Test Your Knowledge

B – In I Corinthians 16:1-4, Paul presents a plan of giving that lays the foundation for all Christian stewardship suggesting that on the first day of the week an offering should be set aside for the work of the Church. We honor God in our worship when we give back a portion of what God has first blessed us with.

A – I Corinthians 16:2: “On the first day of every week (regularly), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income (proportionately).” God asks us to give out of what we have received; God does not demand that we give what we don’t have. If we make a plan for our Christian giving trusting that God will provide for all our needs, we will be able to give generously from God’s gifts to us.

B - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – God has promised to provide for all our needs. When we trust in God’s promises, we are able to give without worrying about whether or not we will have enough for ourselves.

C – II Corinthians 8:12 – God wants us to give responsibly. While Paul encourages believers to give generously, he also reminds us that when others depend on us for their basic needs, we need to consider that in our giving plan.

A - II Corinthians 9:7 - God knows the thoughts of our hearts. Our attitude toward giving back to God from what God has provided us with is more important than the amount given or the praise from others we might receive for those gifts. We are to give out of our love and gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

C – Deuteronomy 26:1-11 – As disciples of Christ, our offerings are a sign of our willingness to honor God, often through those things we hold most dear. We give, not because we have to or because we can earn our own salvation, but because of God’s unfathomable love for us, Christ died that we might live.

A – Stewardship relates to every aspect of our lives as Christians. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we learn that how we spend our time, talent and treasure affects not only ourselves but those around us. While many automatically think “money” when they hear the word “stewardship”, the concept involves much more than our pocketbook.

B – The Bible does not shy away from talking about money; in fact, it frequently refers to the place money and possessions should have in our lives (for example, see Proverbs 3:9; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 21:1-4). When we think about offering our time, talents, or treasures to the work of God, a good question to ask ourselves is: “How is God calling me to respond to the blessings in my life?”

A - II Corinthians 8:4 – God does not want us to give our gifts grudgingly or thoughtlessly. Instead, part of our motivation for giving should be our love for Christ and other believers and the joy of helping those in need.

B – When we emphasize the giver’s need to give rather than on paying the church bills, we help the giver deepen their relationship with Christ. Jesus becomes central to our decisions on the amount of time, what talents, and how much money we can offer for God’s service in our congregational setting.

C – Money and material possessions constitute a major aspect of our lives and both the Old and New Testaments offer guidance to keep them in proper perspective. Jesus spoke of money and possession often (for example, Matthew 6:24; Mark 10:21). Our attitude toward money and possessions can have a powerful influence on our spiritual life.

B – Giving a tithe, or one tenth of our income, is Biblical. God tells Moses to instruct the people to give a tithe of what they have received to God (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). Malachi insists that the Israelites should bring a full tithe into the storehouse, then their blessings would overflow (Malachi 3:10). The Apostle Paul advises the Corinthians to give cheerfully, generously and proportionately (II Corinthians 8:1-12).

C – Tithing is a spiritual practice that brings us into a closer relationship with Christ, and as it does so, redirects our thinking so that our priorities become God’s priorities. As we learn to see the abundance of our blessings and to trust in God for all our needs, we are able to give generously and joyfully in service to God.

C – Despite cultural taboos and the reluctance of some in congregations to have the pastor preach about the role of money and possessions, it is very important for pastors to take a lead in stewardship ministry. A pastor’s unique theological training is vital to keeping a congregation on track in understanding stewardship as a spiritual practice. It is also important for lay people to model good stewardship by sharing their faith and experiences. Your joy in giving can be an inspiration for others.

B – “Where there is no vision, the people parish” (Proverbs 29:18a – KJV). Members get excited when they can see the impact their giving has on people’s lives in the community and the world. A clearly stated mission inspires because it helps connect the work of the congregation to the needs of God’s people. People want to make a difference in the world and a clear understanding of their congregation’s mission motivates them to use their time, talents and treasures to do so.

A – According to Catherine Malotky, Philanthropic Adviser to Luther Seminary, our financial wellbeing is increasingly becoming shaped more by secular standards rather than spiritual values. She believes that if the Church can help people realize that they have enough to sustain themselves, thankful, generous givers could be the outcome.

B - God has created and is owner of all that exists. We, as stewards, are privileged to be caretakers of God’s creation. John 1:16 tells us, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” It is from God that all the good things in our life come. We have been entrusted with a great responsibility in caring for them as God would have us do.

C – According to Pastor Charles Lane, Director for Stewardship Key Leaders, ELCA, that attitude is seen most clearly in our Lord, Jesus Christ. In him is an abundance of forgiveness, hope, and community. This abundance is the result of God’s generosity and goodness and trusting in it allows us to be generous stewards.

B – Trusting in God rather than ourselves transforms out attitudes and allows us to overcome the fear that often inhibits mission. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us of God’s promise: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Generous giving allows congregations to be the face and hands of Christ to a world in need.

A – As Rev. Grimm notes, people don’t give to a sinking ship. Crying wolf usually just results in needing to cry wolf again and again. And while budgets are necessary, people give to mission, not to budgets. Communicating that mission well is essential. (Generous People, Abingdon Press, 1992, p. 21-23)