10
January 2016 • SR
Blessings of Stewardship
Many churches probably struggle financially just
as ours does sometimes. We have felt convicted
to be faithful in our stewardship to the Lord,
and particularly we have consistently taught the
privilege of tithing. I have had the abiding belief
that the resources for everything we have been
called to do as a church are in the hands, pockets,
and/or bank accounts of the members of our
church. Hence, I have seen part of my job as
helping my people to make the transfer of the
resources — from their house to the storehouse.
I do that by teaching and preaching the Biblical
truth of the blessing of good stewardship.
So, each year when the church budget is estab-
lished, our congregation is challenged to be
faithful and responsible in giving. Over the past
five years, we have fluctuated in terms of actual-
izing the budget — going under three times
and exceeding it twice. Appreciating the tough
economic times in which we live, and the fact
that so many people wrestle with making ends
meet financially, I am grateful for every person
who contributes to our church monetarily. I am
grateful for every penny that is donated. I take
nothing for granted.
At the beginning of this year, I embarked upon
a campaign to meet with every active member
of our church to personally express to him my
gratitude for his commitment to membership in
the church, and I have been tremendously
blessed by that experience. It has given me
an opportunity to connect or re-connect with
my congregation; listen to their dreams and
concerns; and challenge them to go to the next
level in their own personal spiritual growth and
discipleship.
The stringent economic climate is causing
churches to cut staff, scale down programs,
liquidate assets, and even go out of existence.
In the midst of it all, by the grace and power of
God, our church is holding steady, seeking to
conquer the tidal waves that work against us,
and pursuing its mission and vision.
What has happened in terms of our church
budget is that we are on course to exceed it by
about 2% by the time 2015 ends. I consider that
a tremendous blessing. And I am blessed to
serve a church which is growing in its under-
standing of Biblical stewardship, practicing the
disciplines which will enhance that growth, and
stepping out in faith when necessary.
That may seem insignificant to many, but to me
it is an incalculable blessing of the Lord, and I am
eternally thankful for my congregation.
— Pastor Andy Samuels
Miami Seventh Day Baptist Church, FL
Blessings
“We have felt convicted to be faithful
in our stewardship to the Lord.”
SR
