Principles and Methods of Christian Stewardship

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1912

Principles and Methods of Christian Stewardship

At the recent general conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the following principles of Christian stewardship were adopted as a part of the Methodist discipline:—

1. God is the giver and is the absolute owner of all things.

2. Under grace, man is a steward, and the steward holds and administers that which he has as a sacred trust.

3. God's ownership and man's stewardship are best evidenced by the systematic application of a portion of income to the advancement of the kingdom.

4. Biblical and extra-Biblical history point to the setting aside of the tenth of the income as a minimum, and indicate a divine sanction of the practise and the amount.

5. There should be careful, intelligent, personal, and prayerful consideration of the uses to be made of the money thus regularly set aside. This will require study not only of the local situation, but also of the missionary and benevolent work of the church.

6. Consistent use of the balance of the income not set aside.

As aids in carrying out these principles, the following methods are suggested:—

1. Actual or constructive separation of the proportion of income which complies with the foregoing principles.

2. A pledge in writing, in advance, of the amounts to be applied to the regular work of the church (current expenses, missions, and benevolence).

3. A weekly payment of the amount so subscribed, deposited as an act of worship at a public service.

4. Payments from time to time, out of the sums set aside, but not previously pledged, to special causes as may be desired.

5. The plan of keeping a separate "Lord's treasury" is recommended for those who can not attend the services of the church.

6. Free-will offerings or thank-offerings.