At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first, Seek God. Second, Love Others. Third, Pursue Holiness. Fourth, Serve the Church. Now, Steward Your Resources.

Remember the apostles who let Jesus use their boat (Lk 5:1-4), the young boy who handed over his loaves and fish (Mt 14:17-19), Aquila and Priscilla who kept opening their homes for the sake of the Gospel (Rm 16:3-5; 1 Co 16:19), or the impoverished Macedonians who gave so generously to the Lord’s work? (2 Co 8:1-5) These were men and women, young and old, stewarding their resources (time, talents, and treasure) for Christ and His kingdom.

• Find a church home you believe in, belong to, and benefit from—then generously pour your time, talents, and treasure in for the glory of Christ, the strength of the church family, and its mission in the world. Your time: How will you spend it? Your talents: How will you use them? Your treasure: How will you invest it?
• Your time: Devote regular time to your church’s worship gatherings, discipleship groups, service teams, and mission work. Your participation in each is a blessing to others.
• Your talents: Join a service team at your church. You have unique abilities and passions that God can use for His glory and the spiritual good of others. And, you’ll experience soul-satisfying joy as you follow Jesus’ path. (Mk 10:42-45) See this blog post.
• Your treasure: Make your financial support of God’s work at your church home (1) a priority: make it the first check you write each month, (2) based off a percentage: 10% is a place that many start, but start somewhere, even if it’s just 1, 2, or 3%, (3) progressive: as your faith grows and/or your financial situation improves, increase your giving percentage to the Lord’s work, and (4) sometimes prompted: willingly consider spontaneous giving for unique opportunities that arise. (Thanks to Andy Stanley for these 4 P’s.)
• Beyond your church home there are many great Gospel-loving causes in your city and around the world. Ask God how He might want you to steward your resources for the sake of His good work in and through these great works.
• Remember, biblical stewardship is not about what your church can get FROM you, but rather what God offers FOR you. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Paul said the generous “store up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future.” (1 Tm 6:19)

“A life of simplicity, with a governor on your spending and a passion to advance the kingdom through giving, will be a far happier life than a life of luxury.”  John Piper