Teaching children to give is an important part of their faith education that we as parents should model early and reinforce often. How many of us grew up being handed a few coins to drop into the offering plate on Sunday mornings? Do you remember how you felt - that connection to something much bigger than yourself?

At Dallas Bible, we offer children’s ministry during the worship services, and our children don’t often have an opportunity to witness giving in action. Technology has also made it easy to give online for convenience, so the “act” of giving as part of the worship experience has changed.

Here's where the Kids Giving Station comes in! It's a way to implement a giving strategy for your entire family. Here's how it works:

STEP 1

Teach your children to put God first in everything.

Understanding that God wants to be an important part of every aspect of our lives and that we are to love God with all our hearts leads to viewing monetary giving as a natural extension of that relationship rather than an obligation. In fact, when we give money to the church, it helps the church do the things God has asked the church to do. It helps the church teach people about God so that other people can know that God loves them, too.

STEP 2

Provide opportunities for your children to earn their own money.

For a child to learn how to give tithes and offerings, he has to have money of his own to give. Giving a simple allowance is great, but it's even better if your child is given an allowance based on age appropriate chores that they have done.

STEP 3

Define concepts.

A tithe is the first tenth (10 percent) of a person’s income, to be given to the Lord. Offerings are other gifts which are given above the tithe. Offerings may be for something specific, such as a visiting missionary, or a church fundraiser. If your child isn’t old enough to understand percentages, consider paying his allowance with some coins.

If you want to be very visual, set up three jars or envelopes labeled “Money for God,” “Money to Save,” and “Money to Spend.” If you give a $2-per-week allowance, give as a dollar bill and 4 quarters, placing one quarter in the “Money for God” container first, then one quarter in the “Money to Save” container and the rest in the “Money to Spend” container. 

In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to tithe (give a tenth of) everything they had. He asked for their first fruits – the best of their harvest – before they used any for themselves. If you want to dig deeper, Scripture tells us how God wants us to give:

• Regularly (I Corinthians 16:2)
• Secretly (Matthew 6:1-2)
• Sacrificially (Luke 21:1-4)
• Based on your earnings (I Corinthians 16:2)
• Purposefully (II Corinthians 9:7)
• Cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7)
• With God’s priorities in mind (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Generously, realizing that your giving determines what you receive (Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6)

STEP 4

Put giving into action.

As a family, make it a regular part of your Sunday routine to stop by the Kids Giving Station and give to the Lord!