Activities of the Cincinnati Church of Christ are funded by generous giving of the individual members themselves. Each Christian's duty to support the church is clearly spelled out in such passages as 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, and every member is encouraged to contribute sacrificially towards the work of the church.

In our congregation there are three types of contributions. The first is the weekly contribution at which time members are encouraged to tithe -- that is, give 10% of their income. However, it is up to each member to decide how much they give.

The second contribution is a contribution for the poor. This money goes to the poor of our church, and the poor of the Cincinnati metropolitan area through both financial aid, and from our food pantry.

The third contribution is an annual missions or "Special" contribution, which primarily supplies needs of the Third World although some funds are used for mission work and for local needs.

As scripture explains, our giving helps those who need it, but even more importantly, it helps us who are giving it. More important than the amount we give is our attitude before God in regards to our giving, and not that we give out of compulsion.

More information on God's thoughts on giving can be found in numerous scriptures, including:

• Proverbs 3:9
• Proverbs 11:25
• Proverbs 22:9
• Matthew 5:42
• Luke 12:33-34
• Luke 21:1-4
• Acts 11:29
• 1 Corinthians 16:2
• 2 Corinthians 9:6

God truly loves a cheerful giver, and it is more blessed to give than to receive!