Investing in Sustained Church Growth: What theBible Really Says About Giving

Church growth isn't just about numbers—it's about faithfully using what God has given us to advance His kingdom. When we examine what Scripture teaches about giving and stewardship, we discover principles that challenge our traditional thinking and call us to a deeper level of commitment.

What Does It Mean to Use What God Has Given Us?

Jesus made a powerful promise in Matthew 25:29: "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."

This principle applies directly to church growth. If we want God to bless us with more growth and resources, we must be willing to use what He has already given us. Everything we have comes from God, and He expects us to invest it in His kingdom according to His word.

How Should Churches Handle Financial Resources?

A growing church must avoid two extremes: wasting resources and hoarding them. We should never hesitate to invest in kingdom growth or make improvements that honor God. Just as the temple received the best materials, our church buildings and ministries should reflect excellence that glorifies God.

The early church in Acts 2:45-47 provides a powerful example. They sold property and possessions to share with those in need, worshiped together daily, and "each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." Their generous attitude toward possessions directly correlated with daily growth.

Is Everyone Really Expected to Give?

Yes, everyone who is part of the body of Christ has a responsibility to give. But here's a crucial insight: giving is not based on what you don't have—it's based on what the Lord has blessed you with. There isn't a single person who hasn't been blessed by God in some way.

Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 that we must decide in our hearts how much to give, and then give it cheerfully—not reluctantly or under pressure. This isn't about legalistic calculations but about generous, joyful giving.

What About the 10% Rule?

Many Christians base their giving on a single passage about tithing, but this approach misses the fuller biblical picture. In the Old Testament, there were multiple tithes required, not just one 10% payment. The New Testament teaches proportionate giving based on how much we've been blessed. Jesus illustrated this principle with the widow's offering in Luke 21. While the rich gave large amounts from their surplus, the poor widow gave everything she had—two small coins. Jesus declared that she gave more than all the others because she gave sacrificially, not just a calculated percentage.

Why Do Some People Struggle Financially?

Jesus promised, "Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full... The amount you give will determine the amount you get back" (Luke 6:38). Could it be that some financial struggles stem from not giving as we should?

God wants to pour out blessings, but He can't trust us with them if we'll just hoard them instead of using them for His kingdom. The parable of the talents shows that the servant who buried his money was condemned by the master.

Should Churches Keep Large Reserve Funds?

While wisdom calls for good stewardship, Jesus taught us not to worry about tomorrow: "Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:33).

A lost soul is worth whatever it costs to lead them to Jesus Christ. If we invest in growing the church and God's kingdom, we'll have more people to give in the long run. The goal isn't to accumulate money but to invest it in eternal purposes.

How Can We Practically Invest in Growth?

Consider these opportunities for kingdom investment:

• Providing Bibles for children, prisoners, and other groups in need

• Supporting members in nursing homes and meeting their spiritual needs

• Creating outreach materials and programs

• Helping church members who face genuine financial hardship

• Improving church facilities to better serve the community

Remember, we're called to live and evangelize like Jesus died yesterday, was buried today, and is coming back tomorrow. This urgency should drive our generosity and investment in His kingdom.

What About Helping Those in Need?

The early church had "no needy people among them" because believers shared generously with one another. While Scripture warns against enabling laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12), many needs arise from circumstances beyond people's control.

Our responsibility is to meet genuine needs within our church family. Sometimes this means providing financial assistance or simply showing compassion to those struggling through difficult times.

Life Application

This week, examine your attitude toward giving and possessions. Do you truly believe that everything you have belongs to God, or do you act like only a certain percentage is His? Challenge yourself to move beyond legalistic giving to generous, cheerful investment in God's kingdom.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I giving based on what God has blessed me with, or am I calculating the minimum I can give?

• Do I view my possessions as truly belonging to God, or do I just give lip service to this idea?

• What opportunities do I have to invest in kingdom growth through my workplace, relationships, or community connections?

• How can I help meet the genuine needs of others in my church family?

Remember, sustainable church growth requires everyone to participate in generous giving, wise stewardship, and sacrificial investment in God's kingdom. When we use what God has given us faithfully, He promises to give us even more to steward for His glory.