Understanding the Three Levels of Giving
When we have the opportunity to give or sow into anything we should ask three questions:
What can I afford?
In other words, what can I give without giving anything up?
What can I sacrifice?
Each time we make a choice, we sacrifice an item, opportunity, or direction for another. Some sacrifices are so small they go unnoticed. Others are tougher or more deliberate, but absolutely worth the cost. For example - giving an extravagant gift to a loved one, becoming a parent, going on a mission trip, or choosing to follow Jesus Christ. Sacrifice looks different for each of us. It means asking, “What can I do without?” or “How can I change my lifestyle so I can give more?” Sacrifice is stretching ourselves beyond our comfort zone. However, this is still in the natural realm because you can see it and it is logical.
What can I trust God to do through me?
This is where we “step out in faith” and move into supernatural giving. In other words, what can I give only if I give something up and then trust God to be my source? It involves asking God what He wants us to give then trusting Him and responding obediently to His answer. This level of giving brings a supernatural, exponential increase. To take part in supernatural giving we need to remember that it is not asking - “What can I give?” - but “What can God do through me?”
How does a three-year commitment work?
A Legacy commitment is agreeing to give weekly, monthly, and/or annually a specified total gift over the course of three years. Making a commitment to the Legacy campaign is an offering, over and above your regular tithes and offerings. Legacy giving is designated specifically for the campus expansion, and is separate from giving to the on-going needs of the church.
To make your commitment, Commitment Cards will be available during the weekend services on April 26th-27th and May 3rd-4th. Commitment Cards will be collected on Commitment Weekend taking place on May 3rd and 4th or they can be delivered to the church office.
Giving Creatively
As God stretches us in the area of giving during our three year Legacy campaign, there are many creative ideas that people use in order to meet the goals God has placed in their heart. Here are just a few that may help you:
Gifts-In-Kind/Appreciable Assets
Gifts other than cash can provide significant giving potential. Stocks, bonds, and other assets provide ample giving opportunities, coupled with considerable tax savings.
Delay Some Non-Essential Purchases
Some easy lifestyle adjustments can help free up money so you can increase giving to God’s work. Maybe you can do without the extra cell phone, cable TV, frequent shopping trips, or magazine subscriptions. Maybe you can forgo some big purchases for a few years during Legacy.
Automatic Withdrawal
By signing up for online giving either through your banking institution or our website you are able to ensure your gift is automatically transferred on the day(s) of your choosing. This is an easy way to make your giving hassle-free and consistent. Find out more about online giving by clicking here.
Special Sales
Over the coming months you may choose to sell specific items, host a garage sale or online auction and give the proceeds towards Legacy. The sale of major assets can also provide revenue for giving.
Income Raises / Bonuses / Tax returns and rebates / Freedom from debt
Dedicating forthcoming raises or bonuses are creative methods for increased giving. Tax returns and rebates are a great source of bonus income. Maybe you’ll have your car paid off soon and can invest the money that you had normally set aside for that toward Legacy.
Charitable Giving Resources
Reviewing your charitable donations in light of their impact on the Kingdom of God affords a resource for significant giving. For example, you might usually give $50,000 a year to a university alumni association. Consider diverting those gifts to the Legacy campaign for three years, and then resume university contributions thereafter.
Cash Flow Gifts
You can give significantly by giving smaller amounts at higher frequencies. Weekly or monthly giving allows substantial gifts to be reached in smaller steps.