Each of us is called to worship God by giving of our time, talents and resources. Sharing those resources enables the church to reach the hopeless, the hurting and those who need Christ. We pledge to be good stewards of your gifts, taking great care in how we manage and track the resources entrusted to us.
“But just as you excel in everything –- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving” 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)
He asks for our money because He knows that money is one of man’s most significant stumbling blocks. Greed and fear force us to hold tightly to our money. Many people worship money and will do whatever it takes to get it and keep it. When we are able to freely and joyfully give our money to God, we achieve a freedom like no other. Our obedience in financial stewardship reveals a maturity of character that God treasures.Why tithe?
It teaches us to trust God for His provision.
When we willingly surrender a tenth of our income, especially when we believe we can’t afford to, we’re telling God, “I believe You will take care of me and provide for me.” God wants for us to be able to look beyond our circumstances and rely on Him for our needs. “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” -Luke 12:24
It teaches us to be self-disciplined.
We want God to find us self-disciplined because we are of greater use to Him. A person who can self-manage effectively can be trusted with much responsibility. “Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given.” -Luke 12:48 NLT
Tithing is needed to keep our doors open to all.
Your gifts help to take care of those who serve you and the facility that we all call our church home.
People often make the mistake of thinking that their contribution won't make a difference because the church is large. Just as every individual ministry is important, every amount of money given is important. Many times the fact that people give just a little bit more helps us to begin a new ministry that makes a tremendous impact on the church. Also, when you give out of a faithful heart, God takes your gift and stretches it beyond what you would add up with just numbers. Your giving is far more important than you will ever imagine!
Proverbs 3:9-10
Service is an interesting idea. It seems we all love to be served (especially in America), but we don’t always jump at the chance to serve others. As people who are trying to follow Jesus, we should probably take to heart what He had to say about serving. In fact, Jesus makes it pretty clear about what our attitude should be for serving others. Jesus said He came not to be served, but to serve — fulfilling this idea ultimately by giving His life for us. Yikes! Have we then, in turn, adopted this attitude in our own lives? It’s something to think about and, hopefully, take action on.
But what is “serving?” Serving takes on many different forms of which these are just a few ideas: one serves his/her family, neighbors, needs at your church, city, country, your small group, etc.
In the end, it seems the act of service resides in your heart. May we all attain to an attitude of service like that of our savior.
Our Inside Out efforts are just one way we are trying to love and serve those in our community.
If you are new to Gateway Community Church, then we hope our site provides you with an accurate glimpse of who we are. Obviously, it won’t communicate everything, but it should give you a better idea of who we are and what we are about.
We are striving to develop authentic relationships based on biblical faithfulness, which lead to a meaningful faith through Jesus alone. Sometimes being real hurts, but we value the process and recognize that God’s grace is sufficient for every situation. We also recognize that everyone is on a different journey, but that we can come along side one another and show compassion and respect.
Is this the community for you?
I don’t know. But we would love the opportunity to get to know you a little better and for you to get to know us a little better. Please contact us (info[at]gcfweb.org) with any questions.
Enjoy your visit!