Are these your church problems? Too many offerings, too much promotion during the worship hour? A few members carrying the load? Lack of money for church programs (such as the conference program, church expense, evangelism, and building fund)?
A stewardship program is the key. It will help meet the spiritual and financial needs of the total church program. It can eliminate promotion and fundraising from worship services. It will educate every member to help carry the load and to give of his time, abilities and finances “as God hath prospered him.”
Need help? Here is the key!
- Our greatest need is spiritual. Stewardship goes to the “heart” of our problems. “Many ceased to deny self, and not a few withheld their tithes and offerings. God in His providence called for a reform in His sacred work which should begin at the HEART and work outwardly.” (Ellen White, Selected Messages, Vol. 2, pp. 177-178)
- God has entrusted us with our abilities and possessions which He owns and we manage. [1] “Remember the Lord your God for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18
- Let the Stewardship Program help: (A) organize your church program, (B) organize your church potential, and (C) secure Covenants of time, abilities and finances.
A NEW CONCEPT in living and giving.
A NEW RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ. Partnership through participation.
A NEW EXPERIENCE in your home, at your job, and in your total life as you join God in a covenant of sacrifice.
Will these blessings be coming to your church?
What does God expect of His people today?
“God requires no less of his people in these last days, in sacrifices and offerings, than he did of the Jewish nation.” (Ellen White, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 2, p. 574)
How much did Israel give?
“The contributions required of the Hebrews amounted fully to one-fourth of their income. The faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity.” “Should the people of God do less in this age?” (Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 527, 529)
Does this really apply to us?
“There are even more urgent necessities upon the Israel of God in these last days than were upon ancient Israel. There is a great and important work to be accomplished in a very short time.” (Ellen White, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 3, p. 396)
Will God’s work ever be finished?
“All things are ready, but the church is apparently upon the enchanted ground. When they shall arouse, and lay their prayers, their wealth, and all their energies and resources, at the feet of Jesus, the cause of truth will triumph.” (Ellen White, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 4, p. 475)
When will this occur?
“I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes and make a covenant with God through sacrifice.” (Ellen White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 59)
“If they be faithful in bringing to His treasury the means lent them, His work will make rapid advancement. Many souls will be won to the truth, and the day of Christ’s coming will be hastened.” (Ellen White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 45)
Are you willing to make a covenant with God through sacrifice?
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
Adapted with permission of General Conference Department of Stewardship from a brochure entitled “God’s Key to Abundance for You and Your Church.”
[1] “However large, however small the possessions of any individual, let him remember that it is his only in trust. For his STRENGTH, SKILL, TIME, TALENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND MEANS, he must render an account to God.” (Ellen White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 22)