La Ofrenda (The Offering)

Today I was thinking about how we take up the offering at our church. The old “pass the hat, take up the tithes, pay your tithes, give to The Lord, etc.”

In “Jim and Casper go to church” they make a couple of interesting observations about the giving time in different churches. At Mosaic in L.A. Ron McManus gives the opportunity to give for the church people and instructs visitors not to give at all but wraps up by saying (or at least this is what the book says that he did) “We give because we love God.” This offends Casper because he takes this to insinuate that he does not love God because he didn’t give. A little nitpicky I thought but interesting to note.

At Willow Creek, Bill Hybels gives the same type of instruction but never explains why the church people give. He only tells the visitors to let the plate pass them by. Casper says he likes this approach better. A little softer sell.

Every Sunday we say something to this effect: “We are now going to take up our tithes and offerings. If you are a 1st time visitor, this is not for you, please do not give. As a matter of fact, we have a gift for you ($5 Starbucks gift card), please just enjoy the service, you’re our guest. Those of us who call Mosaic home, we invite you to lock arms with us and with your giving, help make Mosaic a reality.”

I don’t know if this is the best way or not but it’s what we do. Any church planters out there that have any insight into this subject and how it works for you, let me know.

Thanks for reading, talk to you soon.