Friends, 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 finance committee has decided to hold a Stewardship Sunday as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.
Stewardship 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. Stewardship 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 Stewardship Sunday, October 11, 2026, 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 Stewardship Sunday. During morning worship, we will have a brief period of instruction and inspiration, culminating with members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
We will encourage participation in Stewardship Sunday events through the Stewardship Sunday team and governing board members. 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 Stewardship Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Stewardship Sunday events.
Rev. Ben Van Staalduinen, and
Stewardship Sunday Team Co-Chairpersons,
Gail Lail and Linda Edmundson
