The Local Church and the Call to Give

God’s Design for the Local Church

The local church is not a man-made institution but God’s chosen vessel for advancing His Kingdom on earth. Jesus declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church is God’s family (Ephesians 2:19), Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27), and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Through the local church, God has ordained the proclamation of the gospel, the making of disciples, and the sending of missionaries into the world.

The Simplicity of Giving

Many have complicated the matter of giving, reducing it to paying bills, funding buildings, or covering salaries. But Scripture presents giving as an act of worship and obedience to God. Paul writes, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). This was not to keep the lights on, but to fuel the advance of the gospel.

Giving is not about maintaining an institution—it is about participating in God’s mission. Through faithful giving, the church supports evangelism, sends missionaries, plants churches, and disciples believers. It is about sowing into eternal work that changes lives forever.

The Heart Behind Giving

The Bible makes clear that God is not after our money, but our hearts. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). When believers give joyfully and sacrificially, they reflect the generosity of Christ Himself, who “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

True giving flows from gratitude—gratitude for the cross, gratitude for salvation, gratitude for the hope of eternity. We do not give to earn God’s favor; we give because we already have it in Christ.

The Responsibility of Every Member

The responsibility of advancing God’s Kingdom does not rest on a few but on every member of the body. Just as every part of the body has a function (Romans 12:4–5), every believer has a role in resourcing the mission of the church. Together, the gifts of God’s people provide what is needed for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–16).

It is not about equal amounts but equal sacrifice. The widow’s two coins (Mark 12:41–44) were more precious to Jesus than the great sums of the wealthy, because she gave with faith and love. Every gift matters when it is offered to God.

Advancing the Kingdom of God

When the church embraces biblical giving, it unleashes a movement of Kingdom impact. Souls are saved, disciples are formed, communities are transformed, and nations hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Giving fuels evangelism, missions, and discipleship—the very heartbeat of God.

At its core, giving is simple: worship God, trust Him, and invest in what lasts forever. Jesus reminds us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). Our earthly resources, when surrendered to God, become eternal treasures.

✨ In summary: Giving is not about paying bills—it is about participating in God’s eternal plan. Every believer has a responsibility and privilege to give generously, cheerfully, and sacrificially, so that the gospel may advance to the ends of the earth.