Who gave you the intelligence to do your job? The Bible says it is God who gives us the strength, knowledge, and ability to earn a living. God has blessed us with everything we have for a reason. We need to recognize that He is our provider.
The church or a ministry needs money to operate. Just like you need an income to pay your electric, water and gas bills, the church needs money to pay its bills too.
When you give you are helping your local church care for people in your community, plus you are helping send the Gospel around the world. That's why your church or favorite ministry needs your financial support. When Christians support God's work they are following the command of God to give.
Giving is an act of faith and obedience to God. At times I've wondered should I be giving to that particular church, because I had questions about how they were spending the money. Ultimately God will be the judge of the leadership of that church or ministry. For me, it is a privilege to give. Throughout the Old Testament we commonly see a reference to the tithe. Failing to pay, she would no longer be considered a member.
Christianity Today reported that another preacher refused the funeral of a year-old member because she had stopped giving. God does not expect any to give more than their fair share. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened. The beautiful thing about the way God set up giving is that the rich have no advantage, and the poor have equal opportunity. When a poor widow gave only two pennies, Jesus excitedly told His disciples that she had given more than the rich Luke —4.
Because God counts giving by the love and trust we show by our offering. The poor thus have the opportunity to be the best givers in every church, without being burdened. In the New Testament, Christians are not commanded to give a specific percentage, but simply as prospered 1 Corinthians , cheerfully 2 Corinthians , and generously Acts —45; 2 Corinthians It is not wrong to give ten percent, but it is wrong to require it.
Leaders can bind no more than the apostles commanded Matthew ; As Christians prosper and grow spiritually, they will often give more than ten percent, but this is a personal decision and not a church mandate. Not giving God financial leftovers is the real principle to be gained from these Scriptures Matthew ; Romans Christians do not need to be endlessly prodded to give and should never be manipulated. It is irresponsible to encourage people to put large donations on credit cards by promising that God will pay them back.
Under such circumstances, visitors feel uncomfortable—even needlessly guilty. One preacher made an emotional speech before passing the plate. Matthew — God speaks through the Bible today Ephesians ; 2 Timothy —17; Hebrews —3 ; He does not send private messages for preachers to tell audiences 2 Peter —21; 1 Corinthians — They also may pay benefits such as vacation, sick time, and retirement plans.
Most churches give to charitable organizations and support other ministries in some financial way. They may support a local ministry such as an unplanned pregnancy center to help women find support for their pregnancy instead of choosing abortion.
They may have a line in their budget for benevolence. Those funds would be given to folks in need as they arise throughout the year. One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
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. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
This is not good, but it happens from time to time in life. In this situation, we should give what we can. The Holy Spirit is working to make us into the person God wants us to be. But our faith tells a wonderful, hopeful, inspiring story of a generous God who calls us to be generous. This is simple, relatable language to start talking about what God has given us and the importance of giving back in return. How many times have you heard messages like these? Our faith is one of abundance, not scarcity.
It teaches that giving is a joy not an obligation. We need to lean into these narratives. Some churches are quite persistent in asking for money but neglect two other interrelated forms of communication — thanking people and telling the story of what giving makes possible. Talking about money in a more balanced way involves an ongoing cycle of communication that always begins with thanking people for what they have already done. Gratitude and generosity are two sides of the same coin.
Effective pastors and church leaders learn to speak about money more frequently, frankly, and faithfully. Ann Michel is co-author with Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Ann A. Michel has served on the staff of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership since early Currently, she works as one of the co-editors of Leading Ideas e-newsletter.
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