Giving

Many people have questions about how to use it, especially why and how to give it.

Plenty! Money should never be our chief aim in life (Matthew 6:24, Hebrews 13:5), nor the source of our security ( 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Jesus warned of the dangers of materialism in Luke 12:13-34. But money can be used for good (Luke 16:9-12) and giving it can be an expression of worship.

The people of Israel in the Old Testament gave in two ways, "tithes" and "offerings". The "tithe" (a tenth of income or produce) was a regular gift to provide for the ongoing worship of the temple. "Offerings" were more irregular; they included extra gifts by individuals as a mark of worship and thanksgiving and also major giving events, when thousands gave money, jewellery, etc. to build the temple, for example. These offerings could be much more than a tenth of the wealth of the giver. The New Testament also has plenty to say about giving, especially in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, chapters 8-9 and in the story of the early church in Acts 2 and 4. Concern for the glory of God and the needs of others led to deep generosity by these early Christians.

If you are a Christian, the answer is "yes". Giving is a way of telling God that all you have and are belong to Him. Your first responsibility is to support financially the particular church in which you worship and serve, but give also to other Christian agencies as God leads you.

There is no law that Christians ought to give a tenth. The New Testament encourages us to give out of love for God, not to fulfil some legal obligation. However, since most Christian work needs regular, committed financial support, giving a percentage of income makes good sense. For Christians in the affluent West a tenth is a useful starting point; most of us can afford to give more.

Joyfully - "God loves a cheerful giver" Giving is part of our worship to God (Philippians 4:18) and through our giving we have the privilege of sharing in the work that God is doing.

Sacrificially - Jesus commended the poor widow who gave all she had, even though it was just a couple of coins. Such sacrifice grows out of a commitment to Christ and a recognition that He is Lord of all and owns all we are and have. Giving a proportion of income will involve a sacrifice of some luxuries. Read 2 Corinthians 8 : 1-5.

Thoughtfully - The Corinthian Christians were urged to set aside money each week, according to their income, and have it ready when it was needed (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Our giving should not be based on how much is in our pockets when the offering bag comes round! Ask God how much you should give in the light of your income and your other responsibilities (tax, family, etc.). How much will go to the church and how much in offerings to missions and other Christian causes? (Mal. 4.10) When and how will you make your gift?

The church needs committed, regular, financial, support, for its ongoing work. At times, extra offerings are needed, for example, when the church takes on or helps finance a mission project elsewhere. Whether the giving is routine or "extra", it should be in the spirit of the New Testament church.

Staff salaries and housing, church repairs, heating, cleaning, office costs, evangelism and training count for the bulk of the church's regular, on going expenses. A proportion of the budget is set aside for missions, including the support of missionaries from the church. 15% of all our income goes to mission. In practice the proportion we give away is usually higher. For more information on how we give to missions please see the treasurer or member of the leadership team. Where does the money come from? The New Testament puts the responsibility for financing the work of the church on its members (1 Timothy 5:17-18). In Old Testament Israel, every household gave their ”tithe" each year. The responsibility for financing the work of THIS church lies with its members; we don't expect visitors to be obligated to give. There is no Baptist denominational fund supporting the work here! Although in past years, the church received generous financial help from the Baptist denomination.

The easiest method for both you and the church is a monthly standing order. Instruct your bank to transfer a regular sum each month to the church's account. If you prefer to use the ‘offering bag' then this is perfectly acceptable but if you have a deed of covenant then giving must be able to be identified by the church treasurer.

The Government recognises the significance of regular giving to charities and encourages it by giving the charity the income tax paid on the money given. So if you pay Income Tax and pay regularly, then you should seriously consider gift aid. It's one way of being a thoughtful giver and a good steward of what God has given you. You can pay the annual sum either as one sum per year or in instalments quarterly, monthly or weekly according to your preference. You must however make sure your giving can be identified by the church treasurer, so payment by cheque or standing order are the preferred methods.

There's no problem if your circumstances change. If for example you become unemployed, just speak to the treasurer he will make the necessary adjustments.

This page was created on Sunday 17 June 07 and last updated on Sunday 08 February 09