How do I know how much to give?

After church last week, a man approached me and said he had a question.  He asked, "How do I know how much to give to the building fund?  I mean, I have a number in my head that wouldn't really cost me anything.  I could give it, and my life wouldn't be any different.  But then I have a scary number in my head, and I don't know what to do."

I love the sincerity of this man's question.  He genuinely wants to make a sacrifice, and he needs some help figuring out what that looks like.  Are you asking the same question?  "Where do I land between cost-less and crazy?"  Here are some helpful guidelines as you decide your giving:

1.  Involve God in the process.  God is far more concerned about your heart than your wallet.  He wants this to be something you "do together."  Pray about your gift.  Ask God to help you through the process as you seek to honor Him.

2.  Involve your family in the process.  If you are married, you definitely need to partner with your spouse on this.  Throw out some "crazy numbers."  Wrestle through the real implications of your decisions.  Pray together that God would teach you and guide you through this opportunity.  If you have kids, talk them through the decision, and have them decide how to contribute, also.  

3.  Know your options.  There are many ways you can give.  We need $500,000 by 2/15, so a one-time gift would ideally be part of your decision.  But we will also collect pledge cards in late January where you can make a 2-year pledge of a special monthly contribution to the building fund.  Did you know you can give stock to the church?  Churches can sell stock with no tax liability.  You also get a tax write-off.  That makes stock a great way to give.  You can also provide a professional service to the church at cost or at a discount based on our building needs.  You could set aside a year-end bonus, or a tax return for the church, as well.      

4.  Make true sacrifices that express devotion to the Lord.  Consider delaying a purchase (newer car, appliance, furniture).  Sell something.  Take a less-costly vacation this year.  Reduce budget line items like eating out or entertainment.  Re-work your cable bill.  Pick up extra work.  Trim down coffee and snack runs.  Take a lunch to work.  Have a garage sale.  Have your kids shovel some driveways or set-up a lemonade stand.  Find meaningful ways to make true sacrifice.

Hopefully this helps you begin the process of deciding what to give to the Lord.

"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

Pastor Ryan