Biblical teaching on giving and its implication on the living Faith Church Ebhuakhoala

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Giving is one of the most important spiritual disciplines in Christianity, rooted deeply in both Old and New Testament teachings. The Bible presents God as the ultimate giver, demonstrated most profoundly in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” This divine act of giving forms the foundation of Christian generosity. In the Old Testament, giving was institutionalized through tithes, offerings, and sacrifices, which were both acts of obedience and avenues of worship (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10). These practices served to sustain the temple, provide for the priesthood, and foster community solidarity.

In the New Testament, the scope of giving was broadened beyond legalistic requirements to embrace sacrificial love and generosity. Jesus Christ emphasized giving to the poor, the marginalized, and those in need as central to Christian discipleship (Luke 6:38; Matthew 25:35–36). The Apostle Paul further reinforced this by teaching that giving should be voluntary, cheerful, and motivated by love rather than compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:6–7). Thus, biblical giving is not merely transactional but covenantal, symbolizing the believer’s obedience, gratitude, and trust in God’s provision (Harrison, 2019).

Christian giving also serves as a tool for advancing the mission of the church. In the early church, believers shared resources so that none among them would lack (Acts 4:32–35). This communal lifestyle reflects the spirit of generosity and stewardship that the church continues to uphold today. According to Adeboye (2017), the biblical model of giving ensures the sustainability of the church’s ministry, supports evangelistic efforts, and demonstrates the love of Christ in practical terms.

The Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has institutionalized giving as a covenant practice central to its theology and practice. Under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo, the church emphasizes tithing, offerings, kingdom investments, and prophetic sacrifices as biblical principles of prosperity and spiritual growth (Oyedepo, 2005). The church teaches that giving is not only an act of worship but also a covenant connector to divine blessings and breakthrough. In Ebhuakhoala, this emphasis on biblical giving is reflected in both the teachings and practices of the congregation, shaping the faith and livelihood of its members.

In practical terms, giving has social and economic implications for both the church and its members. Through members’ contributions, the church is able to finance projects such as church buildings, mission outreaches, and welfare programs that benefit the local community. For example, Eze (2020) observed that churches in Nigeria often rely on scriptural giving to fund education, healthcare, and humanitarian projects. Thus, giving serves as a bridge between faith and community development, demonstrating the relevance of biblical principles in addressing social needs.

Nevertheless, challenges surrounding giving in the church cannot be ignored. Some members misunderstand giving as mere financial obligation rather than spiritual obedience, while others express skepticism about the use of funds by church leadership. This has sometimes led to apathy and decline in participation. Nwachukwu (2018) notes that misinterpretation of prosperity teachings in Nigeria has also created suspicion and resistance among some believers. These challenges highlight the need for renewed emphasis on the biblical foundation of giving as opposed to manipulative or transactional approaches.

In the context of Ebhuakhoala, giving plays a dual role: it sustains the spiritual life of the church while also impacting the socio-economic well-being of its members. Believers are taught to view giving as a covenant practice that guarantees both spiritual rewards and material blessings (Philippians 4:19). For many, this teaching influences their approach to finances, stewardship, and personal development. Consequently, understanding the biblical teaching on giving is crucial to evaluating its impact on the growth and sustainability of the Living Faith Church in this community.

In summary, giving remains a central theme in the Christian faith, with biblical roots that extend from the Old Testament practice of tithing to the New Testament emphasis on generosity and love. For the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala, giving is more than financial contribution; it is a spiritual covenant that binds members to God’s promises of provision and prosperity. By exploring the biblical foundation and practical implications of giving, this study seeks to shed light on how the church embodies scriptural principles of generosity and how these principles affect both the congregation and the wider community.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Giving is a central aspect of Christian faith and practice, yet many believers still grapple with its true meaning and application. While the Bible presents giving as both an act of worship and a covenant responsibility, some Christians reduce it to a mere financial obligation. This misconception has often created tension, as members may view giving as a compulsory demand rather than a joyful response to God’s grace and blessings. Such a perception undermines the biblical teaching that emphasizes cheerful, voluntary, and faith-driven giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Another pressing issue is the skepticism surrounding the use of church funds. In many congregations, including Ebhuakhoala, some members question whether their contributions are being properly utilized for ministry, missions, and community welfare. Lack of transparency or inadequate communication from leadership can lead to distrust, thereby discouraging active participation. When members doubt the integrity of church financial management, they may withhold their giving, which negatively affects the church’s capacity to execute its programs.

Furthermore, economic hardship presents a major challenge to consistent giving. In a society where unemployment and poverty rates are high, many believers struggle to balance personal financial responsibilities with their commitment to giving. Members of the Living Faith Church in Ebhuakhoala are not exempt from these realities, as financial constraints sometimes limit their ability to fully engage in tithes, offerings, and other forms of giving. This creates a gap between the biblical ideal of generosity and the practical experiences of believers.

In addition to financial limitations, variations in spiritual maturity and commitment also affect giving practices. While some members embrace giving as a covenant obligation tied to divine blessings, others remain indifferent or reluctant due to weak understanding of its biblical foundation. This inconsistency in practice hinders the collective strength of the church and poses challenges to sustaining its mission. Without a shared conviction about the role of giving, the church risks uneven growth and limited impact.

Another problem lies in the spread of prosperity-oriented interpretations of giving. In some cases, believers may be motivated to give with the expectation of immediate material returns rather than genuine obedience to God. Such transactional perspectives distort the biblical principle of giving as an act of faith, stewardship, and love. In Ebhuakhoala, where the Living Faith Church emphasizes covenant practices of giving, this mindset may lead to disappointment and disillusionment when members do not experience instant results.

