— CREATING THE CULTURE OF GENEROSITY
Culture of Generosity
— BENEFITS OF GIVING
BIBLICAL REASONS and support for giving.
Why should we as Christians give of our resources? Giving to the church is a command from God. Romans 12:13 says “Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.” While it is a command, it is also important to give with the right attitude. Jesus warned his disciples not to give for the sake of being admired by men. We should be giving for the glory of God, not for the glory of men.
Paul emphasizes that there is a relationship between our giving to the Lord and the Lord’s giving to us. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Our reward of giving comes from God. We should be giving willingly and cheerfully because “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) The desire to be generous and the means to be generous both come from God.
Giving to the Lord is a privilege. God does not need our money, but he commands our obedience. The churches of Macedonia gave to the church beyond their means, even though they were poor. They gladly gave out of gratitude for what God had given to them. Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35 that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Lord doesn’t ask us to give what we don’t have, but He does ask us to give within our means.
PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF GIVING.
Donating a portion of your resources is a way to help those in need. We don’t live in a perfect world, and there’s never going to be a perfect time to give – but there are always people in need, and you could make a difference in their lives. One of core values is that “Believing People Trust” We trust god with our resources, our time, and our talents!
Donations are tax deductible. You can write off your donations on your tax return, so all donations reduce your taxable income base. You can write off up to 50% of your income.
REQUIRED minimum DISTRIBUTIONS
If you have an IRA and are at or over the age of 73, then generally you have to withdraw a minimum amount of money each year. If you don’t have a need for your required minimum distribution (RMD), then consider giving to the church and avoid the tax implication.
Would you consider leaving a bequest to the church? Have you considered remembering New Cov in your will or estate planning? Many count New Cov as a family of Christians gathering together, so think of us as part of your family responsibility.
Rules change and everyone’s situation differs – please talk with your tax advisor.
GENEROSITY TAKES many forms
Time, talent, and treasure – three ways to give, and only one of them involves money.
Time
Volunteer to help ministries and outreach programs.
Treasure
Support the church through financial giving.
Talent
Use your gifts and abilities to serve others and build God’s Kingdom.
Giving doesn’t have to just be done monetarily.
You can give to the church by volunteering your time and talents to help with ministries and outreach programs. Your budget may not allow you to write a check for the church but it doesn’t cost any money to put in your time. Volunteer opportunities are all over the church and are constantly in need of more helpers.
— WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU
THERE'S A SEAT
with your name on it.
Come Sunday and sit wherever you want. Or watch a sermon online.