Review of Celebrating the Offering
By Donald W. Joiner

When I am in worship, in different churches on many Sundays, I like to see how the offering is handled. In some churches, nothing is said. In some, the ushers are invited up. In many, the choir sings to fill the gap. In most, it is an uncomfortable gap in worship. We don't know where to put the time of the offering, or what to say or do.

At one time, I heard it referred to as an "apologetic interlude." At another time, I had heard a worship leader say, "I know you don't want to take an offering, but it wouldn't be church if we didn't."

Two brothers (both by birth and both being clergy) -- Melvin and James Amerson -- have tackled the issue of the offering, and have given us an image to celebrate in Celebrating the Offering (Discipleship Resources, 2007).

Celebrating The Offering is a one-of-a-kind resource to help clergy and lay worship teams understand this important time of worship. It can be used as a tool in planning worship; a discussion tool in a worship planning team; and in new member orientation.

In chapter one, Melvin and James Amerson write about the biblical and historical setting of offerings in the Old Testament. Here is a story, not about getting money, but of worshiping God. In another chapter the New Testament story focuses on giving cheerfully and from a generous heart.

Some churches make a major mistake by not even having a time for the offering. They place giving baskets somewhere in the church for people to place their gifts. But there is no time in worship to raise up thanks and praise for this gift of giving. My wife is one of the most generous people I know. She is often seen giving -- giving of herself, and taking food to people in need. But when she is the recipient of others giving, she has a hard time being the receiver. I have to remind her how vital and important it is for people to give. The time of the offering in worship is the same. Christians, who are receivers of God's generosity and love, need opportunities to be generous givers.

One of the most amazing actions during the time of the offering is the use of that time to tell stories of ministries. Today people want to know where their giving is going. They don't usually want to know how much was spent, but what difference their giving is making to help build the Kingdom of God and help people. The authors share ideas for telling stories in skits, in short video stories, or persons sharing their personal witness of how the church has touched them.

With chapters for clergy, laity, children, and youth, this book is truly an offering. Thanks to the brothers Amerson for this gift.

Donald W. Joiner (djoiner@gbod.org) is the Operations Officer and Director of Fund Development at the GBOD.

Posted 6-9-09