from the session

Dear Epping Presbyterian Church family,

This year, we’re introducing a new practice: taking time to pray and consider our giving for the year ahead. We know this may be new for many of us, and we invite you to approach it thoughtfully and prayerfully.


Our goal is to grow generous hearts throughout our church. This is not simply about increasing what we give, but about experiencing the joy and freedom of sacrificial generosity. As Paul writes, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account” (Philippians 4:17). We desire the same thing for our church. Generosity shapes us, deepening our trust in God and helping us grow in maturity.


We also want to share our prayerful goals for the coming year: the people and ministries we hope to invest in as we pursue our mission of making, maturing and multiplying disciples of Jesus. We want everyone to understand where we’re heading and how our shared generosity can support that work.


We invite you to pray, reflect on God’s word and consider what generosity might look like for you in the year ahead. Thank you for the many ways you already serve and support our church family.


With gratitude,


Rev. Darwin Agahari

Minister
On behalf of the Session of Epping Presbyterian Church

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t my giving between God and me? Why make an Expression of Generosity (pledge)?


Your giving is ultimately between you and God. A pledge helps the church estimate its income and make plans for the year ahead.


But most importantly, this process is helpful for you. It gives you time to pray, consider your circumstances and decide what generosity might look like for you. Putting that decision into words can turn a general intention into a practical commitment and help you grow in generosity and trust in God. An Expression of Generosity or a pledge is one way to make that commitment thoughtfully and intentionally.


Doesn’t Jesus say we should give in secret?


In Matthew 6:1–4, Jesus warns against giving in order to gain recognition from others. His concern is the reason behind our actions: are we seeking to honour God, or to draw attention to ourselves?


That teaching doesn’t mean every act of giving must be anonymous. Jesus also said that we should go into our rooms, close the door and pray. But it doesn't mean we shouldn't pray publicly with others. What matters is the motive. 


An expression of generosity or a pledge is intended to help you make a considered commitment. It shouldn’t be used to impress anyone. In fact, it won't impress anyone. When giving is an act of worship and service, it is consistent with Jesus’ teaching.


Can I do it anonymously?


You don’t need to do anything you don’t want to do. We encourage everyone to put their name down because something happens when we put our name to a commitment. It can help make our decision more intentional and give us a way to follow through. Your giving is ultimately between you and God, and your name isn’t there to create pressure or recognition.


How will the church use my giving information?


The church combines the information to estimate its expected income for the year. This provides the Committee of Management one more data point to prepare a responsible budget, support its ministries and make informed decisions about staffing and future opportunities.


Who can see my personal Expression of Generosity (pledge) details?


Only the treasurers will have access to individual information.


What if my circumstances change and I can’t meet my commitment?


We know that circumstances can change. You may become able to give more, or you may face a change in income, unexpected costs or other financial pressure.


A pledge reflects your circumstances when you make it. If those circumstances change and you can no longer give the amount you planned, you can adjust your giving. No one will pursue you or expect you to keep giving beyond what you’re able to give.


The aim is to give faithfully and generously within your means.

Looking towards 2027

Staffing Update for 2027

In 2027, we’ll continue to trust God to work in and through us. Ministry belongs to the whole church, and our staff team helps equip every member to serve and grow that ministry.

  • Matthew Tan - Mission and Worship focus (Full-time)

    We are delighted to share that Matthew Tan will join our staff team next year with a focus on Mission and Worship.

    In Mission, Matt will continue the good work God has done among us through Mikey. We humbly keep praying for adult conversions equal to 5% of our regular Sunday attendance.

    In Worship, we want to invest for the future. If God is willing and our church continues to grow, we will need to prepare for a second morning service to make room for that growth.

    For the past two years, Matt has served part time as a pastoral assistant at Abbotsford Presbyterian Church while completing his theological training. He is married to Ika, and they have two children, Asha and Jireh. Please pray for the Tan family as they prepare to join us.

  • Luke Anderson - Next Generation focus (0.5 FTE)

    Our Kids and Youth ministries have grown significantly over the last four years, and we believe it is time to appoint a gospel worker to focus on this area.

    Luke Anderson is well known to us. He has been part of our church for the past few years and has volunteered to lead our youth team.

    Luke will join the staff team at 0.5 FTE, with responsibility for our Kids, Youth and Family discipleship ministries. As well as working with children and youth, he will walk alongside parents, especially fathers, to equip and encourage them to disciple their children at home.

  • Caroline Clark - Community and Serve focus (0.8 FTE)

    Over the past two years, Caroline has made a significant contribution to the life of our church. Many have commented that it feels as though she has been part of our church for much longer. Her initial two-year fixed-term contract is ending soon, and we would like to continue her role on a permanent basis.

    From 2027, for personal reasons, Caroline will move to 0.8 FTE. She will continue to focus on the Community area and oversee the Serve area.

spiritual decision-making process

STEP 1 - PRAY

Generosity involves more than choosing an amount; it begins with the posture of our hearts. Ask God to help you grow in generosity. Read what the Bible says about giving and reflect on what you’ve heard in the recent sermons on generosity. If you find this difficult to pray about, consider how God may be shaping your priorities, your relationship with money and your circumstances.


STEP 2 - ASSESS

Consider what God has provided and ask Him to guide your decision. You could start by choosing a percentage of your income. For example:

Income source $90,000

Income source $25,000

Total income $115,000

Giving percentage 10%

Giving commitment $11,500

We give generously to those we love. Consider what you could give with a willing heart, as an expression of your love for God and your desire to trust Him


STEP 3 - PLEDGE

Your expression of generosity records what you’ve decided to give over the coming year. It also helps the Committee of Management in their planning. If your circumstances change, you can adjust your giving.

Drop your Expression of Generosity card into the offering box by Sunday, 1st November. You can also encourage others in your Growth Group to talk through the decision and make a faith commitment of their own.


STEP 4 - GIVE

To follow through on your commitment, you could arrange regular giving by direct debit - eppingpc.au/give.

A recurring gift can make it easier to give consistently throughout the year. Regular giving helps sustain our church community and our mission to make, mature and multiply disciples of Jesus. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver.


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