16 Aug
People can give more than you think
One of the greatest challenges I face in helping pastors fund the vision God has given them is moving beyond the impression that no one in their church has money. I hear it from pastors of big churches and small churches…
“We’re just a simple church made up of simple people.”
“We don’t have anyone in our church who has a lot of money to give.”
“Our people are maxed out in their ability to give.”
And every one of those pastors would be…WRONG!
God’s funding capacity is unlimited. If we serve in God’s church, then our funding potential is also unlimited.
The reality is that people give…
…at the level of perceived need.
…to causes and organizations that have a plan and demonstrate impact.
…to people they know, like and trust.
I have never met anyone who has run out of money because they decided to give. In fact, some of the wealthiest people I know are the most generous givers I know. And they don’t live the high life. Instead, they choose to live quiet, simple lives with quiet, simple people.
The people in your pews can give more than you think. Are you prepared to present a compelling plan that would cause them to direct those resources to your church?
I think there’s another, perhaps even more real reality, that motivates people to give: they have been taught to give.
In other words, they have been discipled and through that process have learned that generosity in their own lives is a key component to becoming like Christ. Now, of course, part of that discipleship will involve doing their homework and being the best stewards of their money that they can, but I suspect that most who are discipled well will naturally give back to the organization who discipled them.
Thoughts, Ben?
Eric, you are exactly right. As babies, we have to learn to turn over, crawl, walk, and run. Everything in life is a process; it doesn’t just happen. The same is true for giving, prayer, Bible reading, etc. We must be taught, challenged, and consistent in our application.
Blessings!