The Bible tells us to trust in God’s provision—”So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them (Matthew 6:31-32.)”

The Bible also tells us to encourage generosity— “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:18-19.)”

But, churches can find themselves leaning into an extreme of one or the other, either avoiding the topic of generosity (because God will provide) or relying on human effort (imploring attendees to give) to make a budget.

Maybe your church can relate. But a church that trusts in God’s provision should not avoid encouraging church members to give generously. There is a balance to be found.

Here are 4 ways your church can strike a biblical balance between relying on God’s provision and encouraging generosity:

1. Acknowledge that God can and will provide whatever he desires.

God owns it all. He owns cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). And He gives to us as He wills.

For churches, God works through the generosity of her members to support the Great Commission effort taking place. Positioning your budgetary hope on human effort demonstrates a lack of belief in God’s endless ownership and His promise to provide. But there are other verses in the Bible…

2. Consider the frequency with which God speaks about money and stewardship.

The Bible has over two thousand verses about finances, possessions, and generosity. God cares about the relationship the people in your church have with money. He cares about their generosity. Why? Good question…

3. Recognize that Scriptural teachings on generosity are not just about meeting the budget but transforming hearts.

Does God want His people to give? Yes, but not out of compulsion.
Generous disciples do not give out of guilt but gratitude. Generously giving to the local church is an outward expression of a heart captured by the love of Christ. And churches are to teach about generosity, not to raise money, but to see a people released from the shackles of the money god. Open hands are the result of a full heart.

4. Know that by providing practical ways for church members to give, you are helping them take the next step in their generosity journey.

In 2 Corinthians, we see Paul encouraging the Corinthians to support Great Commission work by generously giving. God could be providentially providing for the Great Commission work of your church through your encouragement and practical application for generosity.

 

A church mustn’t lean to one side or the other. Scripture teaches a reliance on God’s provision. And a church should do just that. But Scripture also encourages Christ followers to be generous. And so, a church should do that as well.

Trust in God’s provision, and encourage others to experience the joy God has for those who give generously.

SecureGive wants to be a true partner for churches. We want to not only equip you with the best digital giving software but we also want to give you the tools and resources you need to cultivate a culture of generosity in your church. We’ve partnered with thousands of churches over the past 16 years to help grow their generosity. And, we’d love to do the same for you too.