The Offering

Dear church, 

recently we have made some changes to our services.  One of the changes was to have one of the pastors come up and pray for the offering.  I have received feedback on this part of our service; some positive, some negative. 

I realize that there will be many perspectives among the church regarding something as personal as the offering, and I know that it is not possible to please everyone regarding this matter, but I do feel it’s important to let you know where our hearts are regarding this part of our service.

As a pastoral staff, our heart is to find a balance where…

1. We ensure the congregation has an understanding of how money and possessions are dealt with in God’s kingdom;
2. We give people an opportunity to participate in His kingdom, both spiritually, practically, and financially.
3. We do not make people feel guilty if the aren't able to give, or don't want to give. 

I realize that having one of the pastors come up to bless the offering may seem we are bringing attention to the offering time, but please know that is not our intent.  Our intent is that our offering would be a time of spiritual worship and thanksgiving. If we get the sense that the way we take the offering is not what’s best for the church and the congregation, we will change it.

Also, we’ve been reminding the congregation about the offering we are taking this Sunday for the Children’s Ministry modular classroom. This follows the model that the apostle Paul gave us in 2 Corinthians 9, as he sent word to the church that he was coming to collect an offering for the saints in Jerusalem. He told them what the need was, that he was coming to pick it up, and that he wanted them to be prepared. He then went on to preach a mini-sermon on giving:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

As it is written:  “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

 – 2 Cor 9:6-15 (NIV)

It is an interesting fact: There are approximately five hundred verses in the bible that deal with prayer, approximately five hundred verses that deal with faith, but there are over two thousand verses that deal with the subject of money and possessions.  Jesus talked about money in sixteen of His thirty eight parables.  While I would not go so far to say that money is a central theme of the bible, or Jesus’ ministry, it is clear that God wants us to understand His principles concerning money and possessions. 

So I will leave you with this:  At CCW our desire is to do all we have been given by the Lord with excellence and integrity, and we will trust the Lord to provide all that we need for every work that He gives us.  There will be times where we let you know what the needs are so that you may seek the Lord regarding your gift, and as Paul noted “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.”

… till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay