What is a “giving ministry”?
FORGE will be a “giving ministry” because we believe this better reflects the way of Jesus, protects the integrity of the gospel, refuses financial dependence on those we disciple, and models surrender of rights for the sake of the Kingdom.
“Taking-centered ministries” typically operate by gathering existing resources from the people and redistributing them toward needs, programs, facilities, staffing, and ministry operations. Even when the intentions are sincere, this model often creates overlap and waste: multiple ministries in the same community raising money for similar purposes, maintaining separate buildings, duplicating programs, and consuming resources that could be used more directly to meet real needs.
FORGE is choosing a different path. “Giving-centered ministry” does not begin by asking people to sustain the work. It begins by working, building, stewarding, and injecting new resources directly into needs. More importantly, it disciples men to become generous builders themselves. Jesus commanded His disciples to give freely, Paul surrendered his legitimate right to financial support so the gospel would not be hindered, and the early church modeled sacrificial care for the strengthening of the body.
Taking-centered ministry asks the people to sustain the work.
Giving-centered ministry lays down its rights, strengthens the people, removes obstacles to the gospel, and forms men who become givers themselves.
Core Principles That Distinguish FORGE as a Giving Ministry
1. We freely give because we have freely received.
Scripture:
“Freely you received, freely give.” — Matthew 10:8, NASB
Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. The command was clear: what they had received from God was not to become a product, a fundraising platform, or a religious economy.
Truth:
The gospel is not merchandise. Ministry is not a transaction. Grace received becomes grace released.
Action:
FORGE will not place financial pressure on the men it is called to disciple. We will give teaching, training, mentorship, accountability, and investment without solicitation.
Distinction:
A taking model says, “Support us so we can do ministry.”
A giving model says, “We have received from Christ, so we will pour out for the formation of men.”
2. We surrender the right to support so the gospel is not hindered.
Scripture:
“Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 9:12, NASB
Paul clearly taught that gospel workers had a right to receive support. But he also chose to surrender that right in certain contexts because the mission mattered more than his entitlement. We believe we live in a context now where this right should be surrendered.
This is central for FORGE.
Truth:
Having a right does not mean we must use it. Love sometimes lays down legitimate rights to remove barriers to the gospel.
Action:
FORGE will surrender any claim to being financially supported by those we serve, especially if receiving support could create suspicion, dependence, manipulation, or confusion.
Distinction:
A taking model may defend its right to be supported.
A giving model asks, “What rights should we lay down so men can see Christ more clearly?”
3. We choose to make ministry dependent on us.
Scripture:
“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the men who were with me.” — Acts 20:33–34, NASB
Paul’s example to the Ephesian elders was not merely theological. It was visible. His own hands provided for his needs. He did not make ministry a burden on the people.
Truth:
We look to strengthen, protect, and equip the flock - not burden it.
Action:
FORGE will build in such a way that the ministry is not dependent on constant appeals to money, donor pressure, or emotional fundraising.
Distinction:
A taking model often requires the people to keep feeding the institution.
A giving model works, builds, stewards, and releases resources for the good of others.
4. We work so we can give, not take.
Scripture:
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” — Acts 20:35, NASB
Paul connects hard work with helping the weak. Work is not merely for personal advancement. Work creates capacity for generosity.
Truth:
Kingdom men do not work only to consume. They work to provide, strengthen, and give.
Action:
FORGE will teach men to build businesses, develop skill, steward resources, and create value so they can become givers in their homes, churches, and communities.
Distinction:
A taking model raises money to meet needs.
A giving model raises men who work, build, and meet needs.
5. We give to form men, not to create dependency.
Scripture:
“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:10, NASB
FORGE giving is not charity. It is discipleship investment. The goal is not to make men comfortable. The goal is to help men become faithful, disciplined, fruitful, and responsible before God.
Truth:
Biblical generosity strengthens responsibility. It does not reward disorder.
Action:
FORGE will give and invest with discernment. Men receiving business help, partnership, or capital must be teachable, diligent, accountable, and willing to work.
Distinction:
A taking model may fund programs that temporarily manage problems.
A giving model forms men who become responsible Kingdom builders that edify the Church.
6. We distribute resources instead of centralizing them.
Scripture:
“And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.” — Acts 2:44–45, NASB
The early church saw resources as entrusted means for meeting needs and strengthening the body.
Truth:
Kingdom resources are not meant to pool around image, property, and institutional expansion. They are meant to serve people and advance obedience.
Action:
FORGE will prioritize releasing resources into men, households, skill development, business formation, and community impact.
Distinction:
A taking model centralizes resources to expand the organization.
A giving model distributes resources to multiply faithful men.
7. We exist to edify the body of christ.
Scripture:
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2, NASB
Paul’s model was not institutional accumulation. It was faithful transmission. Truth was entrusted to men who could entrust it to others.
Truth:
The fruit of ministry is not the size of the platform, budget, building, staff, or audience. The fruit is faithful men formed in Christ who multiply.
Action:
FORGE will measure fruit by gospel clarity, obedience, spiritual maturity, work ethic, stewardship, brotherhood, and multiplication.
Distinction:
A taking model often measures health by what gathers around the ministry.
A giving model measures health by what is formed and sent through the ministry.