Why do we give?
Our salvation is the greatest gift we have ever received. Because of this, anything we accumulate or lose in this world doesn't phase us. Our perspective has changed. We now give our money sacrificially and joyfully, knowing this world is temporary. We give because we trust that our Lord will provide and has provided. We give because we have been given way more than we deserve.
How much do I give?
The Bible helps to bring clarity on this subject in 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Whether you have given or haven't, we know it's journey of learning to trust God more.
In this journey, we have identified 5 categories of those who have given or have yet to give:
Pre-Giver
Status: Reluctant, Not Yet Giving
Status: Reluctant, Not Yet Giving
For some, the idea of giving to a church is still a stretch for any number of reasons. Sometimes a person has been burned in the past. Other people simply are in a tight financial position. Regardless, every church (including Living Grace) has people regularly attending and even participating but have not registered their first financial contribution to the church.
Your Next Step: Begin to give something.
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Periodic Giver
Status: Random, Occasional Giving
Status: Random, Occasional Giving
Some are a part of Living Grace and are not opposed to giving, but give randomly and do not follow a set pattern. The mode of giving in this case is occasional or if you feel inspired to give here and there. This is a crucial step in the pathway that can lead to a more proactive pattern of making the church and God's work a priority and giving to it regularly.
Your Next Step: Begin to give regularly. |
Proactive Giver
Status: Regular, Giving Weekly or Bi-weekly
Status: Regular, Giving Weekly or Bi-weekly
There is a segment of Living Grace friends that have signed up for recurring giving or use some other automated way to be a consistent contributor. In many ways, the church could not exist without this group. Yet, many givers do not calculate the percentage of their income on a journey to 10% and beyond. A step of sacrifice may be to calculate the percentage given now and increase by a percentage point or so each year.
Your Next Step: Calculate and continually increase your giving to a higher percentage. |
Percentage Giver
Status: Reliant, Giving 10%
Status: Reliant, Giving 10%
In every church, there are some givers that take seriously the idea of giving and calculate what 10% of their pay is each period and give that amount to the church. This is not the goal, nor the least amount. This is a good milestone. It shows there is an indicator of radical generosity. For many, this is not new, they grew up with 10%. Yet even here there is the room to stretch and give beyond this.
Your Next Step: Give above and beyond the 10% |
Partner Giver
Status: Radical, Multiplying Impact
Status: Radical, Multiplying Impact
Placed in churches are a handful of men and women who meet both the criteria of being generous and also have above average resources in their care. These are the ones who have given above the 10% for many years. They give to multiple organizations and ministries. Now is the time for them to consider the opportunity for a legacy gift (bonds, properties, stocks, etc) to their church, leaving a legacy of mentoring others in giving, or both.
Your Next Step: Consider making a legacy gift. |