Giving
Thank you for taking time to consider supporting the work of Christ Church Mayfair.
Christ Church is a Bible-teaching church who love and serve Jesus. It was planted (as ‘The Bible Talks’) with the support of St Helen’s Bishopsgate and the Bishop of London in January 2001 as an Anglican Evangelical Church with an initial aim of reaching workers and young professionals with the gospel, and training them for gospel ministry. Since we were established, our church family has doubled in size, we have employed additional staff and we have witnessed God growing our ministry to internationals in London, to students at Imperial College and to workers in Mayfair and Westminster. We have also been able to support a number of people through our apprenticeship scheme, many of whom have gone on to train at Bible College.
We have also grown up and had children so a morning congregation was started in October 2004. In October 2006 we began a mission to the World’s End Estate in Chelsea (St John’s) and in September 2007 a new church plant, Emmanuel Fulham began.
How can I give?
Regular giving
If you are in a position to do so, the most helpful way to give is by standing order. To request a standing order form, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Please fill in your details and then return the form to us so that we can arrange it with your bank. You might like to consider keeping a copy for your own records.
One-off donations
If you wish to make a one-off gift, this can be done by making a donation by cash or cheque (payable to “The Bible Talks”) on a Sunday or sending a cheque (no cash please) to the Treasurer at the address below.
Please consider Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, it is a great help if you also complete a Gift Aid form, please email, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to request a form as this enables us to reclaim basic rate income tax on any standing order or one-off donations you make.
For more information about giving or the church’s finances, or to send standing order/gift aid forms:
Post: The Treasurer, Christ Church Mayfair, Down St, London, W1J 7AN, UK
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
How much should we give?
Tithing, that is, giving 10% of what we have, is a principle stated repeatedly in the Mosaic law, connected to produce from the land.
Given that believers no longer live in Canaan and that the NT does not insist upon the tithe, is it redundant? Don’t insist upon it; the NT teaching is to be generous 2Cor 9:7-8. Yet it is worth noting that Abraham who owned no land in Canaan and lived before the Mosaic law, paid a tithe to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20; Heb 7:4-10). This begs the question: why would we give less to the one who is greater and fulfils the priesthood of Melchizedek i.e. Jesus? It’s good advice to think of 10% as a minimum amount to return to God and then to increase that as spiritual maturity and income allow.
If we’ve tithed and it does not cut into our living, then our conscience should be alerted. If to tithe means that we can’t pay for our basic needs (accommodation, basic food and clothing), then don’t tithe. If we’re making a sacrifice but can’t tithe, then our conscience should not condemn us. The New Testament expects our giving to be sacrificial. Paul writes to the Philippians (Phil. 4:18)
“I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”
Where does the money come from and where does it go to?
The vast majority of our income comes from donations made by members of the congregation. We encourage all those who consider themselves committed members of the Christ Church family to carefully consider their response to supporting the ongoing needs of the church. Tax refunds from donations made under Gift Aid are an important source of funding so givers who pay tax are strongly encouraged to fill in a simple form [click here] to enable the church to claim back the tax. We receive no income from the Church of England.
Our money gets spent across the range of ministries in ways and amounts which are monitored and controlled by the Church Treasurer and Elders, and the Trustees of The Bible Talks Trust. This constant review, as well as the presentation and publication of accounts once per year ensures we do our best to honour God with the way in which our resources are spent.
Our highest area of expenditure is staffing costs (including support for apprentices on the training scheme). Together support for other congregations (St John’s, Chelsea and Emmanuel, Fulham) and giving outside the church e.g. to mission partners constitute the second largest part of expenditure, with outlay on buildings/equipment making up the balance.
Why should we give?
Jesus Christ gave his life for us and we belong to Him, owe him everything.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2Cor. 8:9
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.” 1Cor. 6:19-20
Hear more: [mp3 Treasure that lasts Matt 6]
