Generosity originates with the generous love of God. It changes our hearts in a way that makes a difference in our world.
We have one mission as a church - transforming lives in Acadiana through Christ-centered relationships. We live out that mission in many different ways.
Our ongoing, weekly ministries serve preschoolers, kids, students, and adults from all different backgrounds with all different types of needs. We make a difference in Acadiana and around the world through our ministry partners. We make significant investments in our campus because it is one of the primary tools we have and we want to be good stewards of it.
All these areas are resourced through the giving of The Bayou family. When you make a contribution to The Bayou, you are contributing to all of the ways we pursue and live out our mission.
Five principles that shape our culture of giving.
When we give, we reflect God's nature. God initiated generosity by giving His Son Jesus, and we give to be like Him.
John 3:16 (NLT) - For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
1 Chronicles 29:14 (NLT) - Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us.
Giving is not ultimately about money - it is about trusting God. Our giving demonstrates that our trust rests in God and not in our money.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT) - Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) - Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
We give because we want to, not because we have to or out of religious obligation.
Acts 20:35 (NLT) - It is more blessed to give than to receive.
2 Corinthians 8:4 (NLT) - They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.
God is unlimited. When we give, it breaks us out of scarcity and ushers us into God's mindset of abundance.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT) - Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NLT) - He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
Focus on taking whatever next step God is calling you to take. Each step of faith brings growth and aligns your heart and life with God.
Give something - If you have never given before, give something. 2 Corinthians 8:12
Give consistently - Commit to giving regularly, even setting up a recurring gift. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Grow in your giving - God often calls us out of our comfort zone to grow even more. 2 Corinthians 8:7
In the messages linked below, Pastor Sean walks through the biblical basis for our generosity.
How did Jesus give? This message reminds us that God ultimately wants our hearts, not our money.
Give Like Jesus
Watch Story
What is generosity? We want to understand how the Bible answers that question and how it is a defining trait of who we are as a church.
Redefining Generosity
Watch Story
What does it look like to move beyond occasional giving to a lifestyle of generosity—one that reflects abundance and trust in God’s provision.
A Life of Generosity
Watch StoryA portion of every gift supports Make a Difference projects and partners in Acadiana and around the world.
We invest in Christ-centered local and international organizations who offer a hand-up rather than a hand-out to those most in need.
Choose the method that works best for you.
Through our partnership with Philanthropy Corp, The Bayou Church now offers estate planning resources to help you incorporate generosity into your long-term financial plan. Whether you are considering a bequest, charitable trust, or other planned giving vehicle, we can help you leave a lasting impact.
Free estate planning sessions are available.
Our combined generosity fuels our ability to make a difference through the ongoing ministries of The Bayou Church and through our ministry partners in Acadiana and beyond.
The annual report and celebration video provide two different perspectives that communicate a single truth - God is changing lives through our generosity.
If you have any questions about giving or if there is any way we can help you, please contact us.