Kingdom Living looks like trusting God as provider. It looks like generous people sharing their treasure with others. Kingdom citizens do not hoard from fear and scarcity. Read below how two congregations are trusting God with their resources.
Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.
GC Appleton thanks our God of abundant provision for the resources to pay off the mortgage on our church building that has been our home since 2008. We’re grateful to have been able to use this building over the last 17 years for multiple community events, weddings, monthly community interfaith prayer gatherings, as well as our weekly worship services and church events. We’re also grateful for this building that housed our Good Neighbor Day Camp for the last three years. We praise God, and pray that God will provide guidance going forward in stewarding our funds in a way that furthers the kingdom in this neighborhood and brings God honor and glory. Amen
By Becky Deuel, Pastor
Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.
Ferguson, Missouri, U.S.
Since 2013, GC Ferguson, in Missouri, has conducted a special offering at the end of the year, which longtime members look forward to with joy. Here are some of the best practices we have found useful.
Set a goal: A specific target with clear objectives helps people know how the year-end offering (YEO) will be used. This gives people a tangible target to pray about and to invest in personally. We often include activities we feel the Lord wants us to start or expand but could not fund through regular offerings. For example, you might need upgraded audio visual (AV) equipment or rent for a connect group at a neutral location. Our goals generally amount to 5-10% of our annual budget.
Communicate early and often: I begin reminding members about the YEO in September or October through periodic announcements so they can begin planning. I encourage members to begin setting aside funds. Using a special envelope that is dedicated to the YEO helps to build anticipation. There are two main strategies we employ:
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- Proactive savings: Put aside funds to match your spending. For example, I set aside a dollar for each gallon of gas purchased. Some may prefer to put aside a few dollars each time they shop for groceries.
- Found money: Be on the lookout for little surprises from our heavenly Father. We all occasionally receive money that was unexpected: a gift for no reason, a rebate, a discount, or perhaps a bill that was much lower than we budgeted.
I include reminders to members during offering messages or announcements and through emails. This builds anticipation as we see the Lord providing for the YEO.
Special appeal to co-laborers of the gospel: Share your needs and invite them to share in the joy of meeting these needs. Encourage them to respond by the end of the year and include the ways they can send gifts — text, online, cash apps, regular mail. GC Ferguson supplies a return envelope for their convenience.
Set a date for the in-service offering: Joy is increased by having a specific date to receive the offering. We traditionally set the third Sunday in December to receive the offering during the worship service in addition to the regular weekly offering.
Celebrate the results: I share the results as they come in, which adds to the joy of giving. We have a final tally only after mail offerings arrive in early January. Members are always excited to see how the Father, Son, and Spirit meet these special needs through them.
By Karl Reinagel, Pastor
Ferguson, Missouri, U.S.
