Studies in Afrikaans / Studies in English
Why Give?
Why do Christians Support Missions and Ministries financially?
- A series by Steven Loots -
Why is it that Christians must support the church, ministries and missions for them to survive and flourish financially? Shouldn't the leadership "just pray"? Over the next few months I want to give a few short answers to this question.
Part One - The Example of the Old Testament
If you did a study of the whole Bible, and particularly of the Old Testament, you would find that whenever God wanted something done He called people to do it (prophets, judges etc.) These people, accepting God's call, whether to build the Temple or rebuild the wall, did not then "just pray" - they also prayed! In all cases they went to God's people, seeking God's resources to do God's will. God's people responded, generously and joyfully and got the job done.
It is no different today. God calls individuals, groups and organisations into being to do His will. He gives them a task and a vision and expects them to prayerfully depend on Him. However, God does not print money or Bibles in heaven. He sends out his servants to His people, to seek His resources to do His work. Your part in this is vital. Recognizing that a ministry or mission is a "God thing" - doing God's will - and joining them in bringing it about, is a joyful experience. Being a part of fulfilling God's plans on earth brings about fulfilment and brings sense to the hours of labour we do each day.
May God bless you as you support His work on earth.
Part Two - The example of Jesus
Have you ever considered the ministry of Jesus from a financial perspective? For three years He travelled from town to town, preaching, healing and proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God.
At a minimum his entourage was numbered 12. Often we read of extra women and sometimes of many disciples in his group. Every day they needed to eat and had other expenses. They paid toll duties and taxes. Judas carried the money purse (John 13:29).
Where did the money come from? We have an example of miraculously multiplying food for a vast crowd, but normally food was given by people hosting them or they purchased food.
Luke 8:1 - 3 reveals a very interesting aspect of the ministry of Jesus. It tells of at least three women, cured of evil spirits and diseases who travelled with Jesus and who supplied what was needed. Verse 3b says: “…These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
Surely Jesus could have asked the Father and God could have put many more coins in the mouths of fish as He did once. Or He could daily send manna or just multiply what was at hand, but He didn't. People, ordinary women gave, the disciples bought food and Jesus thanked the Father. He was setting an example of how ministries and missions would function. Ordinary people, people grateful for what God has done for them, giving so that God's work on earth can be done. God is involving all His children - those He calls to do the job and those He calls to supply the means.
Are you grateful for salvation? Healing? Provision? Give with a thankful heart so that God's work on earth may be accomplished.
Part Three - God's Economy
Over the past few months we have been examining why Christians should support the church, ministries and mission. We discovered in the first lesson that throughout the Bible God's servants went to God's people to ask for God's resources to be able to do God's will. In the second instalment of the series we saw that Jesus and his disciples were financially supported by grateful women who have been touched by God.
Now I want to look at God's economy. The Bible says: “…for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Ps 50:10) All things belong to God, even the cattle on thousands of hills. Yet, every one of them is registered in someone on earth's name. God's resources are not separate from the world's economy. God's resources are spread amongst all His children.
God does not have special ATM's where mission agencies can go draw money; He does not print Bibles in heaven and then parachute them in; He does not send us cheques signed by Jesus. No, God rotates resources among his children. He provides and He tests us. When we generously give He replenishes and adds more - not just to bless us, but to enable us to give more. In other words, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Sometimes Christians suffer and ministries collapse - not because of a lack of prayer or faith, but because those God called upon to give were disobedient. If we selfishly hold on to what is really not ours in the first place, we hinder the expansion of God Kingdom on earth and add to the suffering of those who have little or nothing. “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Mat 10:8) and you will be amazed at what God will give you not for personal wealth, but to make the kingdom work a reality.
Part Four - Personal Stewardship
Last month we looked briefly at God's economy. The fact that He owns all things and that He spreads His resources among His children.
From our perspective we need to accept the appointment as God's stewards on earth. In other words we are God's money managers. He supplies us with employment and the ability to earn and to create wealth. (Deut 8:17 - 18 “You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”) He blesses us abundantly with His resources; now he expects us to mange these resources with wisdom and His best interests at heart.
We need to accept and believe that all we own is really His and that we have been given the responsibility of sharing and spreading His resources in a way that will enhance His kingdom and provide for His children.
What a responsibility! What a privilege! What a ministry! God enriches us in His plan to win the world and to provide for His children. To be good stewards we need to be aware of the opportunities to make a difference and we need to be sensitive to the leading of God's Spirit. We cannot give to every organization or every missionary.
We also have a responsibility toward the local church. Here's the challenge: Accept that all you are, all you know, all you own belongs to God. Actively seek to live out your calling as a steward of God's resources i.e. your time, talent, and treasure. Seek God's guidance and wisdom. Give generously with a joyful heart.
Part Five - Areas of Giving
Last month we looked at personal stewardship: The fact that God has appointed us to be the managers of his resources on earth. My time, talent and treasure are all His and must be used to fulfil His will on earth.
The question is who to give to. There are so many requests, so many appeals, so many good causes, so many heart wrenching stories. It is hard to choose.
Here is a Biblical guideline. Throughout scripture there are basically five areas of giving:
1. The Church - your local congregation
2. The Great Commission - mission and ministries
3. Christian widows and orphans
4. Christian poor
5. General poor
In summary we should give to our church ministry, mission and benevolence. Although charities do good work, unless they also preach the gospel or facilitate a faith based benevolence, I tend to avoid them no matter how important their work. The reason for this is that they have access to funds through government, corporate and other means (e.g. lotto) that Christian based work does not have.
Good and wise stewardship looks to support the work of God locally, and to expand the Kingdom. It includes ministering to widows and orphans and poor people. Giving towards Bibles meets all those criteria. It builds local churches, blesses poor believers and helps expand the kingdom of God: helping people to become disciples and not stay mere converts.
Part Six - Personal Blessing
In this chapter of the series on Christians giving to the church, missions and ministries, I want to discuss an undeniable fact. When you give you are blessed.
Jesus said: “I t is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) This blessing is mental, spiritual, physical and eternal.
Just knowing that I am doing what God asks of me brings peace of mind. When we give we obey and others give as a sense of fulfillment. Working for 8 hours a day takes on a greater meaning than just putting food on the table when I realize that God is using my efforts to create resources that will bless other and bring people to Christ.
Obedience has a number of Spiritual benefits for the believer, especially when the motive is love. John 15 shows us how love and obedience brings about fruit as we abide in Christ.
God resupplies us, blesses us and allows us to again participate in His work when we give. He blesses us to be a blessing and we see the effects of loving obedience in a practical way.
Firstly there is eternal value in supporting the work of God. We are “building up treasures in heaven” when we give on earth. Every gift is an investment with an enormous return in eternity. God has promised this and He will do it.
Give and be blessed.
Part Seven - Why Give by Debit Order?
Gifts of any nature or method are greatly appreciated. However from time to time you will notice that we encourage people to give by debit order. This is why:
By committing yourself to paper, you are in effect making a promise and showing your seriousness in fulfilling it. A debit order helps YOU keep your promise and you do not have to rely on your memory. It is in other words a help in financial discipline.
Debit orders remain the safest way of giving; and they help you budget better. They also help you as far as your stewardship is concerned and keeps you from jumping one need to another – thus providing security to the project God has laid on your heart. They help keep track of your giving.
Debit orders help US plan and budget. We can plan our Bible purchases and deliveries better and we have an idea of how the ministry is growing.
We commit to ending the debit on your request. As long as your request is received 11 days before the run date we can cancel it. If we somehow make a mistake we always pay back the wrongly deducted amount.
The choice is yours: whether you want to send your gift through mail, deposit it at the bank, do an internet transfer, initiate a stop order at your bank or sign a debit order, we appreciate your gifts.
Part Eight - Estate Planning and the Kingdom of God
- Financial Planning for Believers
- Stewardship
- The Importance of a Will
- Estate Planning
- Who should Benefit?
- Married People
- Dependent Children
- Meeting Needs, not Greed
- Providing for God’s Work on Earth
- What can I leave to a Ministry?
- Benefits
- What Must I Do to Include a Ministry in My Will?
- Example of a Codicil
- Make it Legal
- Conclusion
Financial Planning for Believers
It is essential for Christians to be wise when dealing with money. It is also important to plan for the future and to consider what will happen to my estate after I am gone.
Let me state upfront that I am not a financial advisor and have no registered credentials. Before you act on what I say you may want to speak to a Christian financial advisor. What I am sharing here is good common sense and what I believe the Bible teaches on the subject.
Stewardship
One of the greatest discoveries that you can make is that God is the owner of all things. As Christians we have been appointed to manage God’s resources on earth – to the glory of His Name and the furthering of His Kingdom. In this process God provides for the poor and needy: He finances His work on earth and provides for the fulfilment of the Great Commission. This is why we give. As His managers we need to be sensitive to His Spirit and need to be accountable and wise in our decision making. Our giving needs to be based on His will and not on our own passions. We need to be generous with God’s resources and wiling to sacrifice comfort for the sake of getting God’s business done.
Many believers are good stewards, yet somehow they do not consider leaving a lasting legacy after their passing. Some do not even have a will. Few leaves God’s resources to further God’s work.
The Importance of a Will
Stewardship implies planning. Good stewards do not just live reactively, but think and plan and strategize so that God might receive glory, and that our families might be provided for.
Making a will is a product of good stewardship. As stewards we also plan for the provision of our loved ones – budgeting, spending wisely and saving. Making a will means planning beyond this month’s needs. Making a will means leaving clear, proper instructions for those left behind so that your intended purpose can be carried out.
A will is a very personal document and needs to be carefully considered, taking into account all the factors of your life – your finances, family and the Kingdom of God.
Leaving a current will brings about an ordered state of affairs. It enables those dealing with your estate to work through the details quickly and easily. It removes inequity, it releases loved ones from the burden of making decisions that can split family and cause deep hurt.
Estate Planning
As a good steward of God’s resources on earth, you need to take time to pray, think, plan and put down on paper what must become of your earthly possessions after your have passed on and are no longer able to administrate them. In some cases it is a transference of responsibility to someone else to manage the resources – or part of the resources – for God’s glory.
Estate planning is more than writing a will. It includes taking an honest view of your current assets and liabilities, bringing into account your policies, life insurance and other assets. It is a review of your obligations and debts. It takes into account responsibilities towards a surviving spouse, children or other family members. You need to be aware of the tax implications of your estate and for those who will benefit. I strongly advise approaching a believer who is qualified to advise you as you do your estate planning.
Who should Benefit?
If you have applied good stewardship constantly, this question will not be too difficult to answer. You would already be looking after your immediate family, those who God places on your heart and be supporting God’s work on earth. Here are some guidelines:
Married People
It is important that both partners should each have a will or that you should have a joint will. The surviving spouse should benefit in a manner that is adequate. As far as possible, don’t leave your spouse in financial difficulties.
Dependent Children
As a parent your must make provision for dependent children in your planning. This includes choosing an appropriate person/people who would care for your children if there is no surviving spouse.
Meeting Needs, not Greed
When considering other special people in your life including grown children, it is important to meet needs, rather than provide excess. You need to consider if an inheritance would help or hinder, be a blessing or a burden for the person. Many inheritances have been squandered because those receiving have had no concept of stewardship.
Providing for God’s Work on Earth
Many churches and mission organizations and missionaries have in the past suffered financial difficulties when one of its partners dies. Suddenly, the regular gift stops. Whether you give a small or large amount to further God’s work, it always makes a difference and it will be missed. Sometimes the loss of your gifts can severely impact a ministry even causing it to get into difficulties.
