In nurturing a culture of regular giving within your congregation, it’s crucial to anchor your approach in biblical principles. Let’s explore five 5 Biblical Principals to help cultivate a culture of regular giving, to guide your efforts.
Generosity: 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Encourage your congregation to give willingly from the heart, emphasizing that their generosity is an act of worship. Teach them that cheerful giving is a response to God’s grace, not an obligation.
Stewardship of God's Blessings: Luke 12:48
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Remind your congregation that they are stewards of God’s blessings, including their finances. Encourage them to manage their resources wisely and recognize that their financial well-being is a trust from God.
Lead by Example: 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
As leaders in the church, set an example of consistent and generous giving. Your actions can inspire others to follow suit and demonstrate the importance of regular giving in your congregation.
Transparent Financial Stewardship: 2 Corinthians 8:21
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
Ensure transparency in how the church handles finances. When your congregation sees that funds are managed with integrity and responsibility, they are more likely to trust and participate in regular giving.
Express Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Show gratitude and appreciation for every contribution, regardless of the amount. Thank your congregation for their regular giving, reinforcing the idea that giving is an act of worship and a way to express gratitude to God.
By grounding your efforts to encourage regular giving in these biblical principles, you can help cultivate a culture of generosity and stewardship within your congregation. Remember that giving is not only about financial support for the church but also a spiritual act of worship and obedience to God’s Word.
