AN ADVENTIST THEOLOGY OF OFFERINGS
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Transcript of AN ADVENTIST THEOLOGY OF OFFERINGS
AN ADVENTIST THEOLOGY OF OFFERINGS
Erika F Puni, PhDStewardship Ministries DirectorGeneral Conference
““Stewardship is ALL of me in response to ALL of God”Stewardship is ALL of me in response to ALL of God”
HeartHeart
Tithes & OfferingsTithes & Offerings Lordship of ChristLordship of Christ
Church MemberChurch Member God as GodGod as God
ProgramProgram
Pocket and WalletPocket and Wallet
ValuesValuesBehaviorBehavior
LifestyleLifestyle
BROAD VIEWBROAD VIEWNARROW VIEWNARROW VIEW
Worship
Leadership
Relationships
Possessions
Finances
Language
Jesus Is Lord Of All
God, Offerings And Giving
1.Giving is central to God’s nature
2.God gave first in everything
3.God gave the best in Jesus Christ
4.God’s giving saves us from the death
5.God expects and will accept the best from His people
6.Freewill offerings are an expression of the giving of one’s self first to God
The Nature of Offerings 1.Offerings are tangible expressions of a
heart commitment to God 2.What is given is something of value
and meaning – it has a cost to the giver3.There is a benefit or blessing
associated with the giving of offerings4.Offerings is a means of thanksgiving
and praise to God5.Worship and joy are common
denominators in the giving of offerings
Jesus and Offerings1.Jesus received and accepted gifts of
worship and thanksgiving 2.For Jesus, giving to God must be
consistent with our love for others3.In giving, the motive and condition of
the heart matters4.Giving is both personal and communal5.Worship includes giving in support of
Christian ministry and the poor
Acceptable Giving1. Giving of our total self to God 2. Giving that recognizes that God is first3. Expression of faith and total trust in God4. Response of love to God’s saving grace5. Voluntary act from a grateful heart6. Reflection of commitment to the mission
and ministry of God through the church7. Outflow of a right relationship with God
and my neighbor8. Giving is spontaneous, systematic and
sacrificial
Expressions of Financial Stewardship
OFFERINGSTITHE
Belongs to God
It is holy It is holy
Belongs to God
God specifies it Believer sets it
Act of worship Act of worship
Spiritual response Spiritual response
Express loyalty Express gratitude
Giving Paradigm
NEWOLD
Focus on Self
Emphasize obligation
Focus on God
Emphasize lordship
Work oriented Grace oriented
Financial Matter Spiritual Act
Maintenance driven Mission driven
Members are Donors Members are Stewards
DONORS or STEWARDS
STEWARDSDONORS
It’s My Money
I’m In Control
It’s God’s Gifts
God’s In Control
It’s My Project It’s God’s Work
It’s About Me It’s About God
Giving Is In-frequent Giving Is A Lifestyle
The Amount Matters The Heart Matters
Tithe
Freewill Offerings
Charity and Project Giving
10% or 1/10th
+ More than Tithe= Equal to Tithe- Less than Tithe
+ More than Tithe= Equal to Tithe- Less than Tithe
Seventh-day Adventist Practice
Freewill Giving
1.Is giving that recognizes God’s blessings that comes freely through His grace in Jesus Christ (Deut 16:17)
2.Is giving that goes out of a heart full of gratitude and joy because of the love of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:12)
Freewill giving is NOT about giving nothing; but the choice to give beyond the minimal
(tithe).
Systematic Giving
1.Is planned giving NOT impulse giving
2.It starts with the return of tithe
3.Follows with giving of offerings
4.Make allowance for project giving
5.Understands global and local needs
6.Is regular giving
7.Always focus on God and mission
SDA ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
LOCAL CHURCH
CONFERENCE
UNION
DIVISION
GC
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General ConferenceTithes and Offerings
flow up and down the Church
structure
Stewardship Strategy
Offering Systems Information andCommunication
Strategy
StewardshipEducation
Local Church
Pastor
Our Stewardship Message
God made all things and He has sustained them by His power. As Creator God He owns everything including us – the totality of our human life and experience. This God – Jesus Christ - is Savior and King of the universe. As His subjects, we live for Him; and our purpose in life is to honor Him by surrendering our hearts and everything that we are and have to His control. As stewards of His kingdom, we’re also partners with Him in His mission in the world to make disciples of all peoples.
Department ContactPenny Brink - Assistant Director
Email: [email protected]
Mario Nino - Associate DirectorEmail: [email protected]
Erika Puni - DirectorEmail: [email protected]
Website: www.adventiststewardship.com