Getters and Givers in the Church (Part 1) by Marcel and Jacqueline Bruff

Getters and Givers in the Church.

(Part 1)

In the last four decades we’ve seen what happens when leaders forget that no pastor, president, or prime minister is above the law of God. The Church isn’t for building personal empires. It’s for building the Kingdom. And in the Kingdom, Jesus sets the rules, he is the authority

He was never a getter, but giver.

The Getters and the Givers are two types of people, below are three points Getters vs Givers in the Church.

Getters take from the church. Givers build the church.

Getter mindset. "What can I get? Position, money, honor, platform."

This is what leads pastors to confuse church finances with personal finances and live lavish lifestyles. It’s using people for gain.

Giver mindset. "What can I give? Time, gifts, money, service."

This builds the body.

(Acts 20:35)

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Getters lean on their own understanding. Givers submit to God’s Word.

Getter mindset. "The church exists for my dream, my vision, my success."

That’s how leaders end up preaching contrary to the Word and get disgraced as hirelings.

The Bible uses the term hireling (or hired hand) as a primary metaphor for self-serving leaders who work only for pay rather than true love and protection for the sheep.

Giver mindset. "I submit my plans, my finances, my ambition to the authority of God’s Word."

God promotes and protects those who submit.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

(1 Peter 5:2-3) “Shepherd the flock of God... not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”

Getters create consumers. Givers create disciples.

Getter mindset. Uses the church to grow their name, and celebrity status.

Giver mindset. Uses their life to grow Christ’s name. People become family and co-laborers.

Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve. That’s our model.

(Mark 10:45) “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7) “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Just as no leader is above the Bible, no member is either.

Ask: Am I here to get from God and His people, or to give for God and His people?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for any time we’ve come to Your house with a getter’s heart. Wash us and give us a giver’s heart like Jesus. Lord Jesus, Humble us under Your Word. Keep us from confusing Your church with our personal plans. Let us shepherd eagerly, not for shameful gain, but as examples.

Father, teach us to give our time, our gifts, our resources cheerfully. Help us build, not consume.

Let Your church be known not for who took the most, but for who gave the most.

We submit our dreams and ambitions to You. Make our paths straight.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Marcel and Jackie Bruff

@walkgoodinchrist