Giving
Giving is primarily an act of worship. It expresses our love for God, for His church, and for the mission of the church. It is a spiritual discipline and one of the most practical ways to honor God, deepen our faith and be a blessing to others. Every Christ follower should prayerfully examine the biblical teachings on giving, offerings, and the "tithe." (* See below)
The longest standing practice in the church is to take an offering during worship on the Lord's day. For this reason we always provide offering envelops during worship. Many of our regular givers have chosen to utilize automatic giving from their bank. A downloadable form is available on this page. We can also receive gifts online through Canada Helps (a 3% processing fee is incurred through this option).
It is our practice, as a church body, not to pass an offering plate during our worship services. Although giving is an act of worship, worship is not limited to an hour-long service. Worship is something we do in every aspect of our lives. We want to respect the principle of Matthew 6 and allow those who have chosen to give to do so in private. Offerings may simply be placed in the bins at the doors as you exit a service.
* We believe that "tithing" is an act of stewardship--an acknowledgment of God's ownership of everything, and a commitment to give at least a portion of it back in his name. Scripture says that a tithe is literally the first tenth of our income. Tithing is an expression of the following:
- It is the acknowledgment of God's proprietorship, and expresses our belief that everything on earth came from God. Psalm 24:1
- It is a believer's expression of faith, and is a form of worship to God, as our Creator and as our deliverer. Genesis 14:19-20
- It is a test of our continued obedience to God's Word, and an expression of our responsibility as stewards of God's possessions. 1 Corinthians 4:2, Malachi 3:10.
- It is an act of sowing spiritual seed, which God has promised a return on. Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6
- It is the means by which God has chosen to meet the expenses and the needs of the work of ministry. Malachi 3:10.
- It is a sacrificial, and God-honoring act. Luke 21:1-4
- It is a personal decision, and an act of submission to God, and is between the giver and God. Matthew 6:1-4