Purpose

This policy ensures financial transparency, protects the integrity of our worship environment, and maintains a consistent guest experience. It prevents confusion with tithes and offerings, avoids unapproved personal fundraising, and protects volunteers and staff from comparison or pressure related to personal tipping.

Policy Statement

All employees, volunteers, ministry leaders, and anyone serving in any capacity at Tree of Life Open Bible Church are not permitted to receive personal tips or set out any containers intended for personal financial gain. This includes, but is not limited to, jars, baskets, envelopes, signs, digital payment links, QR codes, or any method of soliciting funds for individual use.

Permitted Uses of Tip Jars or Collection Containers

The church may provide or approve the placement of jars, baskets, boxes, or other containers only for official church fundraising purposes.

All money collected through these approved containers must be submitted to the church and processed through official church accounting systems.

No individual may personally keep or use funds from these containers under any circumstances.

Prohibited Actions

Setting out a tip jar or other container for personal benefit.

Encouraging, requesting, or accepting personal tips while serving in any ministry or work capacity.

Posting personal payment links (e.g., Venmo, Cash App) for tipping while on church property or during church events.

Enforcement & Resolution

Because we recognize mistakes can happen without ill intent, enforcement will be light and corrective:

Any unapproved tip jar or container will be removed.

Any collected money will be returned to the donor when possible, or submitted to the church.

Individuals will receive a gentle reminder of the policy.

Repeated violations may lead to additional conversations or corrective steps at the discretion of leadership.

Independent Vendors & Special Events

Individuals who are functioning as independent vendors during special events (such as craft shows, fairs, or community markets) may receive personal tips **only** under the following conditions:

The individual must clearly and visibly disclose that they are operating as an independent vendor and **not** as a representative, employee, or agent of Tree of Life Open Bible Church.
All signage, branding, and communication at the vendor’s table or booth must reflect their personal or business identity—not the church’s.
Staff members serving as independent vendors must do so strictly as volunteers for that event; they may not be compensated by the church for the same period of time.
While functioning as an independent vendor, staff and volunteers are not permitted to wear church-branded attire that may imply the church is sponsoring or endorsing their sales or tipping activity.

The church reserves the right to determine whether a vendor’s setup or communication adequately distinguishes them from church-sponsored activities.