Lesson Three: A Lifestyle of Stewardship
I. Introduction
II. What should I give?
Food and drink - Matt. 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.
Hospitality - Matt. 25:35; Rom. 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need, Practice hospitality.
Clothing - Matt 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me...
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well' keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what food is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Medicine and Time - Matt 25:36 ...I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Money - Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people there in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on."
Talents, skills - Rom. 12:3-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us., If a man' s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; it is contributing to the needs of other, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently, if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
III. The Church's role in teaching stewardship
- Teacher
- Teach the Truth - regardless of popularity
- Consistent, not just for budget or campaign
- Accountability
- Reporting of ministry, not just budgets
- Relationship between spiritual and financial
- Tied together in scripture, separated by popular trends
IV. Why does our church need to ask for money?
- Personal stewardship
- Because you need to give
- The work of the church
- The church of Jesus has work to do, it costs money
V. How the church raises money
- The tithe
- Old and New Testament
- Consistent, not just for budget or campaign
- Offerings
- Part of worship
- Regular, consistent lifestyle of stewardship
- Special campaigns
- Buildings, special needs
VI. How non-profits raise money
- Build relationships
- New names from mailings, volunteering, special events, etc.
- Fund raising strategies
- Current giving
- Annual needs
- Not glamorous, but critical
- Capital giving
- Buildings
- Planned giving
- Wills
- Trusts
- Insurance
VII. How do I know which ministries/non-profits to give to?
- The Mission Statement
- What has God called the ministry to do?
- Vision for ministry
- How will the ministry carry out its work in the next 1-5 years?
- The Annual Report
- A Report to the Donors
- Request your relationship strategy
- Mailings, contacts, types, etc.
VIII. The Capital Campaign
- Definition of a campaign
- Different Motivation than annual needs
- Different Strategy than offerings/worship
- Why Stewardship Education is a critical element of the campaign?
IX. Questions for Consideration
- Does the church today fulfill it's role in stewardship education?
- How should a Christian consider a request for a gift of time, talent or treasure?
- How does a Christian balance tithes, offerings, special requests, campaigns, volunteering in the nursery, and singing in the choir?
- Should your giving be determined by your requirements? (i.e. results, designated giving)
- How often should the church (pastor) teach about giving?
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