Some Principles of Christian Stewardship

 

 

1.    Everything belongs to God
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  1CH 29:11

  1. We must use our God-given strength, expertise and capability
    in God-honouring ways

  2. We have responsibilities to fulfil
    1. to take good care of ourselves
    2. to care for those dependent upon us
    3. to contribute to the needs of the poor
    4. to maintain the life of the Church

 

  1. The concept of the Common Purse is still valid
    1. we give according to our income,
      we receive according to our ministry
    2. the responsibility for Church expenditure lies
      with the Church Council

 

Some Practices of Christian Stewardship

 

  1. Consider all expenditure
    as expenditure of God’s resources on God’s behalf
    1. Do not be casual about living beyond one’s means or debt
    2. budget carefully – ensuring all expenditure honours God

 

  1. Attend to all your responsibilities
    bear in mind that your necessities might be another’s luxuries

 

  1. Give proportionately
    The Church has consistently recommended
    giving        5% of one’s income to Christian Charities
    and           5% to the local Church

  2. Give effectively – use Gift Aid if you are able

  3. Give regularly – every week/month

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Sillis – October 2009