You can't get blood from a Tulip

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Jesus Jar: pass out glass jars for people to put their change in regularly. This does not take the place of tithes. This is offerings. Decide on what the money should be spent on (building fund/missions) and at least semi-annually or annually disperse the funds to the appropriate people/agency. Collect the monies monthly in a large container. Many banks have a machine that will count the change for you. Also, many churches have a Christmas tree in their sanctuary or somewhere in a prominent place. Have them bring “gifts” of money to put under the tree during a service that will be used for a predetermined fund of the church. This is great to use to bless a family in need at Christmas. Doesn’t have to be a church family. If there is not a need in the church, then anyone in the community should be eligible to receive aid.

If pastors dread one thing, it is preaching on tithing. That is a sore spot for many people. Problem being is that they don’t understand one basic and simple concept. You Can’t Outgive God. Period.

Psalms 50: 1-11

 ¹The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

 ²Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

 ³Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

 ⁴He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

 ⁵Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

 ⁶And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

 ⁷Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

 ⁸I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.

 ⁹I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.

 ¹⁰For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

 ¹¹I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

God owns it all. He created it from the beginning. It was His to begin with. He gave it to us.

Some people are too scared to give their money to the church, fearful that they will go lacking for something. If God is as powerful as you say He is, why would he leave you out in the cold for giving to Him? God gave you your gifts that you use to create an income for yourself and your family. He just wants 10 percent back. You still get to keep 90%. That is a better deal than most governments will give you. Yet I bet you pay your taxes. (well, most of you). And when you are blessed with extra monies, do you tithe from that? Do you realize that you have some left over that you can give also? That is offerings. Sometimes it is hard to part with money that is in excess of your tithing amount. That is one reason why I like the concept of the “Jesus Jar.” You simply put the change from your pocket/purse into the jar, and turn it into the collection area designated at your church. You never really miss those few cents, and they add up quickly when the whole church comes together and gives. I’ve seen churches that couldn’t pay their bills because of the economy around them or low attendance that could suddenly pay that insurance bill that came due.

Some churches have specific needs that they are saving for. New roof, New HVAC system or anything else that is a major repair. Sometimes that is hard to take the money from the budgeted tithes and spend towards that. This helps to alleviate the problem by providing an extra source of income for the church. A hundred people bringing several dollars of change a month adds up quickly when the church acts as a collective group.

So the next time the upcoming expenses look daunting, consider having this in place to help with the budgeting. It is relatively painless and easy for the members to do. And everyone has a jar sitting around somewhere, even the mayonnaise jar that is almost empty in the fridge. Start the program now so that the funds will be available later.