Taking Offerings at Ironwood

By Walt Brock

For years we never took up any offering here, but the Lord convicted me of our neglect in giving people an opportunity to receive a blessing from the Lord. The Lord Jesus when upon the earth taught often on the subject of materialism and money (some estimates indicate one out of every six verses addressed the subject), but today, as then, they remain a touchy subjects, so it is important that we approach the subject seriously and tactfully.

Understand the Issues

  1. Local church beliefs
    1. Storehouse tithing
    2. Some don’t take offerings; they have offering boxes
  2. Pastors know their churches already have great needs and may look at all that Ironwood has and wonder,
    “Are they robbing our church?”
  3. People have a need to give and a need to be asked.
  4. Deciding to give is a decision that people need to make—a part of consistent Christian living.
  5. There are Biblical commands to give, and those commands come with accompanying promises of blessing as a result of giving . . . and the amount of the gift does not determine the size of the blessing. Therefore, we must honor the “widow’s two mites,” but the blessing must never be touted as the motivation for giving (we must give as unto the Lord), and just know by faith that the blessing will follow.
    1. Proverbs 3:9-10
    2. Matthew 10:42
    3. Luke 6:38
    4. 2 Corinthians 8:14-15; 9:6-8
    5. Philippians 4:17-19
  6. We may hurt a potential giver by failing to present them with the opportunity to give to the Lord. 1 Kings 17:8-16—God commanded her to give; Elijah’s duty was to deliver the message of the need. The blessing for doing so came to both Elijah and the widow!!!!

Some Practical Guidelines for Receiving an Offering at Ironwood

  1. Present a specific need closely tied to the campers’ experience at Ironwood (usually program themed, but not exclusively). This is the “what” of giving to Ironwood.
    1. For summer camps—activity-based goals are good, new game table, lake event, etc.
    2. For adults—comfort-based or ministry-based . . . shower heads, padded chairs, AC in cabins, or PA system for better sound for preaching, etc.
    3. New oven—better food
  2. Stay away from asking for offerings:
    1. To people (unless Ironwood staff with a special need, i.e. Miss Lynn, medical expenses; needs to be someone all come in contact with)
    2. To missionaries or to other ministries. Pastors, in sending their people here, give a tacit endorsement of what goes on here and do not mind reasonable offering requests, but they do not like giving to others through us. They prefer direct gifts and the opportunity to make that support decision within their local church context.
  3. Try to tell a relevant story of “mission accomplishment”—reach young people, strengthen families, serving churches. This is the “why” of the giving to Ironwood.
  4. Give God the glory. Say . . . “Everything here is a gift from God, from the antiques on the wall to the buildings, and yes, even to the land the ministry sits on. All of it is the Lord’s and He has provided it all for our use for accomplishing our purpose or mission, and for that we praise the Lord and thank Him for His supply!” None of our camper fees go toward improvements or additions to our facility, those type of projects all come about through offerings and designated donations for that specific project.
  5. Always add this disclaimer: As we take this offering, I want to remind you that your tithes and offerings such as faith promise missions offerings are for your local church. Please do not give anything to this ministry that belongs to your local church. Perhaps the Lord has laid it on your heart to give over and above what belongs to your local church. For that reason we are sharing this need and opportunity with you today.

Attitudes and Reminders

  1. If the Lord never gives us one more thing than we have today, we have everything we need to run the kind of successful camping program and ministry the Lord would have us to do. We need contentment, but not covetousness, and certainly not complacency.
  2. The Lord desires our thanksgiving and recognition for what He has done. Everything . . . everything must be viewed as a resource provided by God for our use as faithful stewards of His resources.
  3. We must remember that when it comes to money that we need protection from the temptation to “borrow” or to steal from the Lord. Materialism is a root sin and has been used effectively by the devil to destroy many of God’s servants. Don’t be proud. Follow the guidelines for your own safety and the safety of those around you. See attached offering procedure sheet.