Serving by Giving
Giving at First Evangelical Free Church
First Evangelical Free Church's various ministries are financially supported by the gifts and offerings of those who both believe in our mission and benefit from it. Most who give do so during our Sunday worship service, where we spend a few moments each week worshipping God through giving. Others give through a variety of means including through the mail, or through an automatic, systematic draft from their checking accounts.
Regardless of the method, the Biblical principle we seek to highlight and honor is that of giving generously (cf. Proverbs 3:9-10). Those who consider this their church home are encouraged to give prayerfully, intentionally, and cheerfully.
Biblical Truths
The Bible teaches that those who benefit from a ministry should make a commitment to support that ministry. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
The Bible also teaches that pressure tactics should be avoided. “Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
Through these passages, God's Spirit encourages that
1. Everyone should be involved - “each one of you.”
2. Giving should be regular and systematic - “on the first day of every week” (or monthly for many).
3. Giving should be proportionate - “in keeping with his income.” We believe that is neither a specific amount nor a particular percentage (i.e., tithe). Rather, the more we have, the more we give.
4. No one should feel compelled to give - “not reluctantly or under compulsion.” However you decide to honor God with your giving, we want this to be a joyful, satisfying act of worship.
Using God's resources with integrity
We pledge to you that
1. We will use your gifts in keeping with the annual ministry budget approved by our congregational membership. Those who give direction to the use of resources are accountable to our leadership and our church family.
2. We’ll keep you informed of the needs in a timely and encouraging way.
3. We’ll practice sound financial principles.
4. We’ll keep the focus on making disciples, not fund-raising.
Gifts to First Evangelical Free Church can be given through Sunday giving or on weekdays through the church offices. In addition, we have electronic funds transfer as an option for those who desire it. The online brochure "Simply Giving" about EFT can be printed, filled out and returned to First Evangelical Free Church.