First Time Givers Letter

At Berean we understand that the giving of our material resources for the kingdom of God is a significant part of our worship. We also believe that we, as the church, are to be meticulous in how we handle those resources entrusted to us. This is the letter that goes out to all first-time givers explaining our heart toward financial giving and our handling of those resources.

Friend(s) of Berean Baptist Church:

Thank you for your gift to the Lord and His Kingdom purposes as pursued by our church family. We apologize in advance for this form letter and want to explain to you the reason why it, or any other gifts given in the future, will not be accompanied with a personal note from any of our staff*.

First, it is important to us that we give you the opportunity to give as anonymously as possible in order that you might be able to give in a manner consistent with our Lord's instruction… "When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you" (Matt 6:2-4). We are therefore careful with both the number and the integrity of the individuals who are given access to your giving history.

Second, we are trusting the Lord to provide for this body. We purpose to serve our Lord in ways that honor and glorify Him believing that as a result He will be pleased to move His people to generously support Berean Baptist Church, and to support it abundantly, far beyond anything we could accomplish with human prompting. We are and will continue to pray that those we serve, and those who serve with us, will be moved to sow bountifully, cheerfully and not grudgingly or as those under compulsion.

"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor 9:6-7)

We believe the Lord intends to use Berean Baptist Church greatly for His glory. As a result, we say confidently with the apostle Paul that it is our privilege to provide others the opportunity to participate with us financially in this eternally significant work. We would be wrong to deny you the opportunity and privilege to worship through giving… "Not that (we)I seek the gift itself, but (we)I seek for the profit which increases to your account" (Phil 4:17).

Again, thank you for investing in the Lord's purposes with us. May He move you to be involved consistently and sacrificially in this, His work, and may He continually grow your heart's affections for all that is eternal…"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt 6:21)

Do know we long to have your hearts continually wed to this work as well,

The Pastors of Berean Baptist Church

*In keeping with IRS requirements your tax-deductible gifts will be receipted. Please let us know if you have any specific needs regarding the timing of these notifications, otherwise you will receive only the minimum summary of your gifts necessary to meet government standards.