Learning to Share and Give   

People who choose to grow learn new ideas and incorporate them into their lives. One area of learning and growing for all of us is generosity. Generosity is a way of life and includes sharing our time, our talents and abilities, and what we own -- our possessions and our money.
Reeders Church helps people discover the joy, satisfaction and fulfillment of growing in generosity.

Growing In Generosity

Learning to live generously is a lifetime process. The pyramid (Right) illustrates choices people make along as they grow.
  • Occasional Giving:  In the beginning we give occasionally, often in response to a particular need. People at this level generally do not have a set amount they are choosing to give. The amount depends on what is in the person's pocket.
  • Intentional Giving:  As people grow giving becomes intentional in two ways. Giving is planned, first by giving on regular intervals, and second, by determining a specific amount to give. In church, intentional giving is weekly or monthly with a set amount or goal.
  • Second Mile Giving:  Once people grow to give regularly with an amount they have chosen, the Lord opens hearts to "Second Mile Giving." This giving is in response to a specific need or goal. Sometimes people commit to go the second mile to fund friends on a mission trip, or toward a building program, or a specific need, such as after a hurricane or other natural disaster. As always, the growth in generosity results in greater satisfaction and joy.
  • Tithe Giving:  The tithe represents one tenth (1/10) of income for individuals. The Bible sets the tithe as the standard for giving among believers.Those who tithe find that it is a very freeing expression of their faith and love of God. Tithers are among the most generous in Second Mile giving as well.
  • Proportional Giving:  Some people feel blessed, regardless of their income level. These people will often give more than a 10% tithe. The Bible tells us to give in proportion to what we have, not what we do not have.(2 Corinthians 8:11-12).  The heart of proportional giving is rests in people who seek to give the Lord as much as they can. Often proportional giving is offered by people who have more income and can provide 12, 15, even 20% of their income. It also means that people with very little should give according to what they have. They may only be able to give 3% because their income is insufficient. The hope is that the joy of giving, matched with the desire to give, will continue to generate greater generosity to the Lord and other people.
  • Legacy Giving:  There is great joy in knowing that our lives make a difference. Legacy giving is a planned gift to make a a difference in the world, or in the life of the church.These gifts are sometimes offered through a will, or large donations toward a particular ministry. Memorial Funds and Endowments give people the opportunity to shape the future.