Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the
money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations
see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with
God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.
Our congregation’s Stewardship Committee has selected the Consecration Sunday Stewardship
Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our
stewardship education emphasis this year.
Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his
or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of
treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like
followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. Consecration
Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the
question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”
During morning worship on Consecration Sunday (November 20), we are asking our attendees
and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and
educational ministries in this community and around the world.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by
attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend even if they do
not plan on completing a card. The process is done in such a way that no one feels personal
embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During the service on
November 20, we will invite participants to make their commitments as a confidential act of
worship.
Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every
effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.
In Christ,
Pastor Beau