What is a Steward?
A steward is one who manages or cares for another’s property, finances or affairs. God asks us to be stewards of the talents and resources He provides for our life on Earth. How we manage these gifts is an important part of our life and our relationship with God.
What are the types of Stewardship?
Our gifts generally fall into three categories:
- Time – Time is a precious commodity. A commitment of time is just as important as volunteering a special talent or making a financial donation.
- Talent – We are each provided with talents that make us unique individuals. Talents such as music, art, public speaking, handiwork, cooking, administration; etc, are gifts that we can share. When we combine our talents, the results are limitless.
- Treasure – One sixth of Jesus’ teaching dealt with how people handle money; being a good steward of one’s finances is an important spiritual discipline. The church is like any other organization. It has bills to pay, maintenance that is required, and expenses for personnel and services to fulfill the spiritual needs of the church. Without funding, a church cannot provide for itself and its mission the community and beyond.
What is a “pledge?”
A pledge is a promise. To make a pledge to the church, you are making a promise (or covenant) to support the work of the church. In many churches (and in the Bible), the term “tithe” is used in reference to financial pledges. You may pledge your time and talents, and you may make a financial pledge to the church. Each year in the fall, pledge forms are distributed to all church members to gather your “covenants” with God and the church for the coming year.
Why is pledging important?
Giving is the church’s source of income. Pledging helps the leaders of the church plan for the coming year. Like any organization, a budget is needed, and your pledge helps the church determine how much income it can expect for the coming year in order to pay its financial obligations. Without pledges it is nearly impossible for the church leadership to determine an accurate budget.
What is a “tithe?”
A tithe is one-tenth of your financial income. In the Old Testament this was the amount to give to God’s work. In the New Testament it is a starting point for giving. When we consider all that God has provided for us, one-tenth is a small request especially when we compare it to the percentage of our income we spend on other areas of our life. If you are not currently tithing, prayerfully consider working toward that goal.
Who knows what I pledge and how much I give?
Only the Lord and the church accounting manager (not even the minister or other church staff) knows the amount of your pledge and how much you give during the year.
Do special offerings go toward my pledge?
Special offerings are separate from the amount you pledge. However, the church accounting manager does record these gifts along with your pledged gifts and reports them to you for tax reasons.
What if I am not sure of my time or financial situation for the coming year?
Make a pledge of the gift(s) that you feel you can give. If it turns out that you are able to give or do more during the year, you may give or do more than your pledge; or if your circumstances change you may contact the church accounting manager to lower your pledge so you may fulfill your covenant.
Can I give stocks and securities?
Yes, you may coordinate these arrangements with the church accounting manager.
Can I make my financial gifts electronically?
Yes, SPC can accept electronic checks that the individual sets up with their banking institution. You may also click the online giving icon on the upper right of this site and give via credit card or bank card.
Are children included in stewardship?
Yes. Parents are in the best position to teach their children about the Spiritual Discipline of being Good Stewards.
Can I pre-pay my pledged amount or make a lump-sum gift?
Yes, you may coordinate these arrangements with the church accounting manager.