A Conversation
Last week's email was about the annual budget process we use at Mountainview. On Sunday morning, we took a few moments to explain how our 2023 Commitment Card system is such an important part of that process.
One of the things I enjoy most about being a pastor is when someone reaches out to me to talk about giving and generosity. These are times when I get to have conversations with people because they have questions about giving or it is new to them. One of these conversations happened this week. It was such a great discussion, I decided to try to summarize it for all of us.
First, we talked about what generosity does...
It acknowledges God as the owner of everything we have.
It reminds us to put God first. It is an act of worship.
When we fully capture this understanding of generosity, beautiful things can begin to happen in our lives.
Next, we discussed a few of my favorite verses about giving and generosity. Here's what the Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the Christians in Corinth...
Since you excel in so many ways in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 NLT
In the chapter that follows, Paul wrote about two significant things that would happen because of their generosity...
So two good things will result from this ministry of giving the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 NLT
Did you catch what Paul was throwing? 1. Needs will be met. 2. God will be glorified. At the risk of oversimplifying, these are two great motivators for being generous. Don't you agree? The same is true for us at Mountainview. Through the generous giving of our church, we are able to meet many needs (which I will speak about briefly on Sunday), and our loving, compassionate God is glorified.
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT
Remember this farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT
After reading these two chapters, our conversation focused on this verse...
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
We talked about the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly. We talked about the attitude God wants us to have when it comes to giving, and how Jesus was such an incredible example of giving, we should strive toward imitating Him.
Will you please prayerfully consider what adjustment you might want to make in your understanding, your attitude, and your practice of giving?
Unashamed, I ask you to make a generous commitment to Mountainview this year. I'm not asking because we are in trouble or desperate. I'm asking because I believe, more than ever before, that God has placed us in a position to impact our cities with the Gospel. I believe we are on the brink of loving and serving families in a way that we haven't before.
We are asking everyone who considers Mountainview their church home to communicate your giving intentions for the next year by using the link below. This confidential form and the information you provide will only be used for planning purposes. If you prefer, cards will be available Sunday on your way out of the Worship Center, or in the church office.
I'm excited about the way Jesus is changing lives around us. Please join me and pray for the work He is doing, and look for opportunities to partner with Him.
Join us at 9 or 10:40 on Sunday morning as we continue our series, The Table. Let's continue to grow in our appreciation for what Jesus did (and can do) at a simple table.
See you then.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Tom