Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual growth is God’s work. If you are a follower of Jesus, it’s an act of grace that transforms and changes you. But the fact that it’s the Holy Spirit who is at work in you doesn’t mean you don’t play a part. There are things you must do in response to the Spirit's work to listen to Him and experience healthy spiritual growth. These things have traditionally been called “spiritual disciplines.”

A biblical guide to giving 

The strength of Hope Valley Church can be found in the generosity & commitment of the people who call Hope Valley their local church. 

The teaching on giving at Hope Valley Church is based on our understanding that everything belongs to God and we are called by God to simply give the first of what has be entrusted to us back to Him.

This scriptural understanding is consistent with and taught through the Christian church around the world.

We believe this biblical discipline is one of the keys to growing in faith. Seek after God for how you should respond to all God has given you. Discover the joy and freedom of making tithing a foundational principle in your giving.

What is a tithe?
Tithe simply means a “tenth part”. According to the Old Testament, a tithe is ten percent given back to God before any other obligations are considered.

What should I tithe?
"Honour the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income…” Proverbs 3: 9-10
Make it the first line in your income and family budget, not the last. It is the natural thankful response of giving back to God a portion of what God provides for us.

When should I tithe?
"On the first day of every week set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn." 1 Corinthians 16:2

The local church is resourced in its mission by our tithes. This mission is to proclaim and live the gospel in both word and deed within the community it serves. At Hope Valley we also have the joy to give in other offerings over and above our tithe to other worthwhile mission projects as God directs us.

What We Believe About Giving

Giving of our firstfruits is an act of worship that honors God (Proverbs 3:9) and reminds us that all we own, not just what we give, is the Lord's (Psalm 24:1). God gives eternal gifts (John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 2:12) as well as temporal ones (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, James 1:17), and when we as followers of Christ freely and joyfully give of our resources, we are imitating God. Your desire to give not only allows us to continue our mission of being and making disciples, but also illustrates your relationship with God (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) and how investing wisely benefits you (Acts 20:35, Luke 12:33). Let us all prayerfully consider how we might continue to invest in this mission with our hearts and God’s possessions.