Giving
"Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor 9 6-7
Giving to the Lord
The Bible presents giving as a part of our life of Worship. In no way does God seek to extract money from His people out of mere duty or formality. After all, He is the mighty God, creator of all things. He made and owns and sustains all things. God doesn't need our money. What He does desire is our worship.
Christian giving is an integral part of following Christ. In fact, the Bible mentions giving many times and Jesus spoke about money issues repeatedly. He did this so as to emphasise Kingdom principles over the ways of this world. What emerges from scripture is a clear call that believers put God first in every part of their lives including their finance. What's more, as we put him first "all these things shall be added". The Lord is no man's debtor.
Tithing - God's best for our lives
The tithe is 10% of our income given to the Lord. In the book of Malachi God says that the people of Israel have robbed God by withholding tithes and offerings. He calls them to put things right and:
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house!" Mal 3:10
He goes on to promise a blessing:
"'Test me in this' says the Lord, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and poor out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it" Mal 3:10
The storehouse is the local church and tithing to the local church is not a legalistic requirement but something God sees as part of our worship and which He has promised to bless.
How can I give my tithe or offering?
There are four main ways to give your tithes and offerings. You can of course give by placing your offerings in the baskets during offering time. However we find that the following three ways are the most helpful to the church:
By Standing Order:
Giving directly from your bank account a regular monthly amount which you have decided to give can be a very simple way of organising your offerings. More and more people are deciding to give this way. If you would like to give this way, all you have to do is decide the amount you feel it is right to give and fill out a standing order form (available at the Welcome Desk or from the church office) and hand it back to us. Our church treasurer will then send it to your bank and they will do the rest. Remember, you retain full control. You can stop or change it at any time.
By Tithing envelopes:
If you would like to give on a weekly basis, we can give you a supply of tithing envelopes. These are dated for each week and all you do is put your offering inside and place them in the baskets on Sundays. Many find this a helpful discipline. All you need to do is tick the box on the paper version of this page (available to download soon) requesting to have tithing envelopes and we will send them to you. You can start using them whenever you are ready.
By Cheque:
If you would like to give your tithes and offerings by cheque you simply make the cheques payable to "The City Temple". Again, increasing numbers are doing this.
Gift Aid - The Best way to increase your giving
Good News! If you are a taxpayer, every gift or offering made to the city temple or any of its ministries can be increased by 28%. All you have to do is fill out a Gift Aid Form (once only) and hand it to us. From that time on, as long as you give by one of the methods above, we will be able to claim an extra 28p for every £1 you give without you having to do anything else.
Once again, you can cancel or change Gift Aid at any time. Can I urge you to sign up as soon as possible. If all taxpayers in the church were to do this, it would release huge amounts of extra finance for the Kingdom of God.
