State of the Union Point 6: Risk of Generous Giving

sgc updates
Written By Mark Prater

 After the Acts 15 Council we know that the church Paul planted in Philippi was known for giving generously to Paul’s ministry and mission.

“And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.” - Philippians 4:15-16

Scripture tells us that giving to gospel mission came from local churches as one expression of the interdependence they shared. Scripture also tells us that giving to gospel mission not only came from local churches but individuals as well.

In Romans 16, Paul commends Phoebe who he describes in as “a patron of many and of myself as well.”

Phoebe is one example of the Gospel Patrons we find in the bible and throughout church history that have given generously to support the work of the gospel. Scripture is clear that churches gave, and individuals gave generously as an expression of the interdependence they shared in gospel mission.

In this pivotal moment for our family of churches, now is the time for us to step on the gas to advance our mission, and that will require financial resources.

Let us lead our churches to take the right risk of giving generously.

Mark Prater

Mark has served as an elder at Covenant Fellowship Church since 2002. In 1996, he helped plant a church where he served as senior pastor until 2002. Mark has also served as the director for the Sovereign Grace Church Planting Group and regional representative overseeing the Northeast region of churches in the United States. Mark and his wife, Jill, have three adult daughters and ten grandchildren. They make their home in West Chester, Pennsylvania. You can follow Mark on Twitter and his weekly video podcast.

Previous

Our Shaping Virtues
Next

State of the Union Point 5: Risk for Evangelism