Planning to leave a bequest to the ministry of our choice can, on the other hand, have a huge positive impact. Older ministries that have been around a long time often find that a large percentage of their annual income comes from bequests from partners who have supported the ministry for years. Often large capital projects are funded through the kind bequests left by ministry partners. Leaving a property or other assets to a ministry might mean the difference between success and failure on large project.
Evaluate again the needs of those you are considering – including loved ones. Will it make a huge difference if your married children received only 80% of your estate rather than 100%? How about adopting a ministry as one of your “children” making them an equal beneficiary?
If you have no beneficiaries – no spouse or children, please consider leaving all of your estate to your ministry of choice. Sometimes we hear of God’s children leaving their entire estate to organizations which have nothing to do with the Gospel. This saddens me. I do not doubt the good work done by various charities or social groups or annual welfare societies, but I do doubt the wisdom of a steward of God who does not place God’s work first. This might not be a popular statement, but, before dismissing it, consider God, God’s will, God’s people, God’s church and God’s Kingdom. People are more important than animals – the world may disagree, but God’s Word is clear.
What can I leave to a Ministry?
After evaluating your estate and listing all your assets and after considering all those who you believe should benefit, you now have to divide what to leave to whom.
Ministries have multiple needs and can usually use almost any asset – as long as you are willing to allow them to sell or swop the asset. For example: You may have a stamp collection that you want to leave to someone. A ministry would need to sell the collection to be able to use the fund raised. This is important t consider. If you leave instructions along with your bequest, make sure that they do not bind the ministry’s hands to the point whre an asset becomes a liability.
You can leave cash, property, vehicles, shares or any other asset to a ministry. You might want to leave a percentage of your estate or a specific cash amount.
Property can be a huge blessing for a ministry. It can be uses for offices, training facilities or even having for retired staff. Property can also be rented out for regular income.
Benefits
In most countries, there is sizable deduction on estate tax/duty when a bequest is made to a registered organization.
In South Africa, your bequest is 100% deductable before estate duty is calculated if given to an Article 18 organization.
This means that the ministry you leave your assets to must be a non profit, a public benefit organization and have Article 18 tax exemption form SARS.
In other countries, similar rules apply
What Must I Do to Include a Ministry in My Will?
The process is actually quite simple:
Either include your bequest in the body of your will OR ad a Codicil at the end.
If you add the bequest in the body of your will, use words like…
I give, devise and bequeath the whole of estate…
OR
I give, devise and bequeath … percent of my entire estate…
OR
I give, devise and bequeath the rest and residue of my estate…
OR
I give, devise and bequeath… percent of the rest and residu of my estate…
FOLLOWED BY…
…to Bibles for Believers of P.O. Box 3571, Kenmare South Africa 1752, and I declare that the receipt issued on the authority of the Board shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executor or trustee for the said distribution nor shall my executor or trustee be bound to see the application thereof.
If using a Codicil it could look like this...
A Will can only be completed while the individual is of sound mind. You cannot wait for later. Now is the best time to complete a Will because by the time a Will becomes necessary it is already too late.
When it comes to setting up your Will I suggest consulting a professional – either a legal representative or someone qualified and registered as a financial advisor. This may help if there is ever a legal challenge to your Will.
Completing a Codicil and adding it to your Will may not require the services of a professional, although it still is advisable to make use of such a service.
You need to sign the Codicil in the presence of two witnesses (neither of whom may be a beneficiary). They too must sign and date the Codicil. The Codicil must be attached to your Will and together they must be stored in a safe place.
It is not necessary to inform the ministry of your choice that you have added them to your Will, but you can do so if you please.
Providing for God’s work in your Will can have a huge impact and in so doing you will continue to make a difference even after you have gone home to be with the Lord. By providing Bibles for God’s children, you will be helping to fulfil the Lord’s command to “Go, make DISCIPLES of all the nations…” May the Lord bless you as you seek His Will for your estate.
