Pooled Income Funds that Accelerate Church Growth
Have you ever wondered how Jesus, an itinerant, homeless prophet, survived his three year ministry with little more than the clothes on his back? How was his ministry sustained when he adhered to such an austere lifestyle? One of the clues to how Jesus’ ministry was financially funded is found in Luke 8:1-3.
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. (Luke 8:1-3, NLT)
There are some fascinating details in this passage that are often overlooked. For example, notice how Jesus accepted the support and company of women who would have been regarded as subordinate in Jewish culture. It’s also noteworthy to recognize that the wife of Herod’s business administrator, Joanna, participated in the support of Jesus’ work. While this is the only mention of Susanna in Scripture, we will see Mary Magdalene and Joanna present with Jesus at the scene of his crucifixion.
These women shared two things in common. First, each of them had a profound, transformative experience with Jesus. We know Mary Magdalene was the one that Jesus cast out seven demons. The others, we may suppose, had experienced physical healing either personally or for an immediate family member. Regardless of their specific and unique life events, Jesus had delivered a miraculous reversal.
The second thing they had in common was they were supporting the continuing ministry of Jesus and the message of the Kingdom of God from their own financial resources. Because of what Jesus had provided for each of them through healing and wholeness, they responded with an act of worship in the form of generosity.
Jeffrey and Elizabeth were long time members of First Church. As they became aware of the opportunities of planned giving, they selected to participate in the Pooled Income Fund (PIF) created by their Church. A PIF is like a mutual fund that is exclusive for the Church’s benefit. It is a contract between the Church and the giver that provides a “give/invest” strategy that is mutually beneficial.
Jeffrey and Elizabeth held appreciated stock that they wanted to give to First Church that would provide an income tax deduction, avoid capital gains tax, receive a lifetime stream of additional income, and make a gift to the Church. They, along with others in their congregation, were able to accomplish each of these goals through the Pooled Income Fund and advance the mission, values and vision of the Church.
One of the key components of the Kingdom of God is the principle of community. When a person joins the community of faith, they also join a community of believers who share similar values and come together around the same mission and vision. Together, we attend. Together, we serve. And together, we bear witness to “God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
Your church has provided the opportunity to give appreciated, non cash assets through a Pooled Income Fund. Your gift will not only provide direct financial benefits to you, your gift, along with others and their gifts, can collectively support your Church to fund its ministry and fuel its mission for generations to come.
You are encouraged to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of the advisors that the Church has provided. The advisors are glad to work with you and your personal financial advisor confidentially to help you achieve your generosity goals.
You may not have personally experienced an exorcism or a dramatic physical healing, but you have experienced the greatest miracle of all, the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus’ saving grace. How will you respond to him?
