DAY 247 -- Liberal Giving

Today we went to church and before the service began, there was a big "thank you" screen up at the front of the church.  Our preacher then proceeded to thank everyone for their faithfulness and generosity in supporting TBC.  He told us that our church needs $300K a month to operate and that we always get more than that with the most ever received being at $600K in a month.  Then he announced that in the month of December the monthly offering was over $1 million dollars.  I was simply floored.  We are a large congregation and so I understand the monthly overhead number completely--lots of preachers on staff and office staff as well.  Lots of missionaries on the mission field that we support as well.  And we are in the middle of a building renovation after having built a new building two years ago.  Interestingly, in the 23 years or so we have attended TBC, there has never been an offering plate passed--there are boxes at the exits where offerings can be dropped in as you come in or go out.  There is never a sermon about giving, tithing, etc. as I know some churches do.  But we have so many faithful members who do the right thing and who give support in many other ways besides just the general offering.  While I sometimes wish I was attending a smaller church, I know that our church is growing, has a great outreach, great preachers and that as long as we are doing what is in God's will, we will continue to be blessed in growth and finances.  So I'm feeling blessed to be a part of this community of believers!