EP 305 – How should we talk about giving at church?
We don’t give to rescue a budget. We give because Jesus is Lord. Giving is worship that forms us, fuels mission, and frees us from idolatry.
How do we talk about money without fear, guilt, or fundraising vibes? My aim is simple—to reframe giving as discipleship, not desperation. Jesus said we cannot serve God and money. Regular, sacrificial generosity is one of God’s gifts to free our hearts from lesser masters and re-train our loves toward the kingdom.
Why This Matters
- Fear-based appeals miss the heart of discipleship.
- Avoid “dues for services.” The church is a family on mission, not a club with fees.
- Kingdom urgency ≠ panic. God richly provides; we steward with faith and transparency.
My Story
Early in marriage, we could barely make ends meet. I fasted and prayed, and Matthew 6:33 kept pulling me back: seek first the kingdom. We started giving at a level that “pinched.” God used it to reorient our trust.
How I Teach It
- Give as worship and formation, not compulsion.
- Use the “pinch principle” (C. S. Lewis): if it never pinches, it may be too small.
- Resist weaponizing percentages. For some, 10% isn’t sacrificial; for others, it’s crushing. Aim for cheerful, sacrificial faith.
- Praise God for how he works through his people, rather than congratulating people for “their generosity.” We’re stewards, not owners.
Gospel Orientation for Replanters
- Formation over fundraising: preach Christ as both reason and resource for generosity.
- Identity before activity: call saints to live who they are in Christ.
- Repentance and renewal: let the gospel confront control, nostalgia, and fear around money.
- Pace with patience: teach, model, and testify toward a culture of openhandedness.
Practical Language Swap
- From “We’re behind; please help” to “Here’s how God is at work among us—let’s respond in worship.”
- Tell redemption stories, not revenue gaps.
- Tie practices to promises: firstfruits, seasonal generosity, automation paired with God’s provision and the joy of cheerful giving.
Missions Vision
Connect giving moments to mission moments. Show how sacrificial gifts become mercy, mission, and formation—at home and to the nations.
Scriptures
- Matthew 6:19–24, 33
- 1 Timothy 6:6–10, 17–19
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
- Acts 20:35
- Philippians 4:19
budget, generosity, giving, gospel orientation, missions, money
