One of the most sensitive issues in the church is the topic of money and its proper use.  In a church like Atlee Community Church, which strives to be “seeker sensitive,” the careful discussion and handling of finances takes on even more importance.

 As we study financial principles in scripture, we conclude that properly understood and applied, these principles will have a major influence in increasing our faith and vision as Christians.  In addition, our approach to handling money can influence unbelievers we are attempting to reach with the message of Christ.  Therefore, despite the discomfort we may experience in discussing and making financial decisions, we feel it is important to communicate what our church believes about Christian stewardship as straightforwardly as possible.  This page is an attempt to do so.

 Comments on Christian Giving from the Bible

1. God wants us to give not out of a sense of obligation but voluntarily out of love and out of hearts that reflect  sincere appreciation for the gift of salvation.  Every Christian is ultimately responsible to give to God based on his own heart‘s decision, but it is God’s will that believers excel in the grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7-9; 9:7; Acts 5:4)                                        

2. Christians who use their material possessions in harmony with the will of God serve as witnesses to Christ.(Acts 2:47)                           

3. Christians who use their material possessions to meet one another’s need will foster love and unity within the church. (Acts 4:32)

4. Christians should always give to honor God and not themselves. (Acts 4:34-36; 5:1-10)

5. Christians who are generous will motivate others to be generous.  (2Corinthians 9:2,11)                 

6. If Christians put God first in all things, He has promised to meet their material needs.  However, God sometimes allows difficulties and discomforts to come into our lives in order to refocus our priorities on eternal values.  (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Acts 8:1-3)

7. Christians should set aside part of their income as they are paid in order to systematically give to God’s work. (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:5)

8. When believers begin to give regularly and systematically, God honors their gifts even when the gifts are not proportionately as high as they will be when these believers reach a higher stage of “economic maturity.”  (2 Corinthians 8:10-12)

9. Christians in the church who do not have significant material possessions should not feel inferior to those who do.  (James 1:9)

10. A believer’s first priority should be to focus on godliness and contentment rather than on riches, which often brings discontentment. (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19)

11. The way Christians use their material possessions and financial resources is an important measuring-stick for determining their devotion to Christ. (Acts 2-6)                             

12. Christians who make financial commitments should be careful not to create embarrassment by failing to follow through.  (2 Corinthians 9:3-4)

 Atlee Community Church Financial Guidelines

1. We believe that God’s promise to meet needs applies to the church as well as to individual believers in the church. (Philippians 4:19)                     

2. We will be open and honest about the needs of the church, but we intend to avoid exaggeration, manipulation, and “scare” tactics to play on the sympathy of our people.  We believe stewardship/financial education is preferable to stewardship promotion. (Philippians 4:11)

3. We will attempt to communicate needs in a way that creates a spirit of spontaneity and freedom, balanced by a sense of obligation.  (Philemon 14, 18, 19)

4. Church leaders must be trustworthy when it comes to financial matters.  (1 Timothy 3:2-3, 8; Titus 1:6,  8)

5. All spiritual leaders in the church should be generous Christians who are willing to use their material possessions to serve those they lead.  (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)

6. We will maintain open records of church expenditures, available for review upon request.

 FAQ

Q   What percentage of my income should I give to God’s work in the world?

A  There is no “set” percentage prescribed for giving in the New Testament.  We are to give “as each one determines in his own heart.”

Q  What about the Old Testament tithe?  Doesn’t the word ‘tithe’ mean “a tenth?”  Isn’t 10% of my income a good guideline?

A   In reality, the Old Testament Mosaic Law had a complicated formula of three different tithes, which actually added up to 22.3%!  However, there were also provisions for using part of this tithe for personal expenses in traveling to worship and festivals.  It would be difficult to make a direct application today of the percentage prescribed in the Old Testament law.

Q   So, can you recommend a starting point?

A   Many people over the years have chosen 10% as a good starting point.  But we know that some people who are just beginning to give to God’s work may not be able to give as generously as those who have been Christians longer, or who have higher incomes.  The main issue for all of us is that a degree of sacrifice be involved; it is a fair assumption that if our giving involves no sacrifice of personal lifestyle, then we are probably not giving enough.  The guiding principle is still: “as each determines in his own heart.”

Q   Should my church receive all my giving, or should other Christian organizations be included as well?

A   Obviously, there are no specific directions in scripture about giving to church ministries vs. para-church or missionary organizations, since those distinctions did not exist when the New Testament was written.  The local church is the biblical agent of evangelism in the world, and many para-church organizations are laboring to supplement that work.  Atlee affiliates with organizations, which are attempting to reach different target groups for Christ, and we will include them in our mission budget.

Q   Are contributions to ACC tax deductible?

A   Yes. Atlee Community Church meets the IRS definition of a non-profit organization and is recognized as such.  Gifts are tax-deductible.

Q   Will I receive a receipt for tax purposes?

A   All of our contributors (except those who have given anonymously) receive end-of-year statements for record keeping and for tax filing.  Quarterly statements are available upon request.

Q   How does the church receive gifts and offerings?

A   There will be contribution or offering boxes set up near the doors at all our services to receive offerings.  You may also mail contributions to the church at:

      Atlee Community Church

7171 Verdi Lane

Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Q   Does the need exist for significant capital gifts?

A  The style of service we present requires a high degree of commitment to quality programming, which has significant related expenses.  Professional sound, lights and audio/visual equipment all require us to invest far more in these areas than a traditional church would.  We appreciate your prayers and support for this effort.  If you would like to make a strategic gift in this area, we would be glad to make an appointment with you to discuss the ministry impact as well as the tax effect of such a gift.  Call as at 730-3676.

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