Annual Review

Luke 8 v 15, part of the parable of the sower, reads, "but the seed on the good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by preserving produce a good crop".

Giving in Grace is a seed sowing programme. We sow God's word and tend it through prayer, communication, interaction, and leadership. Do not be disheartened if some of your Giving in Grace programme appeared to fall on stony ground! Eventually even stone is weathered and broken down into soil by a combination of rooting seeds, rain and frost. A poor harvest one year can be transformed into a rich harvest by attention to teaching, good pastoral care, nurture and prayer.

But if we don't sow seed each year, or till the ground, we will find that the yield gets less and less due to neglect and the competing demands of other pressures - today's equivalent of the birds, stony ground and weeds. For churches that have completed a Giving in Grace programme this section of the web site provides resources for ongoing sowing, tilling and reaping through an Annual Review. Briefing papers and guidance on the first steps are found at Getting Started.

Christian giving is not short term problem solving, it is an act of faithfulness. It needs regular reviews in order that we do not diminish our worship by failing to keep pace with inflation, not responding to ministry opportunities, or not reflecting changes in our personal circumstances. Without a framework and reminder to review, few in the congregation will look afresh at their giving. Yet they must respond to other changing financial challenges and opportunities in life!

Giving in Grace has been an exciting and serious challenge to the Church and enabled much to happen. By committed leadership and annual review this can be built upon and moved forward in your ministry and mission.