By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
- Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.” — Jim Rohn
- “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
We have been examining the subject of “The Lord Needs Your Boat.” This week, we shall conclude by looking at some practical ways to support the gospel.
Ways to support the preaching of the Gospel
- Faithful tithing and generous offerings
The most straightforward way to finance the spread of the gospel is through faithful tithing and generous offerings.
Despite its simplicity, it’s disheartening to note that only about 20percent of church members consistently fulfill this obligation. This low participation rate hinders the church’s ability to expand its mission efforts.
Malachi 3:8-10 (NKJV) emphasizes the importance of tithes and offerings: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.”
The truth is that 10percent is not sufficient to carry out the extensive evangelistic campaigns needed to save millions. God expects us to be faithful with the 10percent and go beyond that. Giving just 10percent of your income will slow down God’s work.
- Supporting your local pastor
Many Christians may fall short in adequately caring for their pastors. While praying for your pastor is crucial, providing tangible support is equally important. There are several meaningful ways to help: take your pastor shopping, purchase groceries for their household, or buy them quality clothing.
Ensure your pastor looks presentable at the pulpit. It’s unfair to own numerous pairs of shoes while your pastor struggles with just a couple. Financial support should start within your local church community.
Pastors often earn modest incomes and may not even qualify for government assistance. While pastors should not shepherd God’s flock for personal gain (1 Peter 5:1-4), it’s essential to ensure they are compensated fairly: “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18, NKJV). Galatians 6:6 (KJV) also highlights this: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”
1 Corinthians 9:14-15 (KJV) adds: “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
Ensure your pastor is financially secure. The local congregation can pool resources to support their pastor, freeing them to focus on shepherding without financial worries. Assist with childcare so your pastor and their spouse can enjoy a date night, or provide them with a family outing funded by your congregation.
Be generous and inventive in your support. Remember, the pastor’s spouse and children also matter greatly to God. Explore ways to bless them, as God may have blessed you to support their well-being.
- Supporting fellow believers and those in need
Within our church congregations, many individuals struggle to provide for themselves daily. As believers, it is our divine calling to assist them. God expects us to care for the impoverished, especially those within the house of God. Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) reminds us of our duty: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Our responsibility extends beyond our churches to encompass the broader community. Positive change can occur if every Christian extends a helping hand to those in need. Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) emphasizes this: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.”
- Supporting the local church with your skills
If you lack substantial financial resources, you can still make a significant impact by offering your skills. Supporting the gospel through your talents can be equally impactful.
Just as God called and empowered individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab in the Old Testament, He continues to do so today. Make yourself available for this purpose. Exodus 36:1-5 (NET) illustrates the importance of skilled individuals in the service of the sanctuary:
“So Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person in whom the Lord has put skill and ability to know how to do all the work of the service of the sanctuary, are to do the work according to all that the Lord has commanded. Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person in whom the Lord had put skill—everyone whose heart stirred him up to volunteer for the work, to do it.
And they received from Moses all the offering the Israelites had brought to do the work of the service of the sanctuary, and they still brought him a freewill offering each morning.
So all the skilled people who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came from their work they were doing, and told Moses, ‘The people are bringing much more than is needed for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.’” There is no need for the church to seek artisans when individuals like you possess valuable skills. Use your expertise to serve God’s work. Your contributions can be a vital asset to the church’s mission and service.
- Supporting your local church with building materials
King David set a remarkable example by supporting the construction of the temple with various building materials, and we can follow in his footsteps today. These biblical examples offer practical guidance:
In 1 Chronicles 29:1-5 (KJV), we see David’s dedication to the house of God: “Furthermore, David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.
Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.
Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?”
Whenever your local church announces a building project, it presents a unique opportunity for you to sow a seed and be blessed.
Regardless of the project’s size, seize the chance to contribute. You can purchase cement, blocks, tiles, or any other building materials required for construction. This is a remarkable opportunity that should not be overlooked, as God takes notice of those who invest in building His temple.
In Exodus 36:6-7 (NET), we see a similar enthusiasm for giving: “Moses instructed them to take his message throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let no man or woman do any more work for the offering for the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing any more. Now the materials were more than enough for them to do all the work.”
In the days of Moses, the people gave so generously that they had to be restrained from contributing further to the construction of the sanctuary. This level of excitement and willingness to give is what we are encouraged to exhibit when our local churches embark on construction projects.
- Fund missionary activities
Today, there are more opportunities than ever to support missionary activities, and with willingness, God will guide you to the right avenues. Every Christian is expected to participate in the Great Commission in two ways: by personally bearing witness to Christ and by contributing to evangelistic campaigns within and beyond the local church.
Here are some practical ways to contribute:
- Financial support: Buy plane tickets for those embarking on missions, provide monthly contributions for their living expenses, sponsor their children’s education, or cover their rent. Your generosity can make a significant difference.
- Provision of basic needs: Provide missionaries with clothing and foodstuffs, greatly assisting them in their work and daily lives.
- Literature materials: Some people have never had the opportunity to read the Bible. Buy copies for distribution during evangelistic outreaches, either within your local church or outside of it. Sharing the Word of God through literature can be a powerful way to reach those who have not yet heard the message. Investing in missionary work is far more meaningful than accumulating material possessions that may go unused. The pressures of the world can distract us from the urgency of reaching those who haven’t heard the good news.
Romans 10:14-15 (NKJV) reminds us: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’” Supporting missionary work is one of the most significant investments we can ever make, bringing the message of peace and salvation to those who have not yet heard.
- You can buy a vehicle for your local church
Another effective way to support the gospel is by purchasing an evangelism bus for your local church.
Ministries without vehicles can be limited in their outreach efforts. Vehicles are essential for transporting people, foodstuffs, clothing, and other valuables during outreaches, making them crucial for successful evangelism.
If you have the means, do not hesitate to buy one for your church to aid their evangelistic campaigns.
“Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; The Lord will again comfort Zion, And will again choose Jerusalem.”’ (Zechariah 1:17, NKJV).
Just as political parties buy vehicles to reach remote parts of their constituencies to win votes, we can do even more for the gospel. Anyone directly involved in evangelism and missions can readily appreciate the critical role a vehicle plays. May the Lord help us!
- Pray for more kingdom financiers or finance a prayer team
As we conclude this chapter, it is important to emphasize the significance of praying for individuals who support the financial aspects of evangelistic activities within the church. These financiers, whether from political, business, or gospel backgrounds, play a crucial role in advancing the kingdom of God.
While they are special and powerful, they can also be vulnerable. These individuals may face challenges and spiritual battles as they commit their resources to the gospel.
They might encounter opposition, attacks on their businesses and careers, strains in their marriages, or challenges with their children. Recognize that they can be targeted by negative spiritual forces.
One meaningful way to contribute to the financing of God’s kingdom is by praying for these financiers. Lift them up in your prayers, asking for God’s protection, wisdom, and guidance for them and their families.
Pray that they remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting the spread of the gospel globally. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you intercede for these individuals who play a pivotal role in advancing His kingdom. Your prayers can make a significant difference in their lives and the work of evangelism.
More money needed to fund the gospel
Yes! The kingdom needs financial resources to accomplish its mission. We cannot fulfill the Great Commission without substantial financial support. More businesspeople must step up to finance the preaching of the gospel, as the world is decaying and the good news must reach every area of society.
The gospel thrives on financial support, and whenever God wants to accomplish something, He uses people to do so. It is crucial to understand that when God blesses individuals, it is for the sake of His kingdom. The Bible says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto thee.” The gospel cannot advance without people financing it, and what the world needs today is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, it is far easier for people to promote worldly events than the things of the kingdom. Even Holy Ghost-filled Christian entrepreneurs often have concerns about funding kingdom activities. However, without people willing to support the kingdom and the gospel, the church will be significantly handicapped.
We must appreciate that some things can only be accomplished with money. Tasks cannot be achieved solely through prayer. While prayer and fasting are important spiritual exercises, some needs can only be met with money. For example, if you want to purchase a stage for a crusade, you must pay for it, regardless of how anointed you are.
There is an element of money in advancing the kingdom of God, and we need individuals to finance it. Understand this point and go into the marketplace to create wealth to advance the kingdom.
The kingdom of God needs money! Millions of people around the world have yet to hear the good news of the kingdom, let alone accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. This highlights the urgent need for large financial resources to fund missionary outreaches.
According to the Joshua Project (www.joshuaproject.net), vast numbers of unreached people exist in various parts of the world. Millions of tribes in India, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Burma, Iraq, and many more countries remain unreached with the gospel.
India alone has over 20 different tribes yet to be reached!m In total, about 1,886,505,000 (nearly two billion) people in the world have yet to hear the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
These figures should awaken us from our slumber—there is much work to be done!
Our job is not to seek the wealth of the world but to faithfully use the wealth we already have to spread the gospel. If all Christian entrepreneurs would simply tithe and give offerings, the church would have more than enough funds to accomplish its mission. Statistics indicate that 20percent of church members provide 80percent of church revenue and that the average American Christian entrepreneur gives only 6percent of their income to the Lord’s work. Imagine where we would be if those percentages were where they ought to be! —Kenneth Erwin Hagin, Author, The Midas Touch.
>>>Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor: Nelson is a respected author, publishing consultant, and Christian business coach. He is passionate about financial evangelism and is also a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor, and metaverse enthusiast. Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA): Elizabeth is a highly accomplished Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of experience in financial management consulting. She has worked extensively in both the non-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them at +233549762233 or [email protected]
