The Effect of Christian Attitude to Giving Towards Church Growth
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To investigate and analyze the diverse motivations that drive Christian attitudes toward giving.
- To evaluate the influence of economic conditions, including income disparities and financial stability, on Christian giving behaviors.
- To identify and analyze potential challenges in effectively communicating stewardship principles and educating church members about the biblical foundations of giving.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
The Attitude of Giving
Everything we do and everything we are hinges on our attitude. Attitude is defined as: “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.” Chuck Swindoll said, “Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitudes toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.” Examining our attitudes can be very humbling and convicting. Consider some of these convicting words regarding our attitude:
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting “Who made thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvary love. ~ Amy Carmichael
You say, “Well, I am not going to be anyone’s ‘yes man.’ If I see something wrong in a person, I’m going to warn others about it.” Fine. But beware that what you are calling ”courage to speak out” is not more truly a deception masking a rebellious, dishonouring attitude. ~ Francis Franqipane
A test of a Christian’s character is what he does after he comes to the blockade in the road and what his attitude is after everything has left him except Jesus. ~ Lester Roloff
When it comes to giving, our attitude determines how we give, what we give, and the manner in which we give. You will never be successful in any point in life without having the right attitude toward that specific area. I would dare say that the level of success or accomplishment in any area of your life is over 90% determined by your attitude. Therefore, our level of giving of our time, talents, and treasure, hinges on our attitude toward giving. As we consider the attitude of giving, there are really four right attitudes that we must have.
Attitude of Gratitude (Psalm 100:4 ; James 1:17). Every good thing we have comes from God the Father. We have been blessed in immeasurable ways.
Ravensbruck was known as one of the worst German concentration camps during World War II. When Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie found themselves imprisoned there, they were disgusted to discover that their barracks were infested with fleas. When Corrie began to complain, Betsie insisted that they instead give thanks, quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” With some persuasion, Corrie finally joined her sister in thanking God for the fleas. Several months later, the two sisters expressed their surprise that the camp guards had never come back to their barracks to disrupt or prevent the evening Bible studies they held for their fellow prisoners. It was then that Corrie realized that the very fleas which she had so despised had actually been a God-sent protection from the cruel guards. Sometimes the difficult things in life are not a curse, but rather, a blessing.
It would literally take all day to list all the things that we have to be thankful for. When we consider what we have been giving, it causes us to be more engaged in giving ourselves. Consider some of the things of which we should be thankful for: 1. Our family. 2. God’s provision. 3. Our church. The more we are reminded of the blessings of life and all that we have been given, the greater our giving will be.
Attitude of Cooperation (1 Corinthians 12:12-18 ; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7). I believe in two aspects of the Body of Christ. There is the universal body of Christ that encompasses all born-again believers around the globe and there is the local body of Christ which is the local church that you attend.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the effect of Christian attitude to giving towards church growth. Selected members of Apostolic church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of Christian attitude to giving towards church growth. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing an the effect of Christian attitude to giving towards church growth
Summary
This study was on the effect of Christian attitude to giving towards church growth. Three objectives were raised which included: To investigate and analyze the diverse motivations that drive Christian attitudes toward giving, to evaluate the influence of economic conditions, including income disparities and financial stability, on Christian giving behaviors and to identify and analyze potential challenges in effectively communicating stewardship principles and educating church members about the biblical foundations of giving. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected members of Apostolic church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study on the effect of Christian attitudes toward giving towards church growth underscores the intricate relationship between individual beliefs, practices, and the overall vitality of a church community. Through an exploration of theological, cultural, personal, and social factors, it becomes evident that the attitudes Christians hold regarding giving significantly impact the health and growth of the church.
Recommendation
Church leaders should prioritize robust teaching on biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and the scriptural basis for giving. Additionally, leadership development programs can equip pastors and church leaders with the skills to effectively communicate the importance of giving and model generosity in their own lives.
Churches should employ diverse communication channels to consistently reinforce messages about giving. This includes integrating teachings on giving into sermons, small group discussions, newsletters, and social media platforms. Utilizing a variety of media ensures that the message reaches a broad audience and is reinforced over time.
References
- Ammerman, N. T. (2013). Sacred Stories, Spiritual Tribes: Finding Religion in Everyday Life. Oxford University Press.
- Clapp, R. J. (2009). Peculiar People: The Church as Culture in a Post-Christian Society. InterVarsity Press.
- Ellison, C. G. (2012). Religion and the Community. Social Forces, 91(4), 1603–1622.
- Hoge, D. R. (2014). Building Effective Ministry: Theory and Practice in the Local Church. Westminster John Knox Press.
- Smith, C. (2010). Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money. Oxford University Press.
- Van Slyke, C. E. (2011). A Spirituality of Fundraising. Upper Room Books.
