Stewardship: Three Truths to Guide Our Financial Lives
The Bible has a great deal to say about our financial lives. In fact, more than 2,000 Scripture passages address the theme of money and Jesus spoke about our use of financial resources frequently. One of their central messages is that there is a connection between our relationship to money and possessions and our relationship to God. There are three truths that lay the foundation for how we approach this area of discipleship called stewardship:
1. God created everything.
2. God owns everything.
3. As disciples of Jesus, we are not owners of our stuff/things, but stewards.
God entrusted us with financial and physical resources to meet our needs and to help carry out his redemptive work in the world. Once we are able to offer God control of our finances, we can offer God our entire lives, and experience the spiritual freedom and joy that God intends for us. The New Testament describes it in Matthew 25:14-30 and II Corinthians 8:9.
Generous Giving
Stewardship – to serve as one who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs – is not just means for the church to raise money. It is a way of life that recognizes that everything we have is God’s, and we are simply managing those resources while here on earth.
The Bible is filled with examples of grateful response to God's generous gifts. The Bible also teaches about responsibility to share with others and warns against selfishness and misuse of God's economic resources.
Greater Love Christian Center's approach to Stewardship
John Wesley urged those in connection with him to "Earn all you can and save all you can, so that you can give all you can." He modeled modest living and sacrificial giving. Wesley made sure those early classes of "Methodists" took weekly offerings for outreach.
Today, the church should join others to help all of God's children, whenever and wherever we can. Through our congregation, we are the heart, spirit and hands of God's outreaching love.
7 Frequently Asked Questions
1. “How much should I give?”
That’s between you and God. While we never tell anyone how much to give, we lift up the Biblical pattern of tithing the first 10% of our income to God as a practical discipline for spiritual growth. (Malachi 3:6—10) Some people begin with a smaller percentage and grow into the tithe. Those who are already giving ten percent often feel God calling them to give beyond the tithe as their faith and discipleship continue to grow. Everyone is challenged to “take the next step” in their giving.
2. “Should the tithe be based on my gross income or my net income after taxes?”
Again, everyone must seek God’s direction in their giving decisions. Traditional interpretations indicate the Biblical tithe represents the “first fruits” of our income. By giving before the costs of housing, transportation, taxes, and other expenses, we honor the principle that God owns everything anyway and we can joyfully trust God to allow us to live fully on the other 90%.
3. “Will I be expected to tithe?”
Not when you are with us as a guest or when you are beginning your faith journey. We believe that the biblical practice of offering ten percent of our income to God is a valuable spiritual discipline. It can make a big difference in our lives and is a biblical expectation for committed Disciples of Christ.
4. “If I do not tithe, will I still be welcome?”
Absolutely. No one is ever asked how much he or she gives. Tithing is always a personal, spiritual discipline. We are committed to being an inviting, open congregation that welcomes everyone who comes to experience God’s love in Christ regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.
5. “Is my salvation determined by the level of my giving?”
No. We are saved by God’s grace, as a free gift accepted by faith. But living into that salvation includes learning how to use the gifts that God gives us so that our whole life is shaped and formed around our salvation and so that God can use our gifts as a part of his work of salvation in the world.
6. “If my giving is between God and me, why does the church ask for a pledge of my next year’s planned giving in November of each year?”
The Finance committee takes very seriously its responsibility to plan the church’s expenditures for the coming year in line with reasonable expectations of the income we will receive. The total amount of all pledges helps the committee prudently estimate that income and thus establish a realistic expense budget for all of our ministries.
7. “When I give to the Church, where does my money go?”
We fulfill the mission and vision of the Church through these basic channels.
a. The General Ministry Fund underwrites the ministries, operation and support of our local congregation, including staff salaries; ministries serving children, youth, and adults; worship; missions; evangelism; building repairs; and insurance.
b. If so designated, your gifts will be applied toward reducing the outstanding mortgage or debt.
“Who sees my giving information?”
c. Information on pledges and giving are a sacred trust held in confidence in the Financial Secretary’s office. The Treasurer sees this information when counting the weekly tithes and offerings before submitting the records to the Financial Secretary. Questions regarding your giving may be referred to the Financial Secretary.