As a church we are at a crucial point in the life of the church. For many years there have been conversations, dreams, ideas and critiques of our current facilities. Over forty years ago a pioneering and committed group of people built the building we call home. It is a testament to their faith, sacrifice and vision for Kaiapoi and the wider North Canterbury area.
We want to ”Build for LIFE” – we want to begin a multi-stage redevelopment of our existing buildings. We want to “Build for LIFE” and create a place where people can discover: ‘Food for Life’.
Building for LIFE is all about seeking God for His direction and provision for the future of Kaiapoi Baptist Church. We will spend two months looking at Nehemiah and the miraculous rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
The most important decision you or your family will make during the Building for LIFE series will be the decision about your own giving commitment. As you begin praying about your commitment keep in mind our theme is:
“Equal Sacrifice – Not Equal gifts.”
Remember your Building for LIFE commitment can include both a cash gift AND a 36 month giving commitment. Most of us can give far more than we initially think by giving it over a three year period. You will help the church most by making both gifts.
I can give based on REASON
This means I look at what I have, figure out what is “reasonable” and commit that amount. It takes no faith to give by reason. Reason simply asks, “What can I afford?”
I can give based on REVELATION
This means I determine my gift by praying, “Lord what do you want to give through me?” This requires faith. When you make giving a matter of prayer, your decision becomes an act of worship. Revelation giving is asking “How much am I willing to trust God?”
“Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity