Stewardship at First Presbyterian Church Stewardship Home | Programs supported through our stewardship Family program blessings | Community outreach blessings | Music Ministry blessings Christian education blessings | Pastoral care blessings Questions about stewardship | Stewardship Commitment Sunday Questions about stewardship Have you been counting your blessings lately? Fall is traditionally the time of year when we as a congregation focus on stewardship, and financial stewardship in particular. Here are some answers to questions some members have asked about pledging and giving. What does "stewardship" mean? Biblical stewardship is based on the belief that all of our resources —time, talent and treasure —come from God, belong to God and therefore must be put to work for God. We are the stewards who are managing the resources of God to accomplish God’s purposes. Why give? Giving money to the church is a two-fold action. First, through giving we offer ourselves in service and devotion to God, become stronger in our faith, more aware of others’ needs and experience the joy of sharing with others in Christ. In addition, reliable funding allows the church to plan for expenses, carry out programs, maintain outreach activities and help those in need. What is tithing? The Old Testament reports that the Israelites were required to bring a tenth of their "first fruits" to the Lord. The New Testament speaks of proportionate giving—each Christian should return to God a measure, or portion, of his or her blessings which can be used to support the poor and God’s work. What if I pledge but can't fulfill it? A pledge is a promise made. If members make pledges based on their expected incomes, yet suffer other financial setbacks, they are not obligated to pay. On the other hand, if your financial situation improves, we welcome increased proportionate giving. Why do I need to pledge? Can't I just give? The practical answer is that our church, like any business or household, has a need for an estimate of expected income in order to plan effectively for carrying out all of our programs. The more important answer is that we need to respond regularly to God’s on-going gifts to us. It is a spiritual commitment as much as a financial one. What are our goals for 2008? Each household is asked to prayerfully and seriously consider pledging an additional 1% of household income above your current giving. For those households not currently pledging, you are asked to prayerfully and seriously consider making a pledge for next year.