1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

God never intended for the church to get the government to use the government to coerce unbelievers into paying tax money so that the government could take care of the needy and less fortunate.  You will not find fund raisers and money-making gimmicks in Scripture.  Human beings have added so much fleshly overhead to the religious world that it requires some Bible study to sort out what are the doctrines of men and what are the Scriptural patterns of God. 

There is another side to this, and that is how the money is spent.  What was ordained to be used to spread the gospel and to help the needy has been reallocated for entertainment, big buildings and salaries.  Money, power, and prestige have drained the power out of the church. 

A recent communication from the Brethren says: "It seemed prudent to us and we believe the Holy Spirit, to remind you again that we do not make "solicitations" for the work of God.   God has put in place an order of tithing and offerings that supports "all" the work of the church.   The plurality of the brethren, working in unity with the local church elders, support what God is establishing."

Amen!