Money can be a very sensitive topic for many people. However, it’s interesting that Jesus actually spoke more about money and wealth than any other subject. He saw that the attitudes of people towards money could often get in the way of their relationship with God (Luke 18:13; Matthew 9:18-28).
On this page we will be exploring some of the issues for us as Christians in regards to our attitudes towards money. We will also provide information about how we view money and giving in the life of our church. We will then outline some of the ways that people can contribute financially to the ministry here at YVV.
Giving in the Old Testament
In the OT God gave Israel very clear guidelines for giving. One of the most important of these was ‘the tithe’. The Israelites were to set aside 10% of the produce of their fields and flocks as “holy to the Lord” (Lev. 27:30). Initially, the tithe was used each year for a big feast to celebrate how good God had been to them. Then every 3rd year when the tithe was collected it was set aside specifically for the priests, Levites and the poor (Deut. 14:22-29). Later as the nation grew the tithe was used more specifically to service the temple and those who worked there as well as to care for the poor (Neh. 10:37-39).
In addition to the tithe the Israelites were also commanded to give other offerings. These were often linked to specific need or certain ceremonies.
Giving in the New Testament
The New Testament, as it does with a number of Old Testament commandments, “raises the bar” on giving. Instead of focussing on the tithe, Jesus questioned the motives behind why people gave (Matthew 6:2-4). He challenged people to be generous (Luke 6:30-31) and to approach giving as an act of faith (Luke 6:38).
In the New Testament we are not given a specific pattern for giving but, as in the Old Testament, we are encouraged to share in the responsibility of funding mission and ministry (1 Timothy 5:17,18). We are also challenged to meet the needs of the poor (Luke 12:32-34). Paul also makes it clear that we should give because we are glad to and not because we are pushed into it (2 Cor. 9:6,7).
YVV's Perspective On Giving
John Wimber once said “Commitment is spelt M.O.N.E.Y.” His point was that the degree to which someone gives to a church is an indicator of their level of commitment to that fellowship.
There is an expectation in the Vineyard that if you are committed to God and to the church, then your giving will reflect this. While we are unashamed of our expectation that those committed to the church should be supporting the church financially, we want people to be doing this freely and cheerfully, as an act of worship and out of faith. We do not want people giving out of a sense of guilt or pressure.
We also do not want any of our guests who may be visiting our church to feel obligated to give.
How to give here at YVV
There are a number of different ways that people can give financially to God through our church.
Sunday Offering Bowls
Each Sunday offering bowls are put out on the tables and passed through the pews for you to put in cash or cheques.
Direct Deposit
You can arrange to have an automatic transfer of your offering to the church bank account. Our bank details for giving are
Acc Name: Yarra Valley Vineyard CF
BSB: 063 535
Acc No.: 1035 7791
Tax Deductibility
Gifts to the church are not generally tax deductible. However, we have the ability for some offerings to be
tax deductible. Contact the office for details.
A Two-Way Street
As well as encouraging individuals to give, YVV as a church seeks to have an attitude of generosity. Much of our income goes towards helping people in need, funding our compassion ministry, and other acts of generosity. A growing amount is going towards assisting in overseas missions.
Buildings and People
One of our priorities as a church has been to focus on people rather than buildings. After all “church” is the people not the building they meet in. However buildings are still necessary as they help us to conduct ministry. Somehow we need to strike a balance between what we spend on buildings and what we set aside for building people.
We are very much aware that our present site and buildings will not continue to prove effective, even if we grow at half the rate we have over recent years we will have grown out of this site within four to five years!
We also need to continue to upgrade our present facilities. Please bear with us as we seek answers to these problems. And please continue to support generously all the work of YVV, not only through your tithe, but also through special gifts to ministry or building needs. |
