God has called us to do a job. From the outset, Gateway has consisted of people who are willing to devote their time, energy and money to this task. We believe that giving a proportion of our income to finance the work of this church is an important part of being a Christian and something that the Bible clearly teaches.
What are the benefits of giving?
We believe that behind the Bible’s instruction to give, there are a number of sound reasons. The apostle Paul lists of some of them in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
- generous giving generates rich rewards (verse 6)
- we experience God’s love and favour (verse 8 )
- God’s grace is multiplied to us (verse 10)
- it results in thanksgiving to God (verse 11)
- people’s needs are met (verse 12)
- it creates gratitude (verse 15)
Furthermore, giving should be characterised by joy and cheerfulness, and no-one should give reluctantly or under compulsion (verse 7).
What are the principles of giving?
We believe that Paul also gives helpful instructions on this issue. In 1 Corinthians 16 he sets our at least five principles for giving.
- regularly – choose a set time interval for giving (e.g. weekly or monthly)
- individually – everyone is invited to participate
- systematically – let your giving be thoughtfully planned
- proportionally – the proportion is far more significant that the amount
- locally – our primarily commitment is our own church
How are the church’s finances organised?
The church is registered with the Charity Commissioners as Gateway Vineyard Christian Fellowship Norwich. Our charity number is 1135206. We are therefore subject to the laws governing charities. There are a team of trustees who oversee the financial affairs of the church.
What are the safeguards against mismanagement?
We seek to implement the principles set out in the New Testament regarding the management of money given for the purpose of financing ministry. For example, taking care to do what is right in the eyes of both the Lord and men/women, avoiding any grounds for criticism of the way money is used and ensuring a team of trustworthy people are responsible for the finances of the church, not just one person (2 Corinthians 8:18-21).
Annual statements relating to the financial activities of the church will be made available to the church and submitted to the Charity Commissioners.
All those who are employed by the church will be subject to specific financial policies, which are strictly adhered to.
How can I give?
If you would like to give, please pray about giving and decide how much of your income you believe the Lord wants you to give.
Regularly: Giving regularly by Standing Order helps us as we create budgets and plan for the future. To do this, please complete a Standing Order form and either place it in the offering basket or box on the information table.
Irregularly: If you are unable to give via a Standing Order you can place cash or cheques in the offering basket on Sunday mornings.
The Gift Aid scheme
If you pay income or capital gains tax, the church (as a registered charity) is entitled to reclaim the tax you have already paid on your gift. In the past Gift Aid only applied to gifts above £250, however, now gifts of any amount can benefit from the scheme. As you can imagine, this can boost our revenue significantly. We recover tax at the basic rate of 22% and at no cost to you!
To ensure your gift is maximised make sure you complete a Gift Aid Declaration along with your Standing Order. And, when you give one-off gifts, make sure you place the cash or cheque in an envelope and complete the Gift Aid Declaration that is printed on it.
If you have any questions regarding finances or would like a copy of the Standing Order and Gift Aid forms please contact Chris Adlam at info@gatewayvineyardnorwich.org.uk
