Giving & Online Donations

Giving is a biblical concept

Christians give out of obedience and out of a heart of gratitude for all that God has given us as everything; our time, our money and ourselves belong to Him. Giving is an act of worship done with a spirit of thanksgiving. It allows us to bless others and to be a part of what God is doing in our community and around the world. While our culture tells us that happiness comes from accumulating possessions, generosity allows us to break the hold of that fallacy and to learn contentment with what we have. When God works through us and the use of our resources, we experience lasting satisfaction and true joy. How we spend and invest our money reflects the state of our hearts.

2 Corinthians 8:7

How much should I give?

That answer can only be determined between an individual follower of Christ and God. But the Bible provides some guidelines. The Bible teaches us that God owns everything and that we are but stewards of the possessions that He has provided. Everything we have is His. He provides for our needs through our income and possessions. God’s people in the Old Testament understood this concept and believed that God allowed them to use 90% of their income to meet their needs while 10% or a tithe was returned to God for His purposes. The tithe continues to be used as a guide by many Christians today. Those who feel they aren’t able to give 10% of their income right away may find a practical next step to be to tithe on a portion of their income. Once that goal is achieved, tithe on a larger portion. Once you have experienced the joy of giving, there will be no turning back!

How Can I Give to Salem?

An offering is taken at Salem’s services.  You may designate your gifts to the General Fund (Operating and Ministry Expenses) or to the Building Fund (Debt Service on our Building Development Expenses). Gifts without a specific designation are allocated to the General Fund as are any loose cash gifts. Our giving should also include our time and talents as we are stewards of our lives, using the gifts and abilities God has given us to bless others.