stew·ard·ship

noun     \ˈstü-ərd-ˌship, ˈstyü-; ˈst(y)ürd-\

Definition:
1: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care

We exist, live and breathe at the pleasure of a loving and merciful God. On our own merit, each one of us deserves nothing more than eternal condemnation. But God, being a good and gracious God, has provided us with not only our physical resources (our very lives, our homes, food, clothing, family, jobs, etc.), but also the very time that we spend and abilities that we possess!

BUT….. God makes it perfectly clear in the Bible that He is the actual owner of everything. We are only stewards of His possessions. So, we need to recognize His ownership and handle His time, talents and treasures with the love and care due a Perfect Master.

To learn more, study the Stewardship Principles and their Scriptures and see for yourself what a wonderful and caring Heavenly Father we have who cares for our every need! Draw comfort from His words.

Giving as an act of worship isn’t effected at the moment that a check is dropped into the offering plate. Worship in giving, like any other act of worship, is a matter of the heart. People can certainly be guilty of giving in a heartless, disconnected way online. But they can give in a heartless, disconnected way in person just as well. It is the responsibility of the church leadership to teach and practice joyful, worshipful giving whether it is done with cash, checks, online or through a giving app. It is the responsibility of the giver to love God and give towards His purposes with the proper motives. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

To bring the tithe doesn’t disqualify online giving any more than writing a check does. Checks aren’t the actual funds, they just represent the funds. The church must “go get” the person’s tithes and offerings through a process of bank deposits and the internal transfer of funds between the donor’s and the church’s bank accounts.

Consider similar concerns that existed when society moved from offering livestock, produce, and dry goods to the church, to then offering a piece of paper through a new and more convenient monetary system. That same type of transition is similar to what we’re experiencing today, but this time due to advancing technology. Nothing is better or worse about online giving from a biblical perspective! Again, it’s truly a matter of the heart!

Used wisely, credit cards (in contrast to debit cards and electronic checks) can be efficient tools for making payments and purchases. Many people utilize them in place of paper checks or cash throughout the month, and then pay off their balances in full. Some who pay off their credit cards in full even enhance their stewardship by “using” credit cards to amass points for necessary travel, household items, etc., saving the money that would otherwise be required for airline tickets, appliances and the like. For these people, we offer the option of using a credit card to give. However, we strongly discourage and even admonish anyone who does not pay their credit card bills in full each month from incurring debt by using credit cards to donate to Hope Bible Church. (Proverbs 22:7)

We believe that physical cash and checks will continue to be a desired choice for giving for many years to come, and we continue to accept these gifts during our regular Sunday offering. But a growing number of people desire the ease that online giving and giving through smartphone apps offers. In today’s culture many people have become very comfortable and even dependent upon electronic financial solutions. To NOT provide that solution for the technically inclined could hinder our ability to lead believers in their spiritual growth where giving is concerned.

Additionally, many people around the globe know of Hope Bible Church and its strong commitment to the word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who desire to support its mission financially but who cannot do so conveniently because of their location or situation, have the ability to prayerfully commit to our work in the gospel through these handy and secure electronic means.