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Giving at River Run
Giving is a concept that goes against what our culture, and our human nature, tells us. The very idea creates negative feelings in many of us: inadequacy, frustration, anger, fear. But God invites you to a different experience. He invites you to freedom, joy, happiness and purpose through giving.
Remember This... A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT
WHY should I give?
To find my life's purpose. This life is not about us. A life lived only for ourselves is a life wasted. Giving opens the door to a full, significant life.
To express my gratitude to God. God is a lavish giver. He has not given us a small percentage of his leftovers, but lavishly gives us His very best—even giving his own Son as a sacrifice for our sins. The only reasonable response to such generosity is to share with others what God has so freely shared with us.
To break the hold of money and experience true financial freedom. The culture constantly tells us that happiness is found in the next new purchase or experience, but the happiness is short-lived and we are driven to consume yet more. Before long, money (and often debt) becomes our master. The only way to break the hold that money has on us is to learn contentment and to joyfully give some of it away.
To join God in what He is doing. God is changing the lives of many people at River Run, and He invites us to join him by serving, inviting, sharing our faith, and giving. When God works through us we experience lasting satisfaction and joy that far exceeds that of any other investment.
HOW much should I give?
The Bible does not say that God owns 10% and the rest is ours, but that God owns everything. We are not owners of our possessions, but stewards of God’s possessions. When we ask God how much He wants us to give, He asks that we put 100% of it on the table.
The tithe (or 10%) is often considered the “benchmark” for biblical giving. Many people ask: 10% of what? Net? Gross? Does the 10% also include the appreciation on our homes and/or investments, the value of our medical benefits, the personal gifts we receive, or the amount the government spends on us through the services it provides? Most of us manage far more than we realize, and if we stopped to calculate a tithe of the total amount we would be very surprised.
That’s hard teaching for many of us. But the most important thing is not how much we’re giving now, but the direction we are moving with our giving. In other words, are we giving in such a way that we are becoming more generous, or more selfish? Here’s a practical approach to giving: Begin by tithing on something. You could begin working toward a tithe on your weekly spending money, or on your mortgage, or even on your net income. Once you have reached that goal, begin working toward a larger goal. But beware! You will eventually begin to experience the joy of giving—and you will never go back. In fact, history is filled with stories of people who found such joy in giving that they eagerly gave up to 90% of their income away!
WHAT should I give to?
The potential giving opportunities available to you are limitless and deciding where to give can be a daunting task. Start by praying and then asking yourself the following questions:
- Where am I supported in my spiritual growth?
- What cause(s) am I currently involved in?
- Whom do I most want to serve? Family? Neighbors? Co-workers? Or people around the world?
- Where do I have the greatest opportunity to get personally involved in the cause I am giving to?
- Double check: Would God care about this cause?
Once you have narrowed down your options, look at each organization remaining on your list and consider:
- Does this organization have a clear mission statement?
- Do they have a track record of effectively accomplishing their mission?
- Is there a financial accountability system in place?
Scripture illustrates that God works through the local church, and that is an important place to begin giving. You may find that many of the causes you care about are addressed through the local church. But if not, give an additional portion toward those causes you are most involved in.
HOW can I give to River Run?
Weekend Offering
An offering is taken at each of the weekend services. Our new contribution processing software is able to take the information directly from your check and match the giving with your household. No offering envelopes required!
If you would like your contribution or a portion of your contribution designated to the building fund, please specify this and the amount desired in the memo line of the check. All funds are otherwise designated to the General Fund.
Loose cash gifts are considered anonymous donations and are designated to the General Fund. If you would like offering envelopes and are not currently receiving them, please contact the Finance office at 407.977.5433 .
Online with a Credit Card or e-Check
Simply click on the "Make a Donation" link at the top of this page. You may choose to create a new PayPal account or access your existing account if you have already have one. You DO NOT have to have a PayPal account in-order to make a donation. You may manage your giving through this online system anytime.
Stock Donations
If you would like to donate stock, contact the Finance office at 407.977.5433 for more information.