Giving toward God and his mission is one of the primary virtues of a follower of Christ. When we give to the local church, we jump into the bigger story that God is writing. We get to be free of idolizing money and to trust God in powerful ways. We receive God’s blessings and provisions in ways that we otherwise would never experience. However, for many of us, the process of giving our money and resources for the cause of Jesus is a journey.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 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. Matthew 6:19-21
Become an Initial Giver
What a great step with God when you decide to give for the first time! As an initial giver, your gift shows a growing trust in God and his mission through the church. Each week during our weekend gathering, an offering is received as an integral part of worship. This gives you the opportunity to joyfully participate in God’s greater story. Every dollar of generosity goes towards helping people take next steps with Jesus!
“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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Become a Consistent Giver
A consistent giver plans to contribute on a regular basis as part of the budget. Giving becomes as important as any other budgeted item (housing, auto, food, etc.). This is also referred to as percentage giving (determining a percentage of your income you are going to give regularly). While the Bible talks occasionally about one-time gifts, when it comes to giving to the local church, God means it to be a regular and consistent practice.
Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Become a Priority Giver
A priority giver starts by asking, how do I show that the Lord is my highest priority through my finances? For instance, the first giving Bible story is when Cain and Abel give an offering to the Lord (Genesis 4). Cain, a farmer, brought crops, Abel, a rancher, brought an animal. So far so good. The difference between the gifts was that Cain just grabbed some crops among his many to give to God while Abel selected the best parts from the firstborn of his flock. Abel gave his very best as a sign of his complete commitment to God. A priority giver puts God first financially, but also is given a benchmark percentage to aim for.
From early in the Bible, the tithe (10% of income) was a tangible amount meant to symbolize putting God first in our money and resources. This is the only place in the Bible God says to test him for a blessing, signifying the importance of priority giving. For us it means giving at least 10% of our income toward the church or other ministries that further the gospel.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:10
Become a Surrendered Giver
This description of generosity is given about a group of churches that understand surrender. It is radical to open your hands to God and say, “Everything I have is yours.” The question is not how much do I give, but is there anything I am holding back? This is called stewardship and it means God owns it and I manage it. Everything in my possession (house, car, business, etc.) is used to further God’s agenda. When it comes to money it means along with regular, significant giving there will be times to give sacrificially beyond even that. Ultimately, in your giving journey with Jesus, this is where he wants you to get.
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. …And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 1 Corinthians 8:2-5
Our network of churches is committed to honoring God’s provision by exercising wise and faithful stewardship, ethical business practices and full accountability to ensure the financial integrity of each church remains above reproach. We accomplish this through a system of internal controls and an internal budgeting and reporting process overseen by a Board of Directors. In addition, a periodic audit or review is performed by an independent certified public accounting firm. If you have any further questions or would like a financial summary please contact finance@fearlessfollower.org or calling 616.395.2600.
