Scriptural guidance regarding giving is not limited to instructions for individual believers. It also extends to the corporate body, His church. I have come to realize that the church is not simply a receiver of significant resources but it is also a giver of resources as well. For many churches, the requests for resources constantly challenge the limits of the available supply. As a former Budget Chairperson for a local church, I became aware of the challenge to faith experienced by local church leaders as they seek to fund ministry initiatives from the limited resources of their “storehouse”. Yet, I believe that God’s instructions are just as applicable to the corporate church as they are to the individual members. God has a word for His church and its leaders, not just for the individual members. So, let us examine some guidance for local church leaders that reflects the old adage” what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”.
If the individual is called to give in faith in spite of their apparent lack, then what about the church? Is there some scriptural justification for only requiring faith to be exhibited by individual members but not the church itself? Is it somehow O.K. for the widows in scripture to sow their last into ministry but for the church to be afraid to do so? No, the church is called to exemplify God-led, faith-based giving as well.
Consistency between the principles applicable to the individual and the collective body is appropriate. I would find it difficult to reconcile a church financial philosophy that viewed as good financial stewardship (at the church level) actions that would be characterized as a lack of faith and disobedience at the individual level. Thanks to our Lord, for illustrating the synthesis of individual and corporate God-led, faith-based giving so that we have a clear path to follow. The illustration occurs in our reference scripture where Jesus feeds 5000 men plus women and children.
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