Tithing

Dear Northside

As you know, we do not talk about finances often here at Northside. Some people say we do not talk about it enough. There are many reasons why we do not do this. We do not want to add pressure to you. We want you to give out of thankfulness to God. And a few others…

As we have learnt from Galatians, we do not give to be saved. We give because we are saved. We give because we realise how much God has given us, even when we did not deserve it. DO you know how much He has given you? How good and gracious is our God!

But this week, it has become apparent that Northside Community Church, your church and mine, is struggling financially. We have been publishing the figures in our weekly bulletins showing a growing deficit. Currently, we are not paying our regular recurring bills and owe funds to NSSA, PAYE and Medical Aid. But more importantly, this means we have no funds for our ministries and missions.

Please, can I ask you this week to consider your tithing to God’s church? Are you bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse of God? And if you are able, please consider and ask God if He wants you to give over and above your tithe. One of our service leaders once said about our financial position that there is good news and bad news. The good news is that all we need is here. The bad news is that it is in our pockets. When I look at the early church, I see that they had all they needed to support their ministries. And this was because people gave sacrificially. People sold assets and gave the proceeds to the Elders of the church. There was no need in the church, which was a huge witness to the world around them and caused people to want to be part of the church. I also believe that we are not honouring God if we are not paying our bills and not supporting our ministries.

Please join me, the Elders and the Church Council in praying and doing something about this.

Thank you and God bless, Pastor Gary