FAQS > Faithful Steward

WHAT IS FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP

What is Stewardship?
If you believe in Christ and are faithful to that belief, you understand that everything you have ... your time, talents and treasures ... comes from God. Giving some of it back to the church and others to do God's work is an act of faith and worship that acknowledges our dependence upon God.

Generous giving is an act of discipleship. Jesus provides us with an incredible promise when he says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34). Money has the ability to lead the heart. When we give generously to Christ's mission, we embrace Jesus promise' that our hearts will be lead to him as well.

A Worthy Goal
The Old Testament contains many references to tithing as the giving standard for God's people. A "tithe" (one tenth) is simply 10 percent of one's income given directly to fund God's work. Tithing requires a conscious decision, discipline, and sacrifice. It may take several years to achieve, but seasoned tithers report extra-ordinary spiritual dividends will come to those who make the effort and achieve the goal. How you get from where you are to where you want to be is the subject of this special report.

Is Tithing Affordable?
Using a balanced budget and living within your means, you can commit to a goal of giving 10 percent of your income back to God. Tithing isn't easy, but it is doable. It requires commitment, perseverance and cutting back on some nice-a-ties (aka non-essentials) of life. If you're willing to make the effort and the sacrifices, a tithing budget in which 10 percent of your income goes to charity, 10 percent goes to savings, and the rest (80 percent) is allocated to living expenses is reasonable, achievable and affordable.

Start with a Plan
Develop a three-to-five year plan to achieve tithing. Break up the years with meaningful milestones. Start by giving 1 percent of your annual income in year one. Increase your annual giving to 5 percent in year two. Then give 10 percent in year three! For a longer-term plan, begin at 1 percent in the first year and increase your giving by 1 or 2 percent each year thereafter until you reach 10 percent.

Establish Your Tithing Channels
Many tithers give all 10 percent to their home congregation, while others divide it among the church, charities and service organizations that are close to their hearts. Remember that properly placed donations made to qualifying organizations are tax-deductible. Those organizations who receive a minimum of $100 will send you an annual donation summary in time for your income tax preparation.

Make a Pledge Today
If you have not submitted your 2011 Donation Pledge Card, please do so now. We ask that all who can, pledge to donate a minimum of 1 percent of their annual income to doing God's work in 2011. Some will be able to commit to more. Whatever level you pick to support our work, we ask that you complete a pledge card and on it estimate what your annual financial commitment will be. We are thankful for whatever contributions you can make. Your participation in our annual pledge program will help us optimize and budget the church's resources in the year ahead. Please call us if you need a pledge card.