Stewardship and Giving at HCC

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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
Many in the Church today are found to be investing their lives in the pursuit of their own happiness and security on earth, with little thought that they don’t exist for themselves but for the purpose of glorifying the God who made and sustains them. Instead they use their talents, abilities, time, resources and finances solely for their own pleasures. The Scripture says, “We have been bought with a price, we are not our own, therefore honor God with your body”. Another way of saying this is, “Honor God with all that you have and all that you are!”

We honor God when we use our talents, gifts, time and resources to magnify His great name. Each of us will one day stand before God and give to Him an account of how we have used these gifts of His. Those who have been wise stewards for God will be rewarded much, but those who have wasted their time, talents, gifts and resources on their own ends will suffer loss.

In a self-seeking materialistic society, the Christian must be on guard so as not to bring dishonor to his Lord and Savior. Nowhere is dishonor to God more clearly seen than what we do with our finances. We are consumed with consuming. To give you a little perspective on that, in 1950, 10% of all income was spent for luxuries. By 1980 that figure was 30% of all income spent on luxuries. And it is now, in the last ten years, moving towards 40% of our income.

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
When wrestling through the issue of giving, and after reading what others have to say about giving, many people are often more confused than when they began. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “What does it matter what this says or that says? It’s what God wants that really matters! What does God want? What does He really want?” God wants me to love Him more than anything else – even myself. We love Him for who He is and what He’s done for me. (Matt. 22:37)

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:

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.