Biblical Principles for Promoting Stewardship in Local Churches

Promoting stewardship in a local church is a sacred responsibility centered on educating members that they are not owners, but trustees of God's resourcesTM 399.2+1. Effective promotion involves teaching the biblical principles of the tithe, encouraging self-denial over self-indulgence, and providing clear, transparent management of all funds to inspire confidence in the congregation1MR 185.1+2.

The Foundations of Stewardship

Stewardship is a principle of personal responsibility that recognizes God as the giver of every capability and success21MR 47.4+1.

• Divine Ownership: Every man has been made a steward of sacred trusts, and all that we have belongs to God and is to be used in His servicePUR May 8, 1902, par. 2+1.

• The Tithing System: The tithing system is divine in its origin and beautiful in its simplicity, reaching back to the days of Adam and practiced by AbrahamCS 69.1+1.

• An Account to Render: The time is fast approaching when every individual will hear the call to "Give an account of thy stewardship" Luke 16:2T32 221.1+1.

Promoting Benevolence in the Local Church

Local church leaders should seek to awaken a spirit of sacrifice rather than relying on worldly methods of fundraising.

• Education over Censure: Churches need education more than censure; ministers should teach them to grow in grace and understanding by precept and example4T 269.1.

• Self-Denial for the Gospel: Thousands of dollars sacrificed upon the altar of hurtful lusts could instead flow into the Lord’s treasury to establish missions and multiply publicationsCon 60.1+1.

• Cutting off Indulgences: If every family would cut off needless indulgences and place that money in the treasury, there would be "meat in His house"5MR 311.3.

• Avoiding Carnal Methods: Churches should avoid worldly inventions like fairs, festivals, and dances to gather means, as these are methods devised to avoid true sacrificeEv 253.1+1.

The Role of Church Officers

Those in responsible positions must lead with integrity and wisdom to ensure the prosperity of the church6LtMs, Ms 17, 1889, par. 12+1.

• Transparent Management: All tithes and moneys for special purposes must be entered carefully upon the books, and funds should never be "borrowed" for emergencies with the intent to replace them laterSpTB09 12.1+1.

• Encouraging the Youth: Officers have a duty to identify promising youth and study how to give them help and encouragement to fit them for the Lord's workCT 526.1+1.

• The Influence of the Elder: Local elders should be encouraged to develop the missionary spirit in the church, as their personal testimony and leadership stimulate the peopleGCDB February 27, 1899, page 89.10+1.

• Setting a Holy Example: If a minister's discourses are not backed up by personal piety and devotion, they become a stumbling block to the weakPH096 30.2.

Practical Results of Faithful Stewardship

When stewardship is promoted and practiced faithfully, the entire cause of God is strengthened.

• Support for Laborers: The Lord's treasury should contain sufficient means to provide an adequate, comfortable support for those who devote their time to saving souls2SM 187.2.

• Eliminating Debt: It is dishonoring to God for churches to be burdened with debt, which often stems from wrong management and a lack of sacrifice12LtMs, Ms 116, 1897, par. 35.

• Spiritual Vitality: When members are rich in good works and generous in supporting the needy, they lay up a good foundation for the future and lay hold on eternal life2T 683.2+1.

• Unity and Success: When faith and works correspond, the church will have clear discernment and spiritual understanding to carry the last message of mercy to the world1MR 185.1.

Trusting in God rather than man is essential, for "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm" Jeremiah 17:5PM 231.5. By following the Lord's plan, every member—man, woman, and youth—can become a treasurer for the Lord3T 388.4.