Stewardship

Stewardship Ministry

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q:  What does “Stewardship” mean?

A: To live a life after God’s Word.  Malachi 3:8,10 says “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, “How have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings… Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”  Living a life of Stewardship means that you give God your first of everything; your time, talent and resources.  Living a life of Stewardship includes your ministry, Sunday School, CARE Group and SALT participation. 

What about your “Time”? Do you give God 10% of your first fruits of time?  There are 24 hours in a day, do you give God 2.4 hours per day? Does God have your highest priority of “Time”? Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you”

Are you in Ministry?  As Pastor Troy says “If you’re too busy to participate in Ministry, you’re too busy”.  Get involved in a Ministry today by contacting Rev. Charles Montgomery at cmontgomery@newsalemcares.com or 614-930-2219.

What about your “Talent” (Matt.25:21)?  Are you operating in your skills and abilities (natural or learned)?  Are you using them?  Are you offering them for the building of God’s Kingdom?  Start today by sharing your “Talents”.

Q:  Why Should I live a life of Stewardship?

A:   Your role in Stewardship is to trust God and surrender all to Him (Ps.24:1).  We give so many other entities control over our funds (gym membership, insurance, mortgage companies), why not God?  After all, what we have belongs to Him (Deut.8:18).  We must establish a truthful relationship with God and others.  God knows what we’re doing with his resources and he places us together in the body of Christ for accountability (Ro. 12:4-5). 

Our church made a commitment to “Possess the Land” at Codet Road (Josh.18:3).  This commitment was based upon what the membership desired for ministry growth.  In order to fulfill that commitment, we need for everyone to follow God’s Word regarding Stewardship.  

Q:  Does the church receive funds from a parent church/organization?

A:  No, the only way the church operates on a day-to-day basis and supports ministries are by what we provide through Stewardship (the Tithes and Offering portion).  This is why it’s so very important that we’re all are obedient to God’s Word.

Q: What is a “Tithe”?

A: A “Tithe” is a tenth part or 10% of your gross income.
Proverbs 3:9 says we are to honor God with the first part of all our income.

Q: What if I don’t give 10% of my gross salary?

A:  Start today as a “Giver” by consistently giving 5% of your gross income.  Then become a “Striver” by consistently giving 8% of your gross income.  You will soon become a “Tither” by giving at least 10% of your gross income.

Don’t allow the enemy to keep you in bondage and away from your blessing by being obedient to God. 
I Samuel 15:22b states, “…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.”

Q: What is an “Offering”?

A:  “Offering” is any amount over and above the “Tithe”.

The Stewardship Ministry just recently announced four “Offering” programs you can participate in:

            If you’re already a “Tither”,

Complete your “Building for Life” commitment

If you’ve completed your “Building for Life” commitment, are new at New Salem, or missed an opportunity to participate in the “Building for Life” campaign, we suggest one of these three options:

            Offer $1 a day - $7 a week - $30 per month
            Offer $40 a week ($1 per average work hour) - $160 a month, or
Offer $$$ you select and commit to giving that same $$$ amount consistently each week/month

Whichever program works best for you, give consistently.  These particular “Offering” resources go toward Codet Road to “Possess the Land” (Joshua 18:1-4).  Funds that are not specifically marked will go towards the church general operating account and not towards Codet Road.

Q: When I give to a ministry is that considered an “Offering”?

A:  Although there are some purchases made for ministering opportunities, they are not considered an “Offering” as they are not financial resources provide to the church body for their use.  If you have any concerns regarding your purchase of items, please contact the Department Director over your ministry.

Q: What Do I Do Next?

A:  Use your envelopes for your “Tithes” and “Offerings” so that you can establish a pattern of living a life of Stewardship by being a “Consistent Giver”.

Better yet, sign up for ACH Direct Deposit of your “Tithes” and “Offerings” into the church account from your personal account.  Simply visit www.newsalemcares.com and sign up today!  Lavender ACH Direct Deposit forms are also available from your Ministry Leaders, at the CARE Centers and CARE Corners located in the foyer and hallways between the foyer and Sanctuary respectfully.

Q: What does it mean to be a “Consistent Giver”?

A:  You actually set the pattern for being a “Consistent Giver”.  The number of times you give establishes a pattern specific to you.  If you follow that pattern it will be “Consistent”. 

An example of a Givers record:      

Which Giver would you say is “Consistent”?

Note:  Please note that Giver A could be considered a “Consistent Giver” if they were unemployed between March and July; their Ministry Leader may be aware of such or the Giver may have shared that information with them.  If not, then Giver A would be an example of one who was not a “Consistent Giver”.  Giver B is consistent and may get paid bi-weekly.  Giver C is consistent as they get paid quarterly.  Giver D is a “Consistent Giver” because they are paid monthly (i.e., Social Security or University).  Giver E quit giving and thus is not a “Consistent Giver”.

Ministry Department Directors (not Ministry Leaders) desire to make certain you’re educated on the biblical principles of giving.  It is not the intent on anyone’s behalf to embarrass or humiliate you; only to make sure you have the opportunity to commune with God as a member living a life of “Stewardship”.  All conversations between you and the Ministry Department Director are private and kept confidential.

Q:  What if I don’t have the resources to give a “Tithe” or an “Offering”?

A: You can do it!  Sign up for Stewardship Financial Coaching and make a commitment to God to take it one step at a time.  White sign up index cards are located at the CARE Center.

Q:  Who should I be sharing this information with?

A:  Anyone who you love and care about as we want all persons to live a life of “Stewardship”.   In order for the entire house to be blessed all in the house must be aligned with God’s Word.  Let’s get our house in order.

Q: What should I say?

A:  Encourage your brothers and sisters.  Share scriptures that speak to God’s biblical principles for giving.  Share your testimonies about how God rewarded your faithfulness.  Adopt “Stewardship” as a way of life so that your life may serve as a witness to others.  Use the brochure “What the Bible Says about Tithing” to help you remember scriptures and other FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions).

Q: What about the children and youth?

A:  The Stewardship Ministry will be rolling out a children’s and youth component within the next quarter.  Both groups will have their own color coded giving envelopes with outreach efforts geared toward their respective age groups and parents.  Teaching “Stewardship” principles establishes the importance of living for Christ at an earlier stage.