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ASA believes that realistic giving involves making a direct connection between how much we own, earn, spend and save and how much we give.
Each of us has a unique relationship with God and a unique set of circumstances. Only we ourselves can decide what proportion of our money we will give. Our decision should be made in a generous and positive spirit based on thanksgiving. Then our giving is grounded in honesty and realism before God.

The tithe (tenth) is a concept which comes from the Old Testament. The New Testament teaches a message of extravagant love and forgiveness which poses a challenge for every Christian. ASA believes that the tithe should not be used or dismissed as a legalistic standard but as a starting point for thought and prayer. It underlines the seriousness of the need to give proportionately and generously. For some, a tenth will be too much, for others, not enough. Our response must reflect God's generosity and love as expressed in the Incarnation, Crucifixion and Resurrection. The tithe must not be set aside for a lesser, escapist concept.

The low level of giving by many Church of England people is the main cause of the Church's financial problems. It reflects the level of commitment and priorities of church members. The Church must promote a spirituality which relates faith to money in every area of its life and that of its members. This is the only long-term answer. ASA enables the local church to work towards this goal by offering a continuing teaching programme so members learn to give generously and respond sacrificially to God's love. This promotes spiritual growth in the church and a sharing of faith with new people.

A church's activities should not rely on money received as a result of its members appealing to non-churchgoers or on casual giving. ASA recognises that fund-raising is a proper way of financing capital and special projects in the parish and beyond. It can enable people who do not worship regularly to show their support for a fine building or to identify with important work done for the benefit of others. Where fund-raising is undertaken for a church-based project, committed members will, in almost every case, need to provide the lead in giving.

Generous and sacrifical giving comes from a process of growth as we apply our faith to our changing circumstances. Response in commitment and response in giving are an interlocking relationship. As we learn to give more generously we encourage one another. As we learn to care more fully we support one another and provide a welcome to newcomers. We undergo this transformation as we learn to reflect God's generosity.

ASA offers expert, independent and impartial help. The advantages are:

• The sharing of a wider vision based on more than 30 years experience working with churches.
• Detachment from a church's internal anxieties and feuds.
• The ability to present the challenge of money and giving directly and clearly.
• We are able to absorb the hostility which can arise when people are facing difficult issues.

A fee is charged based on the size and financial situation of each parish. It is covered by a guarantee that by the end of the first year direct giving will be sufficient to cover the fees and local costs as agreed by the Project Director and Steering Committee, provided that the full Pastoral Link programme has been carried out in accordance with the FULL MEASURE Project© Director's guidelines.

ASA encourages people to relate their Christian faith to issues facing their local community, their nation and the world. The life of the church takes place within this wider context. We do not leave the world behind when we join the church, enter the building or are involved with church activities. Our calling is to be the church. It is a way of life which proclaims the transformation of the whole of creation. The Christian response must not be confined to a narrow definition of the church's life; the central doctrines of Creation, Incarnation and Resurrection will not allow it.