Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

The principle of sharing wealth with others is not a new concept. Benevolence or almsgiving is a loving, voluntary, charitable act to help others that stretch as far back as Abraham’s generous gift to King Melchizedek when the king praised God for giving Abraham victory against his enemies (Genesis 14:19-20). Can you imagine giving a portion of your wealth just because someone praises God in your presence?

However, it was Paul who pioneered corporate giving in the Church.

Paul called for the churches in Corinth and Galatia to establish a benevolence fund to meet the needs of those suffering in poverty and persecution. Collectively, the early churches in Corinth and Galatia set aside money every Sunday in direct proportion to the income earned from the previous week. Paul was brilliant in this plan when he told them to go ahead and develop this as a life rhythm, so when he arrived to collect, no individual or congregation would be scrambling at the last moment to donate (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

Paul believed benevolence was an opportunity, not for self-righteousness, but a way to establish stronger relationships and church-community bonds. As Pastor Jeff has said many times over, “No one goes hungry. No one goes without. You see a need, meet the need.” Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Since Venture is following the pattern of the first-century church, do we have a benevolence fund? Absolutely!

When we learned of our friends in North Mississippi experienced significant loss due to a tornado, the partnership donated $15,432.50, not to mention personal equipment and time away from their families, to serve others in need.

Campuses powered together to provide local teachers with gift cards, breakfasts, and lunches. Between five campuses, we led 15 different projects manned by over 300 volunteers.

Our benevolence fund is a non-budgetary investment. In other words, when a need arises, the partnership steps in to give above and beyond its tithes. We even have those who give beyond their finances by sharing their time, gifts, and talent. Currently, we have 700 partners who serve on our Impact Team in KXP, Guest Services, Prayer Team, Worship, MVMNT, Production, Safety Team, and Gathering. We also have House Church pastors throughout the region investing in their communities and continuing to build, grow, and plant more House Churches.

Now, this is not mentioned to make us “shine” as a church or seem superior to any other giving entity, but to show the act of giving is more than just wealth, it’s a heart condition of generosity of self and time. Any act of kindness, no matter how small or insignificant, can have far-reaching impacts on how the receiving person feels seen and loved.

How can you become part of the movement of Venture’s benevolence? With summer coming to a close, keep an eye out for opportunities to serve your church and love your neighbor!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Not sure where you can use your spiritual gifts at Venture? Complete Serve 101 here: www.venturechurch.org/serve101
• Go to www.venturechurch.org/give to hear some incredible stories from across all of our campuses about how being generous with your time, talents, and resources can have a powerful and lasting impact.
• Prayer: Holy Father, I thank You for the brotherhood we share, the smaller and larger communities who invest and care for one another. Lord, I ask that You bless our finances. Give us the wisdom to be good stewards of the money You have given us, so we can in turn use them for Your kingdom agenda. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
  
  
  

Family Devo: 1 Corinthians 16  

By: Cindy Oglive 

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset 

Head   

In verses 13-14, there are a couple of words that stand out - guard, faith, courageous, strong, and love. Five words that Paul says we need to have from Christ. Why guard? It says to be on guard. To guard is to watch. Watch what you’re doing and who you’re with. Stand firm in the faith. Have faith in Christ and His Word. Be courageous. Being bold and brave in what you do for Christ. Be strong. You have the power to make a difference with God’s truth and your faith. Do everything in love. We see love defined in 1 Corinthians 13.   

Heart   

Being a believer and a follower of Christ, you have the ability to make an impact and be the reason for a change. You were given power to influence anyone around you. How can you have an influence through Christ this week?   

Hands  

As summer is coming to an end make some biblical encouragement cards on some index cards to put around your school. Simply write an encouraging verse or a prayer.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I am continuing to become everything I read above. I pray that I can be a physical form of verses 13-14 and that I can do everything in love because of You - no matter how hard it gets. I thank You for making me strong and giving me the power to do what You call me to do. In Jesus’s name, Amen.