8:3). Independent church planters, even without 501c3 status, follow this model to build God’s kingdom. 3/ Legal? Absolutely. You don’t need 501c3 status to plant a church or fundraise. The IRS recognizes unincorporated religious groups. It’s not about tax forms—it’s about faithfully stewarding resources for God’s work. 4/ Judging a ministry as “inauthentic” over a donation link is shallow. “Judge not, lest you be judged” (Matt 7:1). Quick labels without discernment harm the body of Christ. One day, we’ll all answer for how we judged others. 5/ Those bio disclaimers—“no porn, no DMs, no crypto, happily married”—don’t stop scammers or prove your faith. They’re just noise. I’d rather have a PayPal link to fund Gospel work than a word salad of conservative talking points that mean nothing to God’s mission. 6/ Scammers exist, sure. But assuming every fundraiser is a fraud is cynical and unbiblical. Test the spirits (1 John 4:1), but don’t slander those planting churches for Christ. Support or scroll on—don’t curse what God may be blessing. 7/ Church planters: Keep the links in your bio. Keep preaching the Gospel. Keep building the kingdom. God sees your heart, and He’ll provide through those He calls to give. Don’t let naysayers dim your calling. 🔚 Rant over. Thoughts? Let’s talk fundraising, church planting, and discernment! #ChurchPlanting #Fundraising #Gospel