St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church

Giving is an important part of our faith journey.  A significant amount of scripture addresses the role of money in our lives and the importance of giving.  Did you know that with the exception of love, the one topic Jesus teaches more about in the gospels is not on sin or grace, but on money.  Nearly two-thirds of the parables and teachings of Jesus have a connection to money. 

It is important for us to understand the Biblical principles of giving and the way that God calls us to use what has been entrusted to our care.  As a people of faith we return to God a portion of our blessings - our tithe, gifts, and offerings.  In addition to these gifts, we add the gifts of our time, talents, prayers, and service to others.  When we give, we grow closer in our personal relationship with God and in our faith.

St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church provides various ways for you to support not only the general budget, but to also give to specific ministry and mission opportunities.   As we work together to serve God and as we give with open hearts, God uses our giving to do the work of God’s church.

About Our Budget

A church budget has many dollar amounts reflecting different aspects of ministry and mission.   The numbers and totals that make up a budget assist the finance committee and church council in making sure that they are good stewards of what has been entrusted to their care from the membership.  The dollars that you give for ministry and mission through St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church are dollars that affect thousands of lives.  These are lives within our congregation, in the community, and through the outreach of the church into the world.

Ministry and Mission at St. Andrew’s is founded upon several important faith principles. 

• The first is that we are a church that serves God.  Everything we do as a congregation is based upon serving God.  Following God’s will is always first and foremost in our plans and service.   
• Second, we have open doors.  One of our key beliefs is that every person is welcome at St. Andrew’s.  It doesn’t matter what life, faith, racial, or national background you have, if you have a love for the Lord, you are welcome!
• Thirdly, God has entrusted to us the mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in a unique way in the metroplex.  The ministry and mission that take place through the doors of St. Andrew’s are not found in many other churches.  Because we have open doors we are able to reach a larger segment of our community.

How our Budget is Established.

            Our budget is established following the completion of the stewardship program.  During the stewardship program, all members are asked to complete an Estimate of Giving Card.  This card contains your estimate of giving for the calendar year.  The finance committee allows time for the Estimate of Giving Cards to be returned to church, look at expenses that we can predict for next year, and then balance that budget.  The church budget is based 100% on the stewardship of St. Andrew’s members.  Every dollar that you give for ministry and mission will touch the lives described in these pages.  Every dollar that you tithe will be used to serve God and complete the work of God’s kingdom entrusted to the care of St. Andrew’s.  Every dollar is important and it is important for every member to participate.  Every dollar that you return to God as your tithe, gift, or offering, is used for the purpose it was given.  You

FAQ’s About Stewardship and Tithing

What is a tithe?

Your tithe is returning to God a portion of your income for God’s use.  There are many scriptures that reflect the need of believers to give (some of these scriptures are, Psalm 24:1, Leviticus 25:23, Haggai 2:8, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 4:2 and 6:19-20, Romans 14:10-12).  The biblical standard of a tithe is 10% and that continues to be the standard of the church.  A chart can be found below that illustrates how to determine your tithe.

How is my giving as a tithe different from giving to charities?

Your tithe differs from all other forms of charitable giving.  When you give to charities it is because you believe in the particular cause or work of that organization.  When you return to God your tithe, you are acknowledging that God loves you, created you, and redeemed you through the gift of Jesus.  When you tithe you make a visible statement of your faith.

Giving to charities is a common practice of Christians and important to the mission of the church.  There are many mission and charity needs that would not exist without the support of Christians.  These contributions are often called, “gifts and offerings.”  They differ from your tithe because they are “above and beyond” your tithe.  The tithe comes first, then your gifts and offerings.  Giving to any “worthy cause” is never a substitute for tithing.

How do I determine how much to tithe?

The decision to tithe can only be made by you through a prayerful openness to God.  God has set the standard of 10%t.  The amount God wants you to give in the coming year is a decision that is made between you and God.  All believers need to give.  If you are not able to a tithe a full 10%, consider beginning at a 2% level, and then increase one percent a year until you reach a full tithe.

When you have determined through prayer the amount God is leading you to give, you complete an Estimate of Giving Card and return it to the church.  The Estimate of Giving Card is what enables the finance committee to establish the budget.

How often should I give (weekly, monthly, quarterly) and in what matter should I give (offering plates, mail, or electronic giving)?

You can place your tithe in the offering plates at church, mail it directly to the church office, or participate in electronic giving where an amount you designate is transferred from your account to the church.  To establish electronic giving, please contact the church office and speak with Guy Sellers who will provide you with the appropriate form..

Does our pastor tithe?

This is an important question and the answer is, YES!  Pastor Richard and Jeri have been practicing tithing for many years.  Their faith journey led them to understand the need to give and the spiritual blessings that come when you tithe a full 10% of all income to God, and then continue to give through “gifts and offerings.”   Pastor Richard and Jeri believe as you open your heart to God, and make a commitment to give, God will honor your gift and bless you as you grow in your faith.

What if I have more questions?

Questions can be addressed to the finance chairperson - Steve Lindley, our Director of Operations – Guy Sellers, or Pastor Richard Reed.  Any of these individuals will be happy to visit with you.

Good Stewardship and Bookkeeping Practices

Your church family practices good stewardship and bookkeeping practices.  All of our offerings are counted by a group of people who prepare the offering for deposit, a different person makes that deposit, and all accounts are audited each year.  Giving statements are mailed directly to you during the year, 4-6 times, and a year-end summary statement is mailed to you following the closing of the books on December 31^st that you can use for tax purposes.  The finance committee reviews all expenditures on a monthly basis and monitors cash flow and use of funds.

Tithing Chart

            First of all, for most of us, when we see “where we are on the chart” it is very revealing and very challenging.  Frankly, until we see it on the chart, most of us think we are giving more than we actually are!

Secondly, we can see that, for the most part, moving up one level of percentage giving can be a rather minor adjustment in our weekly or monthly budgeting.  For many of us moving up two, three or even five percentage points may be less than two tickets to a movie and a light meal afterwards each month.  

The important thing is not to play with the numbers, but to listen to what God is calling you to do.  Through your tithe we are able to accomplish our primary goal of bringing people to a closer relationship with Christ.

Prayerfully consider your current level of giving.  You may be surprised to learn just how easy it will be to grow -- at least -- one percentage point and possibly more.  May we always give joyfully, faithfully, and to the glory of God!

Crown Financial Classes

            St. Andrew’s believes that understanding the role of money in our lives comes through learning Biblical principles of finance and stewardship.  One of the resources we use to grow in  stewardship are Crown Financial Small Group studies.  Crown Financial is a non-profit, non-denominational ministry devoted to helping people grow in the faith and giving.  The mission of Crown is:

Equipping people worldwide to learn, apply, and teach God's financial principles

so they may know Christ more intimately, be free to serve Him, and help fund the

Great Commission.

            There are Crown small groups formed throughout the year.  The Small Group Study is a 10 week in-depth study of what Scripture teaches about money and possessions. Graduates have confirmed that marriages are being strengthened and individuals are finding their way out of debt. They are also becoming consistent savers, generous givers, and prudent consumers. Most importantly, people are entering into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as they learn to apply God’s Word to their finances.  Crown Small Groups meet for 2 hours every week and meetings include Scripture memorization and interactive discussions.

There are four requirements for students participating in this study:

1. Daily prayer for each member of your group
2. Memorize one assigned Scripture each week
3. Complete weekly homework assignments - both Bible study and practical application. (approximately 2 hours of homework per week)
4. Attend a minimum of 8 of the 10 classes

Please call the church office to receive more information about Crown small groups and when the next classes are available.