Christian Leaders Institute: Give it Forward Together – What Does That Mean?
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Give
The Christian Leaders Institute employs a “Give It Forward Together” approach to raising Christian leaders and ministers. This Biblical strategy hinges on the understanding that ‘Give’ is not just a command, but an act of willful participation. We encourage each member of our community to give their time, treasures, and talents to advance the cause of Christ.
‘It’ #1: Opportunity
The first ‘It’ refers to the opportunity to learn. CLI offers over 150 free courses and mini-courses covering the Bible, Ministry, Theology, Philosophy, General Education, and Business/Enterprise. These courses have now been accessed by hundreds of thousands of Christians.
This opportunity extends to accessing low-cost ordination programs at the Christian Leaders Alliance and degree programs at the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School. These require modest “fees,” which we call “shares.” This is a required sharing and contribution from one’s treasures, to ensure the sustainability of these individualized programs. This ‘It’ challenges you to give your time for training, your treasures to support others, and your talents to assist others in their journey. Maybe you can share the Christian Leaders Institute opportunity with others.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
‘It’ #2: Calling
The second ‘It’ represents your calling. This is a mission and an identity given by God, a calling to introduce others to Jesus Christ and the transformed life He offers.
As ministers, you are called to give forward this calling, sharing your time, treasures, and gifts. Whether you are a volunteer, a part-time minister, or a full-time servant, this calling compels you to support others who join you in ministry and to use your gifts to serve others in the areas God has called you to.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
‘It’ #3: Revival
The third ‘It’ symbolizes revival. As Christian leaders, you are called to spark a revival in the hearts and souls of men and women through the work of ministry. With your time, talents, and treasures, and the Holy Spirit’s power, your efforts can bring forth a spiritual awakening that reverberates across communities and nations.
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6).
Forward
We Give It Forward together! “Forward” signifies a dynamic process, much like a multiplying effect. Imagine throwing a stone into a calm lake. The initial splash represents an individual’s act of giving – their time, treasure, or talent. As the stone pierces the water’s surface, a ripple multiplies, spreading across the lake. This is the “forward” effect. One person’s giving sets off a chain reaction, where their generosity inspires others to do the same. This influence multiplies, expanding outward and impacting more individuals than the initial giver could have reached alone. In essence, “forward” is an intentional movement that multiplies the effect of a single act of giving, catalyzing a spiritual wave of generosity, community growth, and faith propagation across the Christian community, extending its reach far beyond initial expectations.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 -NIV)
Together
CLI’s ‘Give It Forward Together’ approach unites this mission. Whether rich or poor, everyone has something to offer; whether it be a little or more, we help to give it forward together. We all share our talents and gifts as we spread revival. We work together to further God’s kingdom, sharing our resources, supporting one another, and spreading the Gospel.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
In conclusion, the ‘Give It Forward Together’ approach is a rallying cry for all Christian leaders. It invites us all to participate in God’s work with our time, treasures, and talents. It calls us to embrace our mission and identity in Christ and to work together to ignite a revival that will reverberate through our communities, nations, and the world. By giving forward, we follow Christ’s example, express our love for our neighbors, and advance the kingdom of God on Earth.