Even during an economic crisis when many face financial struggles, United Methodist churches rely on the generosity of their members. These United Methodists share why they give.
"I give because it is a privilege to answer God's call to support the unmet needs of others and transform the lives of homeless families through Family Promise. I give because I believe in being a part of the collective good and understand the importance of supporting my neighbors and community." — Kim Lewis, First United Methodist Church, Billings, Montana, Mountain Sky Conference
"Because our church not only ministers to the needs of our congregation of all ages from infancy to the very mature, it exemplifies Matthew 25:35-36. 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'" — Jack Layfield, Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika, Alabama, Alabama-West Florida Conference
"I give to my church, because not only does God ask us to support financially the work He does in reaching out to and meeting the needs of others in and through our faith communities, but it shows a trust in His provision on our part, especially if we give with a cheerful heart as Paul encouraged us to do in 2 Corinthians 9:7."— Denise Dix, Donelson Heights United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, Tennessee Conference
"I give to my United Methodist Church because everything I have belongs first and foremost to God and because I owe everything that I am, both spiritually and personally, to my church. We are but stewards of God's gifts, and I feel that it is my duty to give in thanks for the abundance which I have received." — Dylan Mulligan, Glennville United Methodist Church, Glennville, Georgia, South Georgia Conference
"I give to my United Methodist church because being a wife, mother, and working a full-time job doesn’t always allow me to go and do all the things, but through donations I am able to help my church be the hands and feet of God, which is so important right now, and always." — Morgan Hennis Shaw, Sedge Garden United Methodist Church, Kernersville, North Carolina, Western North Carolina Conference
In a related article on this topic, church leaders share three ways to get the conversation started to encourage those who can to continue donating to their local congregations.
Crystal Caviness works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact her by email. Published on September 29, 2020.
