408 - Stewardship Emphasis

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Rejected

Comments

[Curtis Turner]

A few years ago, I noted the mission budget of the denomination has many needs which are not widely known. Some Free Methodists gave to various television ministries. I believe that we should encourage awareness of our FM needs. I can remember when the Free Methodist Church led all other denominations in tithing and our per capita giving was around 8% of net income or better.

[Ron]

I remain confident that we are as a denomination very generous tithers - I think what were seeing though is a situation in which the Church is only seeing a portion of the total tithe. The balance or remainder is used in supporting missions, International childcare ministries and non local activities.

I think we need to be intentional as well that those who give from the heart (as new believers or established Christians) are not made to feel less than adequate in Gods eyes for offering less than 10%....even though it is done from the heart in complete faith, as clearly there is some question as to the OT model or the NT model.

Our tithe should be a fruit of our spirit - not an obligation which is then construed as a demonstration of our faith and level of commitment