That’s why our focus is to be on CHRIST and not man.
When people make church too necessary, then this is going to happen.
Churches don’t and can’t save anyone. Only Jesus can do that.
So while going to church is fine and helpful, to a degree, our spiritual growth comes with our own time alone with the Lord, praying, worshiping and most importantly, getting into His word.
Salvation is an individual thing, not a corporate thing.
And you are right and wise to question everyone’s appeal for money.
What ticks me off the most is when people at church go on a short term missions project (and I know what kind of job they have, and they certainly have enough money to pay for it themselves) and these are the people who hardly give me the time of day, and yet when they want a free trip, they come with hands out, begging for money.
For too many people, the only time I hear from them is when they want something. Nope. Don’t bother.
You can’t be a friend just because? Then forget the hand out. You are not going to use me.
Bingo!