As a non-profit Christian educational ministry, Whitefield Academy seeks and accepts
gifts as part of its financial strategy in pursuit of its mission. Since much of
what God has accomplished at Whitefield has been financed through gifts, both large
and small, it is appropriate that the Whitefield Academy Theology of Giving be shared
publicly.
What is a Theology of Giving?
Whitefield’s Theology of Giving is no more than a simple statement that clarifies
for our donors what we believe and how we act about giving. A theology of giving
answers two questions:
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What has God told us He believes about giving?
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What are the implications of these beliefs and actions for the relationship between
Whitefield Academy and its donors?
What has God told us He believes about giving?
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God owns everything. Psalm 24: 1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything
in it, the world, and all who live in it….”
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God needs nothing from us. Psalm 50:9-10 “I have no need of a bull from your
stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the
cattle on a thousand hills.”
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Our use of money is the surest indicator of what we deem important. Luke
12: 34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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God meets our needs in response to our giving. Phil. 4:19 “…my God will meet
all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
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Giving someone the opportunity to give to the Lord’s work is giving him an opportunity
to be blessed of God. Phil. 4: 17 “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am
looking for what may be credited to your account.”
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God has blessed His people with joy in giving. Thus Whitefield Academy does a
service to others when it makes its needs known. II Cor. 2-5 “Out of the most
severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich
generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond
their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege
of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but
they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.”
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God expects us to be good stewards of the gifts of His people. II Cor. 20
– 21 “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but
also in the eyes of men.”
What are the implications of these beliefs about giving?
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We base our budget not on what we have on hand, but on what God has called us to
do.
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In offering people the opportunity to share in God’s work and blessing, we will
not demean God’s abundant grace by the use of gimmicks, pressure, premiums, or crisis
appeals.
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We will clearly, honestly, and effectively communicate our need and leave the donor’s
decision whether and how fully to participate between him and the Lord.
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We will not limit the generosity of God’s people, but instead will challenge them
to give generously and to know that God’s blessing will follow.
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We will fully disclose open accounting of our stewardship.
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We will receive all gifts as the investments of God’s people, showing the utmost
diligence in our stewardship of those gifts and using them wisely in projects of
excellence and enduring value in God’s kingdom. As projects are completed and funding
goals are reached, we will publicly praise the Lord for His goodness and thank those
to whom He gave hearts of generosity.
