Developing a Giving Church

Developing a Giving Church

02 - 732 words

Casting a Vision for Giving

By Gene Roncone

Casting a vision for giving begins with leadership. Both pastors and church boards must be committed to equipping people with a clear understanding of biblical stewardship. Here are some practical ways this can be done:

1. The leadership must practice the giving of tithes and offerings in their own lives.

A recent survey by Leadership Journal reported that only two-thirds of pastors say they practice a 10-percent tithe. Hard to believe? I once had an associate on my staff who seemed to live in a constant state of dissatisfaction regarding how our board allocated funds to the church’s ministries. He had unyielding opinions concerning what and how the church should be spending its money. You can imagine my disappointment when I learned he was not a faithful tither. He had a passion to spend what others had faithfully sacrificed but lacked the faith to do so himself. His deficiency helped me understand why his own spirit and ministry were in a constant state of poverty. Unfortunately, some ministers believe that the dedication of their lives to ministry exempts them from giving of their financial resources.

2. Preach and teach on the biblical principles of giving.

There are over 2,300 biblical references to stewardship. However, a recent study of pastors who practice a 10-percent tithe showed that only 35 percent preach or teach on the subject. Most say they just do not know where to begin. There are several excellent resources from Injoy that can help you preach and teach on this vital subject. They can be purchased through their website at www.INJOY.com or by calling 800-333-6506.

3. Integrate the subject of stewardship in your discipleship ministries.

It is important that every ministry offer some kind of stewardship education as it would relate to discipleship. Offer regular classes on money management. Provide helpful seminars on handling finances from a biblical perspective. Crown Financial Ministries, Gainsville, Georgia, serves as an excellent clearinghouse for stewardship education resources. Whether it is materials for children, teens, parenting aids, Sunday school, adult education, or small group studies, they have it all. Call them at 866-424-4000 or visit their website at www.crown.org to order their free, full-color catalog of resources. Another resource for bible study is Mastering Money by Ron Blue and can be obtained through their website at www.navpress.com. One effective study that explores the believer’s responsibility to support the work of the church through tithing is called “Giving to Support Church Work– Following Jesus” (Course A, Lesson 8) and is available at www.biblestudylessons.com.

4. Motivate others through stories of lives being changed.

Share reports of how your people’s faithful giving has changed lives. During invitations to give, do not give a financial report of how funds were allocated! Instead, give a powerful testimony of spiritual returns. Tell a story of how a life was changed because of specific funding. Have some of the laity in your church who practices stewardship share testimonies of how the principles have blessed them. Allow some of your most dedicated givers and workers to receive the morning offering and give a brief testimony of their personal belief and passion for giving. Happy givers influence others to give.

5. Confidently ask your people to give generously.

Allow your people the opportunity to give by presenting them with specific examples of how they can participate. If pastors and their boards are hesitant, timid, or lacking confidence in their call to participation, can you blame the congregation for following them down the path of caution? Stewardship is as much a biblical truth as salvation, heaven, or holiness. Ask for your people’s generosity with as much confidence as you would any other biblical mandate.

6. Encourage your lay leaders to involve as many people as possible in the ministries of your church.

Studies have shown that financial giving is directly related to gifts of time. People who are involved in hands-on interaction are more likely to have a donor relationship with the church. Give opportunities for people to be involved in your ministries. Keep high standards of morality while creating as many convenient entry points to involvement as possible. Giving follows involvement!

This month, take some time to implement a few of these ideas. Knowing that casting a vision for giving begins with leadership will get you started on the right track.

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THANK YOU! The CDE Team would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the pastors and boards who empower the ministry departments of the DRC through UOB giving. It is important to us that you know how much your generosity and confidence inspire us serve you with greater passion and effectiveness. It is our hope that the research for this monthly column will assist you in helping your people become better stewards of their time, talents, and treasures for the glory of God. For an updated list of other stewardship training resources provided by the CDE Team, send an email to: .