Stewardship of the resources the Lord entrusts to us is a big part of how the One Challenge United States Mobilization Center (US-MC) spends its time. Whether it’s stewardship of time, the building, our mission workers, or finances, we take great care in walking in obedience to the Lord. Giving creatively brings a special joy. So, we want to share with you some creative ways to steward your God-given resources.
It is with this heart that we want to make you aware of some special options for giving anytime of the year. We trust your financial giving (to any cause or person) springs from your love for the Father of the greatest Gift. We hope these creative ideas help multiply your joy.
A Simple Switch
Here’s a creative switch you can make that automatically increases your giving by 3.5%. If you are currently giving by credit card, consider switching to an electronic fund transfer (EFT). It actually increases your gift toward kingdom work by more than the 3.5% that the credit card companies take because it saves our finance department lots of processing time. It may seem like a small change, but it represents a bit more than a cost of living increase for your global worker.
Cost-of-Living “Raise”
There’s another creative idea – give your global worker a “raise.” Most of us start supporting a global mission worker and ten years later are still supporting them at the same level. Increasing your monthly contribution by 2-3% will match the anticipated cost-of-living increase for the year. Again, it may seem like a small thing, but one that would bring a smile to the face of your worker, affirming them in their work.
Giving from an IRA
Here’s an idea for seniors who are required to take minimum distributions from their IRA. If this applies to you, you can make gifts directly from your IRA to the organization of your choice. Making charitable gifts this way can be a good plan of stewardship, because it reduces your taxable income, but not in the traditional way. Instead, the giver simply avoids paying federal income tax on the distribution from their IRA. You’ll want to check your state law to verify whether or not your state income tax is also avoided.
Big Box Ideas
Giving stocks is another creative way to advance kingdom work. When one has a financially successful year in the stock market, it can bring special joy to pass some of that on to an individual mission worker, a project, or simply “where most needed.” If this is something you want to do, call our finance department. It’s a simple process and they are happy to assist you.
Out-Of-The-Box Ideas
For some, the real joy comes by doing something more out-of-the-box, namely giving non-cash assets. Examples of that would be contributing part of a business, property, artwork, jewelry, or antiques. The OC Stewardship Ministries team can help donors fulfill their kingdom philanthropy goals with optimal asset management and great joy.
Planning for Future Giving
For most of us, our greatest contribution to God’s kingdom work on earth will happen when we pass. This, of course, requires estate planning. With the right will or trust, you have an opportunity to bless each of your surviving loved ones according to their needs and abilities while also continuing the work of God’s mission. What an amazingly creative way to keep supporting the people and projects important to you, even after you have graduated to heaven.
Here is a simple Estate Planning Options handout to help you start making plans.
No matter the time of year or season in your life, we wish you great joy in your generosity.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You shouldn’t give if you don’t want to. You shouldn’t give because you are forced to. God loves a cheerful giver.”
II Cor 9:7 (NIRV)
