THE TRUE NATURE OF STEWARDSHIP for the human family can only be understood through the life of Jesus Christ. As the second Adam, He is the “Pattern Man” for all humanity and as such, studying His life can give us a clear conception of what stewardship should look like for us. Notice the following:
“Having undertaken our redemption, He (the Father) will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift.
The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me.” Desire of Ages, p. 57
This, is Stewardship, God’s way. And because Jesus is our example, we should “..go and do likewise…”(Lu.10:37).
The Stewardship Department provides biblical education on tithes, offerings, and personal financial management, helping individuals and families cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, generosity, and mission-focused living. Through training, resources, and church support, it encourages wise use of time, talents, and treasure, empowering members to honor God in all aspects of life and to advance the gospel through intentional, Christ-centered stewardship.
RESOURCES
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Mastering the Meaning and Methods of Money Management with Jim Slater, Mi Camp Meeting 2023
- General Conference Stewardship
CONTACT
Stewardship is recognizing God as both Creator and Possessor of everything in heaven and on earth. As stewards we are totally dependent upon God for every blessing. He provides everything we need for life—time, talents, and possessions.
Tithe—God defines tithe as 10% of our increase, which is “holy to the Lord.” The storehouse for the tithe is the conference, and the funds are used to support pastors, evangelists, and church school teachers.
Offerings—These are the gifts to God that accompany the tithe. They say “thank you” for His daily care and blessings to us. There are several types of offerings:
- Church Budget —Your local church needs you to give of your time and talents for its outreach and nurture ministries, but it also needs your financial support. Church budget covers all church expenses, the Sabbath School budget, outreach ministries, etc.
- World Missions —Sabbath Schools around the world support the world mission program of the Church.
- World Budget —Ministries supported by World Budget include evangelism, church institutions, and service agencies.
- Michigan Advance Partners (MAP) —This offering supports eight aspects of the work of the church on the conference level including evangelism, building programs, Camp Au Sable, camp meeting, and education.
Be assured of this, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Cor. 9:8, NASB).