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 Redeemer, and He invites us to join him by living out our 6G’s—worship, sharing our faith, growing in our faith, serving using our spiritual gifts, experiencing community through small groups 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 answer to this question is ultimately decided between you and God. But there are some biblical guidelines.
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 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.
Click for tithe calculator
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 ask 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 Redeemer?
There are three ways you can give to Redeemer:
1. Sunday Offering
2. Give Online
3. Stock Tranfer
Scroll down to see a description of each.
1. Sunday Offering
An offering is taken at each of our Sunday worship services. We view this as an important act of worship in the context of the services—a time when we can physically give back to God what He has first given to us.
The easiest way to donate on Sunday mornings is through our offering envelopes, which are preprinted with your name, address and a place to indicate the distribution of your contribution among the various funds. If you would like to receive offering envelopes via our bi-monthly mailings, you may call the church office (763-574-7445) or e-mail Annette Beseman
If you would like your contribution or a portion of your contribution designated to a certain fund, please list the fund and the amount in the memo line of your check or by using the offering envelopes. Absent a specific designation, all gifts are designated to the General Fund. Loose cash gifts are considered anonymous donations and are designated to the General Fund. All donations that are identified are included in your Contribution Statement.
2. eTithing
Redeemer is pleased to offer two methods for eTithing, or electronic giving. We know this is not for everyone, but eTithing serves the needs of many people within Redeemer, particularly those who travel.
Even though you may be an eTither, your giving is still a spiritual act of worship and you can still have the joy of participating in the Sunday morning offering. Pick up your eTither cards at the Welcome Center, and place one in the offering plate during Sunday services.
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Option 1: Simply Giving ®
Through this program offered in conjunction with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, your offerings to Redeemer are made through a pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account. You determine the frequency of your automatic gift—weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. Your gift is deposited into Redeemer’s bank account on the same day it is withdrawn from your account. Your contributions are reported to Redeemer for inclusion in your Contribution Statement.
Enrollment requires that you submit your signed enrollment form, together with a voided check (for a checking account) or a deposit slip (for a savings account). Mail your form to Redeemer Lutheran Church , Attention: Annette Beseman (address located at top of the page). You can also deliver it to the main office or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday morning.
Find out more information about Simply Giving ®
Get your Simply Giving ® Enrollment Form
For further information, contact Annette Beseman, Business Administrator at 763-574-7445
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Option 2: Give Online
Via this website, you may set up one-time or recurring contributions from your bank account. Choose to have recurring contributions withdrawn from your account on a weekly or monthly basis. You may give to any of the following funds or choose “Other” and indicate the specific project or fundraiser to which you want to contribute:
- General Fund
- Intern Fund
- Missionary Support Fund
- ACTS in Faith
- Youth Scholarship Fund
- Alpha Fund
Redeemer’s web donation service is being hosted by Vanco Services, LLC, a financial technology services company specializing in secure electronic payment solutions. Vanco Services treats all information that it processes with the highest ethical standards and an unwavering commitment to confidentiality.
Click to make an online contribution
3. Stock Donations
If you would like to donate stock to the church, contact Annette Beseman, Business Administrator, for more information: 763-574-7445
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