What We Believe Concerning Financial Stewardship

We are God’s “money managers” on earth and it is of much importance to Him what we do with His allocated resources. This principle is illustrated in Luke 19:11-27 commonly referred to as the “Parable of Money Usage.”

The tithe is a Biblically minimum standard of giving and is affirmed in both the Old Testament and New Testament. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 27:30 says “Thus all the tithe of the land…is the Lord’s” and a New Testament example is found Jesus affirms tithing as he is rebuking the Pharisees and scribes in Luke 23:23. While tithing is the minimum standard, God’s Word also encourages more generous giving, in particular to those in need. A great example of this is demonstrated in Acts 4:32-36 which describes early Christians selling their possessions to provide for any fellow Christians whom may be in need.
God’s Word teaches that God rewards faithful stewardship. An example of this can be found in Malachi 3:10 when the Jewish people are challenged by God to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and that God would “pour out for [them] a blessing until it overflows.” We also fully acknowledge and understand that our reward for faithful stewardship may not occur until we reach heaven. Faithful financial stewardship does no guarantee financial blessing on earth.
God’s Word cautions His people about excessive debt. Proverbs 22:7 says that “the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Debt should be obtained with great caution and paid in full at the earliest opportunity.

While God’s Word warns us concerning the temptations wealth may cause, earthly wealth is from the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:7 says that “The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts.” Being completely sovereign, we acknowledge God’s complete ability and right to bestow financial wealth on anyone He deems.