Why give to a church?

Why in the world would people want to give 10% or more to the local church? It is a good question. A similar question could be asked about why someone would buy a boat? Why would someone buy a blender or humming bird feeder? For some reason people always do what makes sense to them.  Some people give generously to churches.  Some people do not. Why? Why does generosity make sense to those who invest in the local church.

Why would those who give 10% (a tithe) to the church, choose to live on 90% of their income or less.  There are few underlying issues that I think give great reasons for doing so.  But as I seek to answer this question, let me begin with this statement, “I am not trying to convince you.” Money is a sensitive subject. What people do with their money is very personal.  With that said, we always do what is most important to us with our money based on how we see life and the purpose of money. Our money and priorities reside together.  Jesus said where your treasure is your heart is also (see Matthew 6:21).

When people begin to invest their hearts into what is happening in a local church or some other organization, they begin to invest some of their time and treasure there.  When someone begins to see the high value of what a church is doing, he may invest even more. When that value begins to rise in ranking above other priorities, the amount or percentage that person invests in the church will increase as well. 

No one can ever “afford” to start giving to the church.  Most people do not simply have loads of money lying around that they cannot figure out what to do with.  On the contrary, priorities and decisions in life steer where people invest dollars. Savings, food, transportation, entertainment, shelter, health, and clothing are just a few of the many categories we direct our resources toward given our priorities and goals. When opportunities come up to be generous toward others, people tend to give with a cheerful heart with what they have available. I may give to hurricane relief by choosing not go to the movies (taking money from entertainment).  I may give to church and eat more box meals and rice instead of eating out. With this said, some of us are rather haphazard in our generosity category.  Given what we have on hand and how heart felt the cause, we make a choice to dig into a category we choose to do without. 

Those who begin to give consistently, cheerfully, and passionately to the local church are people who believe in the mission and trustworthiness of the church. The level of giving goes up tremendously when the values of the church (priorities) match the priorities of the giver.  In other words, the church becomes a way or uniting our dollars with other like-minded people to multiply the effort to accomplish our mission, goals, and priorities.

When people believe and invest their hearts in the mission, goals, and priorities of a church, they will give toward it aggressively. 

There are biblical reasons to back up why giving 10% is an act of obedience and trust in God.  There are also New Testament principles about all our money being available to God and the mission of the church to makes disciples of the nations. Some folks give generously based upon these spiritual truths and determined convictions to obey.  Most others are rather skeptical of investing at such high levels through the local church.

What if the local church doesn’t use the money wisely? Should I spread my generosity to lots of other valid charitable organizations? Can I give my time instead of my money since I cannot afford to give money right now? These very real questions and many more are widespread.  

Here are some words of counsel for those considering giving to a local church or increasing their giving to a local church.

1.       All money comes from God. You and I are managers.  Ask the owner what He wants.  Go to the Bible and consider what it says on the matter of money.  

2.       Thoughtfully examine where your money is spent. If you want to change your priorities, test it out. The Lord asks us to try Him. See Malachi 3:10

3.       Research and dig into what your church is doing with the money it collects. Where is it going? What impact is it making? If the values match, imagine how much your investment can multiply when combined with others.

a.       How much is going to make disciples?

b.      How much is helping the poor?

c.       How much is paying for the facilities and administration?

d.      How much is paying for the leaders to prepare and lead the work?

e.      How much is going to debt service?

f.        What direction is the percentages flowing toward?

4.       We take nothing with us when we leave this world. Those who inherit your resources will do what they want with it. Priorities and investments are made while we live. Choose wisely.

The Lord loves a cheerful giver. One’s attitude about generosity will determine one’s joy and peace.  Don’t be coerced or manipulated. Don’t settle for inconsistency. Make wise choices. Be confident about the investment. Celebrate fruit that comes.