For some time now several of our leaders have suggested that our church walk together through a study on financial giving. The reasons they have given are several: (1) We have many new members in Calvary who perhaps have never gone through a study on giving; (2) Every so often it is good for those who already have studied the subject to have a refresher; (3) We adopted a challenge (faith) budget this year and it will not be reached apart from earnest prayer and responsible education. I agree that these reasons are sufficient for conducting such a study. In addition, I would suggest that the most important reason for a study on giving is so that individuals can discover the joy of giving and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
There are several reasons why we have delayed in adopting a study that would involve all Adult Bible Fellowships. One of those reasons is that we wanted to find a study that would have the right approach to giving. I commented on my blog post about the proposed budget back on November 10, 2012 about the various approaches to giving (toward the middle section of the post). Chad Mason, our staff pastor who relates to the Adult Bible Fellowships, recommended the book "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn. Pastor Rolando and I read it and found it to be a very good book. It is a pleasant and yet challenging read. It is written as a book for individuals not as a curriculum piece for a class but the material is worth considering in a class setting. We are grateful also that the book is available in English and Spanish.
Last Sunday Rolando and I began a sermon series using the book title and the chapter titles to discuss the subject. This series will go through the end of May. We will not be preaching the chapter contents. That can be done by each individual who has a book. We will unpack selected Bible passages and consider their implications for the management of the whole Christian life.
This coming Sunday, Adult Bible Fellowships in English and Spanish will begin the book study. The author of the book definitely has a grasp on this subject and he lives by the principles he advances. As the pastoral staff at Calvary we are by no means imposing all of ideas that Alcorn proposes in this book. Our invitation to each ABF and to each individual is to, yes, read the book, but most especially, to study the Bible passages. The authoritative material is the Scriptures themselves. My prayer is that as you study them with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they will speak to you and those in your group, helping us all to grow in the joy of giving and living for the Kingdom.
When considering principles like these, it is always important to remember that our responsibility is to examine the Scriptures and discuss them together. But it is the Holy Spirit's job to bring conviction to people. He will deal with each individual in a different way. When we try to do the Holy Spirit's job, we become legalistic. Legalism lends itself to self-righteousness and judging others by our own standards. On the other hand, when people are convicted by the Holy Spirit and they obey Him, they will discover joy in their obedience and a humble attitude toward others.
Pastor Chad is making available books for each participant and discussion questions for teachers. If you have questions or need resources for this study please do not hesitate to contact him: chad@calvarymcallen.org
Our desire is that not only ABF leaders and participants take advantage of this study but leaders in all areas of our church. Ultimately a Scripturally-based and Spirit-driven practice of giving will benefit the individual believer, the local church and the cause of Christ around the world.
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