Stewardship & Giving to Fishcreek Nazarene Worship Center

HOW TO GIVE TO FISHCREEK NAZARENE

Stewardship — the mention of the word more often than not evokes the image of money and giving, but stewardship is much more than that. A steward is someone who has been entrusted with something of value on behalf of someone else. As Christians, we understand that God has given us time, talents, and treasure. As God's stewards we are accountable to him for how we use these valuable gifts. As Christian stewards, we understand and teach that all we have is a gift from God; therefore, it is our job to manage these resources (our time, talent, treasure, and touch) in ways that are pleasing to the Lord.

Money talks. The way we use it speaks volumes about the things in life that are most important to us. As God's stewards we are taught to bring to Him the first fruits. In biblical times this largely represented the best of one's crops and animals. Today "first fruits" (Deuteronomy 26) is generally understood to be money. Biblically the tithe (ten percent) is the basis of giving for people within the church, although many choose to give beyond the tithe.

Money is a tool. We use it within the church to accomplish our goals of reaching new people at home and abroad with the life-changing message that Jesus is the way to peace and salvation. Monies given to Fishcreek go to provide support for the ministries of the congregation as well as the missionary enterprise of the denomination in 140+ world areas. The giving at Fishcreek also goes to support the ministries of the East Ohio District and our college, Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Thoughts to Consider

• Proverbs 11:24-25 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
• 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
• Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

Copyright © 2007 Fishcreek Nazarene Worship Center
Last modified: 10/12/08