1. Stewardship & Pledging
John Gappa
October 15, 2017 1

2. Discussion Topics Old Testament Perspective New Testament Perspective
Pledging at Messiah
Why do We Give?
Importance of Your Pledge
How to Pledge
Questions & Discussion 2

3. Stewardship
And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Genesis 1:28 ESV 3

4. Old Testament
The Law & Our Response to God’s Command 4

5. Tithe And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:20
After winning an astounding victory in battle and retrieving his nephew Lot along with all his lost possessions, Abram thanked God by giving Melchizedek one-tenth of all he had
To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting Numbers 18:21 ESV 5

6. If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house; and of all that you give me I will surely give one-tenth to you.’ Genesis 28:20-22 6

7. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 1 Chronicles 29:14 ESV
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; Proverbs 3:9 ESV
Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord Leviticus 27:30 ESV 7

8. New Testament
Our Gratitude Response to God’s Abundant Grace & Mercy 8

9. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12 ESV 33-34
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 9

10. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? Luke 16:11 ESV 10

11. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
John answered, A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. John 3:27 ESV 11

12. And all who believed were together and had all things in common
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44-45 ESV
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 ESV 12

13. We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us... 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 ESV 13

14. In regards to spiritual gifts, Paul said, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6–8).
This is simply responsible stewardship. 14

15. Our Responses
Why, How and When to Give 15

16. Why Do We Give? I give because I am supposed to give — a sense of duty
I give to pay my own way — a sense of fairness
I give to return a portion of my blessings — a sense of gratitude
I give to keep church ministries free to all — a sense of generosity 16

17. Why Do We Give?
Generosity and stewardship: what we do to give thanks to our God. It’s what we do with what God has entrusted to us as caretakers 17

18. Why Do We Give?
Financial stewardship is an important part of a balanced spiritual life. Returning to God a portion of what He has given to us.
When each of us gives as we are able, together we fund a ministry within our parish, our community and the world.
We should ask God for wisdom on how to use those resources and commit ourselves to expending them according to His will so that He may be glorified. 18

19. Importance of Your Pledge
Basis of our budget for the coming year
Time, Talent, Treasure
Pick Three!
October we focus on Treasure
November Ministry Fair – Time & Talent 19

20. Our Financial Priorities
This past year we focused inward
Pledging to meet our obligations
Successfully created a platform for growth
Next year we wish to focus outward
Creating a Connected Community
Spreading the Love of Christ beyond our walls 20

21. Pledging Pledge is an estimate of giving or statement of intent
Your pledge can be increased or decreased at any time if your financial circumstances change
Pledging allows you to make intentional decisions about your financial giving.
Allows for Vestry to plan for support of the mission and ministry God has called us 21

22. How to Pledge Pray, Prepare, Respond
Reorient my life (top vs bottom of list)
Gratitude response (response to a promise vs response to a command)
Tie to income/proportionate giving
Working toward a tithe 22

23. Tithing & Proportionate Giving
10% of income
The Episcopal Church has affirmed the tithe is the minimum standard for giving and encourages its members to tithe or be working toward a tithe.
Starting Points:
5% - Half Tithe
2.5% - First hour’s pay of a 40-hour work week
Pick a percentage and move up each year 23

24. Next Steps Pray, Prepare, Respond Pledge Ingathering October 29
Questions? – Please Ask!
Samantha Tenuta and David Nelson – Stewardship Chairs
Wardens – Anne Towner, Gail Miels and Jim Olive
Finance Committee – John Gappa, Rachel Arnott, Grant Fair
Parish Administrator - Ann Schwartz
Rector – The Rev. Matthew McCormick 24

25. By working together as interconnected communities of faith, living Christ-centered lives, and celebrating God’s grace, we realize that asking for the abundant sharing of blessings and gifts opens the way for grace to abound, faith to grow, and mission in the name of Jesus Christ to flourish. 25

26. Questions & Discussion26