One of the positions that I currently serve is on a committee that takes a look at how we support our larger structure (the Annual Conference) financially. We use a system of apportionments where every local church pays a percentage of money to the Annual Conference to cover the budget for the administration and ministry that happens at that level.
One of the things that has been asked of us is to define a theology of giving or of stewardship that represents our own beliefs.
I am continuing to work on my version of this definition...it entails relationship rather than obligation, recognizing that everything we have is a gift (we are stewards of what we receive) and that we should give freely of that which was given freely to us, and the difference between first fruits and leftovers...these are the discussions that are rambling around in my brain right now.
I thought I would take a little poll about peoples views regarding giving/stewardship.
Is it about relationship?
Does trust in God play a larger role than current economic activity?
How important is it to give to God first?
Is giving to God restricted to giving to the church?
What are some other thoughts you have about giving/stewardship?
Do your thoughts differ when discussing individuals supporting a church vs. local churches supporting a larger structure? Why or why not?
Let me know what you think.
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Giving, to me, is about realizing that everything we "own" is God's. Everything we have has been supplied by Him. We should be willing, at any time, to give whatever we have (including our time) in service to Him. Giving to others, to the church, to organizations doing God's work, wherever we see need - of our money, possessions, time, and ultimately, of ourselves - this is giving according to the Bible. Check out this article sometime (if you want).
There's Grace at the Cross
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