God-Based Giving
Something clicked in my mind and heart when Pastor Jamie described the difference between need-based giving and God-based giving last Sunday. Suddenly, I saw how God has been leading me on a unique journey to find my place in His church.
When my wife Cindy and I got married 40 years ago, we wanted to serve our church. When a need for leaders in the Jr. High group arose, we jumped in. We were operating under needs-based giving, and the results were somewhat frustrating and disappointing. We continued on, however, determined to do our part.
As our family grew, we helped in children’s ministry and I even taught an adult Bible study. Although I received positive feedback, I questioned my giftedness. I enjoyed the study and preparation, but felt emotionally drained after each class.
In 2000, I began taking an interest in photography based on a need for quality photographs of our daughter who became Miss Arizona. I started learning all I could about cameras and how to get good images. After a few years of study and practice, I was producing professional results.
Fast forward to 2011, when Cindy and I were invited to attend SBC. As an engineer, I first noticed the technical aspects, but I also noticed that all the people around me were actually singing and engaged in worship. That year, I attended Winter Wonder and my eyes were opened to a whole new challenge—could I capture the beauty of that experience with a camera?
Inspired by Pastor Jamie’s teaching and what we experienced, Cindy and I eventually decided to make SBC our church home that following year.
As Winter Wonder 2012 approached, I was still pondering whether I could use photography to share it. We planned to attend the Saturday afternoon performance with family. Beforehand, I told Cindy I was thinking of bringing my camera to try to capture the colors, and I asked her what she thought. One of the beauties of a godly wife is that her response can be God’s way of getting through to you if you aren’t really paying attention to Him. Her immediate response was, “I think that’s a great idea.” I told her I would only take the smaller camera and lens, but would try to get seats close to the front for all of us.
When we arrived, the Worship Center was so full we could only find seats four rows from the back. I quickly realized it was impossible to get a clear shot from there. Noticing my frustration, Cindy encouraged me to get up and stand in the back. During the second half, I took a few photographs, but it was evident the lens I brought was not the best choice. Then came the manger scene. I set the camera the best I could and took a couple photos. When I got home and transferred them to my computer, I was caught up in the beauty and the message of my second Winter Wonder.
My thoughts turned to how I could thank Troy Peterson and SBC for the evening of worship that I had just been a part of. I thought about an email to Troy, but since I didn’t know him, decided to give Twitter a shot. I composed a short tweet and attached my manger scene photo. To my surprise, Troy saw it and responded that night.
The next morning at church, I was reading the scripture for the message before the service started when something odd happened. There was no one between me and the Worship Center stage and Troy emerged from the back, walked to the front stage and was standing there alone. A thought came into my head: “You should go introduce yourself to Troy!” I’m an introvert, but I did it anyway, and his first response was to ask me where I had taken the photo from. I pointed to the location, told him I had only used my smaller camera and lens, and then asked if he would mind me photographing the entire performance with a better camera. He invited me to do so, and I returned for that afternoon’s performance.
Afterwards, I sent Troy a link to the photos and thanked him for his hard work and for the work of so many talented people. I told him it was my way of thanking him for the impact Winter Wonder would make in the lives of all who were able to see it.
I didn’t know then that I had made a new friend, or the opportunities I would soon be exposed to, or that what had just happened was best described as God-based giving. Gradually I met the rest of the team and was invited to photograph other events at the church as part of the Tech team.
Growing up in the church, when the areas to serve were listed, photography was never mentioned. There were only the usual “need-based” roles, as Jamie described them.
I absolutely love to document through photography what is going on at Scottsdale Bible. It’s also my way to thank others for what they do around the church and to provide a way for people to see SBC no matter where they are in the world. I have never felt so fulfilled. It didn’t really click why until Jamie talked about God-based giving this past weekend. I’m so thankful he did!
Greg Vatt
