Christian Giving: Overview
Christian giving is an expression of the grace of God.
|
“We want you know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” 2 Corinthians 8: 1-2 (NRSV) |
An Introduction to Christian Giving
When thinking about giving, any consideration of giving needs to start with God and our relationship with him. To think about giving before we have thought about our relationship God, is really to start from the wrong point. Before the Christians in the Macedonian churches contributed financially to Paul’s collection for the poor Christians in the Jerusalem church, they first gave themselves to the Lord. Once they had done so, giving was not an issue for them. Even though they were suffering great hardship and deprivation they “overflowed in a wealth of generosity”
Giving is not just about the giving of money it’s about giving our whole selves to God. “ you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 10: 30 (NRSV)
What are we giving for?
Christian giving is not primarily about balancing the books of the Church, it is about resourcing God’s work, work which every Christian is called to join in. Are people excited about what your church is doing? Are they motivated to give to God’s work in the local community and your vision for the Church?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20 NRSV)
Why do Christians give?
The giving of money is an essential ingredient of Christian discipleship. Discipleship which excludes graceful giving is diminished. Our giving is also a reflection of our love of God and an expression of our gratitude for His most precious gift, ‘the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ.' “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3: 16). Giving is a spiritual issue which goes to the heart of being a Christian.
|
News and updates:
Support and Advice:
Promoting Christian Giving
The Christian Giving Adviser can advise and assist parishes as they seek to encourage giving to the Church. This includes helping parishes to undertake a Parish Giving Initiative: a programme designed for your parish to help church members gain a deeper understanding of the principles of Christian giving.
Gift Aid:
Gift Aid is a scheme enabling churches and charities to reclaim tax paid by a donor on eligible donations. Those who give by Gift Aid increase the value of the Gift to the Church. Further information about Gift Aid and resources to help you run an effective Gift Aid programme in your parish can be found on the Parish Resources website. Detailed guidance about Gift Aid can be found on the HM Revenue & Customs.
Legacy Giving:
Leaving a Gift in your will to the Church is a practical way of saying "Thank you" to God for all the blessings we have enjoyed during our lives.
If you need advice and assistance in any of the above areas then please contact Martin Smith, the Christian Giving Adviser, who can provide advice, assistance; training and support materials.
Groups / Networks
Parish Giving Officer network: a network of people who will assist in promoting giving and raise the issue of stewardship in their parish.
Giving Strategy group: The function of the group is to act as a consultative and advisory group to the Diocesan Adviser in Christian Giving, in connection with matters relating to Christian Giving and the resourcing and development of the Parish Giving Officer net work. The groups consists of David Blackmore (Chair), Richard Burton & Ian Rumsey (Parish Development Officer's), Martin Smith (Christian Giving and Pastoral Reorganisation Adviser), Elaine Chegwin Hall, Richard Neale, Michael Noden, Geoffrey Scott, John Stockdale, Jocelyn Squires and Ann Vassie.
Resources:
Suggestions of helpful books, leaflets and websites. Click here.
Contact:
For more information contact Martin Smith, Adviser in Christian Giving.
Email: martin.smith@chester.anglican.org
Tel: 01244 681973 ext 236
