Many times in the past when I am teaching a financial training session for Pastors or church leaders, they are amazed that I list as my first Financial Best Practice “having a biblically-sound basis for giving”. I am a CPA and of course, the expectation is that I will focus on tax and financial methods and advise, but I’m a Believer first and foremost. As I am given opportunities across the U.S. to train church leaders, God has mandated that I first lift Him up and make clear that His way is still the only way. The Internal Revenue Service has established rules for financial that we are required to adhere to or face the possibility of substantial fines. But, if we adhere first to the words found in II Corinthians 9:7; Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver., we would find that much of the anxiety facing many churches would be addressed. I find many churches constantly looking for their next fundraising campaign to provide funds. There is a lot a work, time and effort that goes into these campaigns. The basic truth is each of us has a basic responsibility to give and give generously to God’s work here on earth simply in response to what we have been given – eternal life through Jesus the Christ. We must teach generosity directly from the Bible and trust God when He says that if we lift Him up, He will draw all unto Him. No gimmicks or fundraising campaigns are needed.
