What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Order and Conduct of Collections"
Answer
God has designed the plan of “systematic charity” so that collections can be organized and carried out without repeated urgent appeals. Every church member, from the elder to the youngest, should set aside a weekly amount that corresponds to his wealth, making giving a consistent habit. This order prevents the burden from resting on a few and ensures that the resources for God’s work flow like a steady stream.
Divine Order in Systematic Charity
Order reigns in heaven, and God is pleased with the efforts of His people to proceed with system and order in His work on earth. I saw that order should prevail in the church of God and that system is necessary to successfully carry the final great message of mercy into the world. God leads His people into the plan of systematic charity.
Each member of the various families in our congregations who believes in the truth can contribute a part to its promotion by gladly embracing systematic charity. “Each of you should set aside something for yourself [at home] … so that collections do not have to take place only when I come.” The burden of pressuring individuals to give their resources was not intended as the task of God’s servants.
Avoiding Urgent Appeals through Regularity
If systematic charity is carried out, the urgent calls at the storage gatherings for funds for various enterprises will not be necessary. ... If all who are blessed by God with earthly wealth were to execute His plan by faithfully giving the tithe of all their increase, the treasury would be constantly filled.
Voluntariness instead of Coercion
Systematic charity should not be turned into systematic coercion. They are voluntary gifts that are acceptable to God. True Christian charity springs from the principle of grateful love. Love for Christ cannot exist without corresponding love for those He came into the world to redeem.
Inclusion of All Members and Distribution of the Burden
This system provides that each friend of the cause pays a certain amount weekly, proportionate to the possession he holds. In this way the burden is borne by all, so that it does not heavily rest on anyone; and the resources needed for the work flow in a steady stream into the treasury.
- Systematic Charity
- Tithes and Gifts
- Church Order Finances
Original Sources (English)
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