Leveraging Temporal Wealth for Eternal GainSample

Day 6: Where to Give

Before looking at specific places where the Bible reveals we are to give our money and resources, let’s consider an overriding way to determine where to give.

Where we give should somehow line up with the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20). The commands in this passage to go, baptize, and teach modify the main command: to make disciples. Becoming a disciple is God’s ultimate purpose for us in this world. Once we have become disciples, we are to go and disciple others as well. It follows that where we give should be disciple-making entities, starting with the local church.

Give to the Local Church: It is beneficial to provide financially for the needs of the local church because the church is the main place where God's word is preached and Christian discipleship happens.

Give to Other Disciple-Making Entities and Individuals: While giving to the local church is a good way to minister to others through your finances, you can and should make disciples by giving to other ministry entities and organizations and to specific individuals.

Any ministry you support should somehow pursue, promote, and fulfill the Great Commission by going into the world and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. These organizations vary in who they serve. Some care for the poor, needy, and helpless (perhaps providing tangible aid, such as food, shelter, or clothing). Others focus on prisoners or the oppressed. Still others pave the way for evangelism, discipleship, and preaching (such as through church planting or training pastors).

The following questions are a good starting place when discerning where to give:

• Does the ministry have a goal of glorifying God and making disciples?
• Is it in agreement with sound biblical doctrine?
• Does it fit my personal giving objectives and interests? (If married, does it also align with my spouse’s giving interests?)
• Does the organization employ leaders marked by godly characteristics?
• Is the ministry growing and cooperative with others?
• Does the ministry or missionary display accountability and transparency in business dealings?
• Does the entity have a strong and measurable track record?
• Is it marked by strong financial stewardship?

Sometimes people are concerned they are not being good stewards if they give to a ministry that later goes off the rails. This can cause giving paralysis. After you have researched, prayed over, and given to a certain ministry or cause, release the funds and remember they are in God’s hands. If you find a ministry no longer adheres to your requirements, you can change where you give going forward. Don't let the fear of what might happen with the funds cause you to freeze up and be stingy instead of generous.