Stewardship and Giving at HCC
The GOAL OF Giving Financially:
The goal of giving as a ministry at Hickman Community Church is that members develop a Christlike attitude towards their financial resources. As those who have first been blessed by God, we will learn to use this blessing to bless others and so glorify God. We will give cheerfully, sacrificially and purposefully out of a heart deeply motivated by love as an act of worship.
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.Acts 4:32-35
Although the subject of stewardship covers a much broader subject than finances, we will be limiting our discussion to the principles of stewardship as seen in the way we manage our finances.
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7
Why Do We Give Financially?
- Because we love God and want to please Him in our lives, we obey His commands as we submit to His Holy Spirit’s direction in lives through the Word of God. (1 Jhn. 5:3. Ps. 119:105)
- Because we love God, we want to give to His work and to those in need around us (showing God’s love for others). And although this is commanded in Scripture (2 Cor. 8:13, 1 Tim. 6:18, Jam. 2:15-17, 1 Jhn. 3:17,18, 1 Cor. 9:7-14, 2 Cor. 8:7), we give for the reason that we love God. In other words, love of God should motivate us to give.
- To demonstrate that we are trusting God to provide our needs while we look to meet the needs of others. We will never out-give God (Lk. 6:38). When we know God meets all our needs (Matt. 6:33), we can be free to give to meet the needs of others. God is then using us to minister to others, and so is glorified by our trust in Him and by the receiver’s thanks to Him. (2 Cor. 9:8-11)
- Giving is an action that expresses our faith in God’s provision for us, and continued provision. (Matt. 6:33, Jam. 2:15-17, Gal. 5:6) It shows our dependence on God rather than holding back our money as our own provision. When we do this, we are in danger of making money the provider and not God. Love of money is idolatry.
- To build up the Church. God wants me to give secretly and not for show (Matt. 6:1-4) as our giving is for the building up of the Church, not the building up of one’s self.
- Because we are motivated by the riches of His grace, not according to an Old Testament law. The Christian gives not on the basis of a tithing law, but upon the indwelling and living principle of a Spirit-controlled life. This is a higher calling than that of the Law, as it requires that we be exercised from the heart according to the promptings of the indwelling Holy Spirit. A good example of this is found in Acts 4:32-35.
Spirit controlled giving is seen when we give:
- Cheerfully, not under compulsion – 2 Corinthians 9:7
- In adoration for God – this act of worship also results in worship – 2 Corinthians 9:11-15
- To meet a brother’s needs – James 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17
- Like Christ gave – 2 Corinthians 8:9
- Individually – each man should give – 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2
- According to our own conviction as to how much – 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2
- Give in secret – Matthew 6:2
- To please God and not men – Matthew 6:2
- To provide for those who teach us – 1 Corinthians 9:7-14; Philippians 4:10-16, and elders – 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Galatians 6:6
- To further the gospel among the Jews – Romans 15:25-27
- To the work of the ministry – 1 Corinthians 9:7-14; Philippians 4:10-16.
All the above principles can be applied to any given area of stewardship we might have. Yet throughout the Scriptures, our greater task of stewardship is clearly mirrored in the area of our finances. The way you handle your money will reveal how you manage your time, gifts, talents and resources for the Lord.
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in returnLuke 6:38
STRATEGY of Giving
- To teach the Scriptural responsibility we have in giving financially.
- To provide a means by which each member can give regularly as the Lord enables.
- To take a weekly benevolence offering for needs within the congregation and local community, and to meet those needs immediately if required.