As Christians, we are called to respond to God’s generosity with gratitude and generosity of our own. One way to do this is through regular giving to our church community. By setting up a Standing Order, we can provide a reliable and regular income for our church, which is especially important during times of uncertainty. This method of giving also carries no infection risk, making it a safe and responsible choice. Moreover, it allows us to budget and plan for the future, ensuring that our church can continue to serve and support its members and the wider community. By encouraging regular giving, we can create a sense of stability and security, which is essential for any community.
In addition to regular giving, we should also explore contactless giving options. These options are not only accessible and safe but also convenient, as they often require no contact and allow the donation to go directly into the church bank account. For example, digital units with touch screens can be used, and to minimize the risk of infection, hand sanitizers and cleaning wipes can be provided to clean the screen between each donation. We can also use QR codes, which are a safe and easy way to encourage simple giving. By setting up a QR code, individuals can use their phone to scan the code and make a donation, making it a convenient and hassle-free process. We can display the QR code on posters, notice sheets, emails, cards, banners, notice boards, and social network platforms, making it easily accessible to everyone.
However, we must also make precautions for cash donations, as handling cash increases the risk of infection. If we choose to accept cash donations, we must assess the entire process, including the counting and banking of the money, and provide appropriate precautions such as gloves and hand sanitizers for those who will be handling the cash. It is essential to prioritize the health and safety of our church members and staff, especially during times of pandemic. By taking these precautions, we can minimize the risk of infection and ensure that our church community remains safe and healthy.
Sharing our story and vision with our church community is also crucial. We can use notice boards to display pictures of the ministries and services that our church provides, and share testimonials from those who have been impacted by our church’s work. By sharing our story, we can inspire and motivate others to give, and demonstrate the impact of their donations. We can also use social media platforms to share updates, news, and stories, and provide regular reports on how the donations are being used. Moreover, we should express our gratitude to those who give, as this is an essential part of building relationships with our givers. A simple “thank you” poster or note can go a long way in showing our appreciation, and we can also use templates and resources available to us to make the process easier.
As Christians, we are called to respond to God’s generosity with generosity of our own. The New Testament provides us with clear guidance on the characteristics of Christian giving, which should be proportional, planned, regular, generous, and cheerful. We should aim to give a proportion of our income to God and his church, and do so in a way that is thoughtful, prayerful, and guided by the Holy Spirit. We should also consider the benchmarks of giving, such as tithing, and aim to give 5% of our net income to and through the church. By giving generously and cheerfully, we can demonstrate our love and gratitude for God’s generosity, and support the mission and ministry of our church.
Ultimately, giving is an act of worship and a response to God’s generosity. By giving regularly, generously, and cheerfully, we can participate in God’s work and support the mission and ministry of our church. We can use resources such as the Giving for Life booklet, leaflets, and talk outline to learn more about giving and to inspire others to give. By prioritizing giving and generosity, we can build a stronger, more vibrant church community that is committed to serving and supporting others. As we consider our giving, let us remember that everything we have belongs to God, and that we are called to use our time, energy, skills, money, and possessions to serve him and support his kingdom. By giving generously and cheerfully, we can demonstrate our love and gratitude for God’s generosity, and participate in his work of spreading love, joy, and hope to all people.
