Giving of our finances is a response to God’s giving to us first. We give because he has first given to us and because he has given us all things in Christ. For the Christian seeking to reflect the image of Christ in our lives giving becomes a natural overflow of our hearts, and a stewardship of the resources God has given us. We give to help people belong to Christ, grow in Christ and to reach the World for Christ. All because Jesus, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, so that we by his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

This is always a big question. Giving is not about obligation but is an act of worship, expressing our confidence in God’s provision. He wants us to trust Him with our whole heart. He wants us to believe He will take care of our every need (Mark 12:44). If we have confidence in Him to that degree, we are then liberated to give without fear, prayerfully and joyfully. God wants us to be joy-filled givers (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Maybe when you think of giving the word that comes to your mind is tithing. Tithing is a pattern seen in Israel whereby they gave the first 10 percent of their income to the Lord. The pattern within the New Testament that we see of giving is to give regularly, sacrificially, cheerfully, not under compulsion, but according to the way God prospers us. In other words, we are not told a percentage to give, but to acknowledge all things belong to God and so we are called to give generously, even above and beyond ten percent.

Stewardship is a lifestyle. It suggests a life of total accountability and responsibility. It is the acknowledgment of God as the Creator and Owner of all. The fundamental principle of biblical stewardship is this: God owns everything, we are simply managers or administrators acting on his behalf. The reality is that most people, including lots of Christians, do not understand the true meaning of stewardship. Many of us today only associate the idea with sermons or church budgets. The reality of Biblical stewardship is so much more. Stewardship is our ultimate calling as Christ followers.

When you give to Woodside church, your giving goes towards creating opportunities for people of all ages to gather together, connect with others and serve our communities. It is in these different environments across all of our campuses that people regularly experience life change.

The finances of the church are best served when we give to Woodside’s general fund without designation. This allows for orderly planning and budgeting of the vision and ministry of the church on a routine and predictable basis.

All contributions are received with the understanding that if the amount raised exceeds what is required to fulfill the need, excess funds will be re-directed to meet similar needs at the discretion of the Elder Board.