I can say after taking your "evaluation" I must totally disagree with the results. I agree with the comments made by Tim; and the church needs to repent to God for ingrafting marketing management skills into ministry instead of looking to the Word of God. We have become so caught up in trying to be "mega" that we have lost sight of what the call of ministry is all about. It is a great mess and these perspectives on 'giving' will not inherit the Kingdom. After the tithe and the offering of my choosing; then let me "purpose in my heart" what I should give after that. It is not the job of the Leader to put a stipend on me due to him or her obtaining a building they could not afford. This is why the scriptures tell us to "first count up the cost". This is why you have many ministers and laity alike now not wanting to be bothered with ministry at all; we have took certain scriptures out of their context, and applied them to our own twisted theology to make us justified.
Posted: June 11, 2009
John Romanosky (Registered User)
In March I develop six sermons on giving from lessons received through CTI. Our giving has risen since then. We are an older congregation of 36 family units- widows and retirees with few younger families. Yet they have a generous heart. So the spirit of generosity is there.
Posted: April 13, 2009
tim (Guest)
No such thing biblically as a church building made with man hands, no such thing biblicaly as boards, tax receipts, pews, choirs, soloist, bands, sermons, mission boards, senior pastor, teen pastor, associate pastor, pastor (titles REverand), giving was from giver to getter period. Collections taken once for church in Jerusalem 1Cor.16:1-6 They took care of the poor amongst them, widows, orphans, supported workers, apostles, evangelists, prophets. We are long way away from what the Lord of Glory supported in the scriptures. The church is luke warm and deceived on the broad way that leads to destruction. She is full of iniquity and antinomianism. Repent of parish.
Posted: October 04, 2008
Claude (Guest)
I think that proper education concerning giving is the key. The scriptures speak profoundly about the subject. However, the scriptures, in many cases is not taught within the context and within the principle given; especially in the Old Testament. Moreover, the purpose of giving in our day and culture has moved away from its essential purpose. It all goes back to a heart issue within Leadership and within the congregation.
Posted: November 29, 2007
Dena (Guest)
I've experienced and have learned a lot over the past 10 years about giving and finances when it comes to the church. People must come to the knowledge of the truth about what the bible says about money. There are more scriptures in the bible concerning money, finances and wealth than there is about faith, love, and commandments. "ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." We must come to understand that as Christians we are Kingdom builders and God's way is no where near the way we've been accustomed to living. Surrendering the world's way of finances for God's way yields a better profit.
Posted: November 29, 2007
Anonymous
My issue is not primarily with God's call on my income - it is with the 'before and after' taxes. Governance of my country should not leave me with a dollar worth less than half its worth before any charitable giving. While I need to wrestle with my selfish spending, excessive taxation, in my view, is the main impediment to not feeling capable in my giving. At the same time, I admit that ancient governance did not provide education, medical plans, or pensions.....and retirement does not seem to be a biblical concept of any stature...
5 Myths About Giving