Therefore, it becomes imperative to critically examine the biblical teaching on giving and how it is applied within the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala. Understanding the spiritual and practical implications of giving will help address misconceptions, encourage faithful stewardship, and strengthen the church’s role in both spiritual growth and community development. This study seeks to explore these issues in order to provide insights that can guide both members and leaders in aligning giving practices with biblical principles.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the biblical teaching on giving and its implications on the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Explore the biblical foundation of giving in both the Old and New Testaments.
2. Investigate how the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala, teaches and practices giving.
3. Assess the implications of giving on the spiritual growth, church development, and welfare of members.
4. Identify the challenges faced by members in practicing biblical giving.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The study is significant because it seeks to deepen the understanding of biblical principles of giving among Christians. Many believers in contemporary churches often interpret giving as a financial obligation or a means of appeasing God, rather than as an expression of love, obedience, and worship. By exploring the scriptural foundations of giving, this research will correct such misconceptions and help Christians return to a more holistic and covenant-based understanding of generosity. This renewed understanding can encourage cheerful, voluntary, and faith-driven giving that aligns with the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments.

In addition, this study will serve as a vital resource for church leaders within the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala, and beyond. Pastors and church administrators play a critical role in teaching and modeling the principles of stewardship, and a proper grasp of biblical giving can strengthen their leadership. With insights from this research, leaders can improve the way they communicate the importance of giving, ensuring that members understand it not as compulsion but as a spiritual privilege. This will, in turn, enhance trust, accountability, and effectiveness in the management of church resources.

The study is also important for church members, as it will help them appreciate giving as a covenant responsibility with both spiritual and material rewards. For example, understanding promises such as those found in Malachi 3:10 and Luke 6:38 can encourage believers to see giving as a pathway to God’s blessings rather than a financial burden. This perspective can motivate members to engage in consistent, joyful, and faith-filled giving that not only enriches their spiritual lives but also contributes to the collective progress of the church.

Moreover, this research contributes to the sustainability of church growth and community impact. The Living Faith Church, like many other congregations, depends on the faithfulness of members in giving to fund its missions, outreach, and welfare programs. By reinforcing the biblical foundation of giving, the study will support the church in fulfilling its divine mandate of spreading the gospel and improving the welfare of both members and the surrounding community. Thus, the research has both spiritual and socio-economic significance.

Beyond its local application, the study will also benefit theological scholarship. It provides relevant insights for students and scholars interested in the practical application of biblical doctrines within contemporary African Christianity. As the debate on prosperity gospel, stewardship, and church financing continues to grow, this research offers a contextualized perspective that reflects the lived experiences of believers in Ebhuakhoala. Such contributions enrich the broader discourse on faith, stewardship, and the church’s role in society.

Finally, this study is significant because it bridges the gap between theology and practice. While biblical doctrines often remain abstract in academic discussions, this research grounds them in the daily realities of a local congregation. By highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of giving, the study equips leaders, members, and scholars with practical strategies for applying scriptural principles in ways that promote faith, trust, and community development. This practical relevance makes the research not only academically valuable but also pastorally and socially impactful.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala, focusing on the biblical teaching on giving and its implications on the church and members. While the study may reference general Christian practices and doctrines of giving, its emphasis is on the activities, teachings, and experiences within the Ebhuakhoala assembly.

1.6 Limitation of the Study

This research may be constrained by limited access to financial records of the church, as such information is often treated with confidentiality. Additionally, time and resource limitations may restrict the study to a specific number of respondents within the congregation. The views expressed may therefore not fully represent the wider denomination but will reflect the peculiar context of Ebhuakhoala.

1.7 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the biblical foundations of giving in both the Old and New Testaments?
2. How does the Living Faith Church, Ebhuakhoala, teach and practice giving?
3. What are the implications of giving on the spiritual growth and development of the church?
4. What challenges do members face in practicing biblical giving?

1.8 Definition of Terms

Giving: In the context of this study, giving refers to the voluntary and cheerful act of offering material or financial resources in obedience to biblical principles. It includes tithes, offerings, alms, and other contributions made to support the work of God, the welfare of others, and the growth of the church.

Tithe: The tithe is the biblical practice of setting aside one-tenth (10%) of an individual’s income or produce as an offering to God (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10). Within the Living Faith Church, tithing is emphasized as a covenant responsibility that connects believers to divine blessings and provision.

Offering: This refers to any freewill contribution given by believers in addition to the tithe. Offerings are expressions of gratitude, worship, and love toward God. They are not fixed in proportion but vary according to the ability and willingness of the giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Kingdom Investment: Kingdom investment, as taught in the Living Faith Church, refers to voluntary financial contributions dedicated to advancing God’s work on earth. This includes supporting mission projects, building programs, evangelism, and church expansion initiatives.

Prophetic Sacrifice: This term is used within the Living Faith Church to describe special acts of giving inspired by faith, often in response to prophetic instructions. Such sacrifices are believed to provoke supernatural breakthroughs and divine intervention in the lives of believers.

Almsgiving: Almsgiving is the act of helping the poor and needy through financial or material support. Biblically, it is regarded as a form of righteousness and compassion (Matthew 6:1–4; Acts 10:2).

Implications: In this study, implications refer to the effects, outcomes, or consequences that biblical giving has on the church and its members, both spiritually and materially. This includes church growth, member welfare, spiritual development, and socio-economic impact.

Covenant Practice: A covenant practice is an act of obedience carried out in response to God’s word, with the belief that it establishes a spiritual agreement between God and the believer. In the Living Faith Church, giving is taught as a covenant practice that guarantees blessings, prosperity, and divine favor.