"HOW TO" INCREASE THE CONTRIBUTION
IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
A. There Is a need to so -- for the contribution level in many congregations is not
commensurate with Individual prosperity.
B. There Is a need to so do -- for lost souls are at stake (we cannot take the gospel
to the world with our spare time and spare cash).
C. But, how can such be done?
LEAD STATEMENT: the contribution will increase If we...
1. CHALLENGE THE CHURCH WITH A VISIONARY, BUT REACHABLE,
PROGRAM OF WORK
A. In the area of evangelism (local/away)
B. In the area of benevolence
C. In the area of edification
D. Note: brick and mortar have little lasting motivation
II. KEEP THE CHURCH INFORMED
A. Communication so needful
1. Fully
2. Frequently
B. Methods
1. Newsletters, visits (two-way), videos, conference calls, displays, prayers,
sounds bites, etc.
III. PRACTICE THE FINE ART OF COMMENDATION
A. 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9: I ff
B. Rev. 2, 3
C. Tell a child how bad he is, and he will try to live up to it; and, such can apply to
a local church.
D. Encouragement is like premium gasoline; It takes out the knocks and makes for
better performance.
IV. INAUGURATE THE PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM
A. The congregation is asked to purpose their giving, promise their giving (fill in a
purpose card) and to perform their giving (contribution envelopes are a remarkable expedient)
B. The Corinthians:
1. Purposed (2 Cor. 9:7)
2. Promised (2 Cor. 9:5)
3. Performed (2 Cor. 8:1 1)
'Therefore, the plan is scriptural
C. Properly educate the congregation before implementation
V. ADEQUATELY TEACH THE PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
A. Some things to remember:
1. God never gave but one remedy to correct a situation -- education (Jn.
6:44,45).Therefore, teach, TEACH.
2. Our people will do better when they know better! Their hearts are good.
Therefore, teach, TEACH!
B. Principles to teach:
1. The four entities of stewardship: divine ownership, human endowment, faidft
administration, inevitable accounting.
2. The adverbs of giving: personally, periodically, proportionately, purposely,
pleasantly.
3. Liberal giving is the only kind God accepts.
4. You cannot lose in giving.
C. Methods
1. Pulpit
2. Special gospel meetings/seminars
3. Thirteen week studies
4. Videos
5. Printed materials (tracts, bulletin, special mail-outs - articles)
6. Leadership exhortations and Instructions (and exemplification)
VI. USE SCRIPTURAL MOTIVATIONAL PRINCIPLES.
A. The Lord used motivation -- threats and promises (Mk. 16:15,16; 2 Thess. 1:7-9;
etc.)
B. The following three must be tapped:
1. The "head" therefore, employ instruction.
2. The "heart" therefore, employ motivation.
3. The 'hand' therefore, employ participation.
C. Now, make a study of the motivational principles used by Paul in moving the
Corinthians to more liberal giving as found in 2 Cor. 8, 9:
1. Observing the liberality of others (2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:1, 2)
2. Remember that our giving is a fellowship (2 Cor. 8:4)
3. First and complete commitment of ourselves to Christ (2 Cor. 8:5)
4. Consider giving, as indeed it is, as a grace (2 Cor. 8:6,7, 19)
5. Sincere love (2 Cor. 8:8, 24)
6. A remembrance of the gift and sacrifice of Christ (2 Cor. 8:7, 8; 9:15)
7. Remember that by our giving the needs of others are supplied (2 Cor. 8:14-24)
8. Never forget that God will bless us bountifully if we give bountifully (2 Cor.
9:6-1 1)
9. Remember that the liberal and cheerful giver is a special object of God's love
(2 Cor. 9:6, 7)
VII. INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP
A. Therefore, the need of an aggressive, workable, local evangelistic outreach
program.
1. And, teach the new converts the basics of stewardship; such is the milk, not
the meat, of the word.
B. Therefore, the need of an effective, on-going visitation program.
1. Capitalize on visitors, newcomers and delinquents.
2. Avoid proselyting; that is, growing at the expense of a sister church.
C. Note: the above is based more on commitment than committees!
CONCLUSION:
A. Remember: souls are at stake!
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