Dear Friends,
If you’re anything like me, you like things that make sense. You like to plan ahead, know where your money’s going, and feel like your giving has a purpose. We’re wired that way—to seek safety, clarity, and control.
But I’ve been sitting with a hard question this week, and maybe you’ll feel it too:
Am I living for security… or significance?
It’s not always easy to tell. The two can look similar on the outside. But one builds fences. The other plants trees.
Jesus once told His disciples something jarring and comforting all at once:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33
That word “trouble” in the Greek—thlipsis—doesn’t mean mild inconvenience. It means pressure. Crushing, weighty distress. Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat reality. He looks His followers in the eye and says, You will feel pressure in this world. But I’ve already won.
That truth shapes everything. Including how we think about money.
When Generosity Feels Risky
There’s always a reason to hold back. The stock market is shaky. A surprise bill looms. The water heater’s making weird noises. Life is full of “what-ifs” that tempt us to believe we’re only secure if we’re in control.
But can I challenge that idea for just a moment?
What if true security doesn’t come from control—but from trust?
Not trust in an institution or a pastor or a spreadsheet—but in the God who already conquered what we fear most. In John 16, Jesus doesn’t say, “Take heart; you’ll figure it out.” He says, “Take heart; I have overcome.” (Nikaō—total victory.)
So when we give, we’re not making a donation to a budget. We’re making a declaration of trust:
God is worth it. His Kingdom is worth it. And I want to live for more than just what I can protect.
What Your Giving Really Says
This Sunday, May 25, is Commitment Sunday. It’s not about pressure—it’s about invitation. You’ll receive a commitment card during worship, and we’ll collect them as an act of worship together.
I want you to be thinking about your next step. Not someone else’s. Yours.
Here’s how that might look:
1. First-Time Giver
You’ve never given to church before—not because you don’t care, but because it hasn’t been part of your rhythm. Maybe you didn’t grow up with this habit, or you’ve just never felt ready. Very likely there are few in this category, but there are always a few. That’s Ok.
Let me encourage you: Start small. Put a seed in the ground.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.
2. Occasional to Consistent Giver
You give from time to time—but it’s more reactive than planned. That’s okay. You’ve already taken a meaningful step.
Now imagine what could happen if you gave prayerfully, consistently, and joyfully. Not from obligation—but as a regular way to say, “God, I trust You with this week too.” If you genuinely want to grow your giving, studies show that planning and writing down a commitment makes that desire far more likely to become reality.
3. First-Time Tither
Tithing—giving 10%—feels like a bold leap. That’s because it is. It’s countercultural. But it’s also transformational. My wife and I had the benefit of growing up in famous with this was just considered normal ordinary Christian stewardship. We are grateful for that spiritual legacy to understand that it’s not where everyone’s coming from, so I don’t want to underestimate the power of making this commitment, it is a big deal.
If you’re sensing that nudge, know this: you’re not alone. Others in our church are making that move this year. And when they do, they almost always say the same thing: “Why didn’t I start sooner?”
4. Beyond the Tithe
Some of you already tithe—and you’re asking, Is God calling me to stretch?
This isn’t about guilt. It’s about joy. It’s about using margin not just for greater comfort, but for a deeper Kingdom. Supporting vulnerable families. Funding next-generation ministry. Making space for someone else to meet Jesus, just as you did. Personally, I’ve never regretted giving at this level.
What Kind of Church Do We Want to Be?
Here’s what stirs me most.
When I picture our church in ten years, I don’t dream of buildings. I dream of people. Faces. Stories:
A young man coming to faith because someone helped him find freedom from addiction.- A widow being visited and loved well because we prioritized care over convenience.
- A child growing up to love Jesus because her church invested in kids ministry like it mattered.
That’s the kind of church I want to be part of.
One that loves boldly. Gives freely. Lives sacrificially.
Jesus said in John 15:16:
“I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit—and that your fruit should last.” Lasting fruit. That’s what our giving is about. Not recognition. Not comfort. Not control. But eternal impact.
Let’s Do This Together
I want you to pray this weekend—not just about numbers, but about legacy.
Ask God:
- What am I really living for?
- What does bold obedience look like for me in this season?
- How do I want to grow in generosity—not for applause, but for joy?
Let’s be a church the city would miss.
A church that doesn’t just exist in West County but blesses it.
A church that says with our time, talents, and treasure: Jesus is worth it.
You’ll hear more this Sunday, May 25, in the final message of our “Worth It” series. We’ll be collecting commitment cards during the service. Please come ready—not with pressure, but with purpose.
In His grace and peace,
Pastor Mark
P.S. This Sunday’s commitment card isn’t about what we have to do—it’s about what we get to do. Let’s each take our next bold step of trust. See you at 10 AM!
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