“What? No offering plate at Crossing?”

Unfortunately, one of the stereotypes of the Church in our day is that of a begging, sometimes money-hungry collection agency for God. While the Bible gives no justification for some current day church practices, it does have a lot to say about money and our use of it. It teaches that the giving of a portion of our money back to God should be

• something we all participate in (1 Cor. 16:1)
• according to His will, after first giving ourselves (2 Cor. 8:5)
• out of love and gratitude, as an act of worship (2 Cor. 8:8,9)
• sacrificially generous, requiring faith on our part (2 Cor. 8:3-7)
• in proportion to our income (1 Cor. 16:1)
• through our own local church (1 Cor. 16:1-2)
• at regular intervals (1 Cor. 16:1)
• a completely voluntary and cheerful act (2 Cor. 9:6,7)
• a discreet act – not showy (Matt. 6:1-4)

We do not believe that, under grace, there is a biblical basis for requiring 10% giving (a “tithe”). We do believe that there is a tithe principle in Scripture which is not based on the Law, as it was clearly in place and in use before the Law was ever given. Therefore, we believe that, under grace, while our giving percentages may differ, and while our own giving percentage is not the business of others, this principle of tithing the first 10% of our income should be acknowledged and considered as a biblical starting point. We also recognize, sadly, that 10%+ giving is not characteristic of the giving of most believers in America today. The average Christian who participates in giving back to God at all, gives back less than 2% of what God is enabling him to earn, and entrusting to him to faithfully use.

We are not against or ashamed of taking public offerings, but we choose, on most occasions, not to pass an offering plate here at Crossing. Instead, we use offering boxes, located near our doors. We do not believe that plate-passing is the best means for us to help each other give according to the biblical principles outlined above. We believe that the people, ministry, and property needs of this church (and there are many needs) will best be met by God’s children giving back to Him more privately than publicly.

We know that God is more concerned that each one of us has received His gift of eternal life, than that each one of us is giving back to Him financially. Frankly, so are we. Once you have received what He has sacrificially given you, then He will begin to teach you what visionary, sacrificial, eternal difference-making giving is all about. You will see giving as an important way of expressing your heart for Him and for the people around you whom He loves as much as He loves you. And, hopefully, you will become excited about sharing financially in the life-changing work He has committed to us here at Crossing Community Church.