God gives us talents to use for His glory. He has also given us time and treasures, and we are called to steward all of these things. Money is one topic people aren’t too eager to hear about in church. After all, people wonder, isn’t the church just after my money? But did you know that Jesus talked about money more than he did about prayer and faith? There are about five hundred verses that talk about prayer, five hundred verses that talk about faith, and over two thousand verses that talk about our material possessions. If it was important to Jesus, we think it is important to us as well!

 

The Bible says that everything in this world belongs to God and that He entrusts us to steward His resources wisely (Psalm 24:1-2; Matthew 25:14-30). Jesus warned us, ”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). God also expects us to use our treasures:​ to care for our needs and the needs of our family (1 Tim. 5:8)​, to help the poor (Prov. 11:24-25; Is. 58:9-11; Eph. 4:28)​, and to support His Church and kingdom (Matt. 6:33).

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Paul said that when we give, we should not give out of guilt or obligation, but out of gratitude. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Old Testament pattern of the tithe (giving one tenth of one’s income) was the norm in Scripture. We don’t read about this in the New Testament, but that is because the early believers gave generously and sacrificially, well beyond the tithe!

 

In light of these truths, we offer ourselves joyfully to do God’s work with loving obedience. Using our gifts, stewarding our resources, and making the most of every opportunity, we strive to do good, build up the church, and extend God’s kingdom.

 

In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the congregation votes each year to approve the proposed budgets of our church and school. Summary financial reports are received each month at our council meeting. If you would like a detailed financial report, please contact the church office. If you want to find out more about what the church’s teaching is about stewardship, please contact Pastor Andy.

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