STEWARDSHIP ~ resource management

Stewardship is far more than just giving to the church. It's even bigger than simply handling your money. It's about how you handle everything.

Webster defines Stewardship as: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.

That being said - one of the most significant and challenging areas of life is financial management. In fact, 84% of college graduates realize they need more education on financial management topics. Most wish they had been taught while still in High School!

Plain and simple - finances intersect with every other area of life. Finances have a deep and significant impact on your relationship with Jesus Christ, your relationship with others, and your physical and mental well-being!

Woodcrest Church exists to connect the hearts of people with God. The Bible is clear that money is the #1 competitor with Christ for your heart (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13). It is because of this fierce competition that we desire to see every person - young to old - grow in their knowledge of God's financial principles. Quite frankly, one of the most important discipleship issues for a Christ-follower is how they handle the resources God has given them.

How do we practice Biblically-based stewardship at Woodcrest?

The Woodcrest Board of Elders works closely with the Ministry Staff Team to develop a yearly budget or spending plan for the ministry of Woodcrest Church.

This plan is reviewed and approved by the members of Woodcrest every year at its annual meeting. The plan includes giving to our missions partners, saving for unexpected expenses or unique ministry opportunities, and wise spending for general operating.

Our impact on individuals and families in the southeast metro and around the globe is made possible through the generosity of people just like you!

And just as Woodcrest leaders need to be excellent stewards or managers, each of us must be as well. Learn more by clicking on the MAKE, MANAGE and FULFILL tabs at the top.

MAKE ~ living your life according to God's plan for you

Do you know that how you earn money is a stewardship issue?

God is interested in how you use your time, talents, and other special gifts that He's entrusted to you. Whether you are a high-powered business executive or your work is within the home, God has a plan specifically designed for you! (Jeremiah 29:11)

God has given you unique gifts and talents to use in your daily life. No one person or talent is more special to God than another. Accordingly, God does not judge you by your income; He looks at your heart.

God wants you to make an honest living and be faithful to Him in all you say and do. (Proverbs 28:6)

When you focus on God's will for you, rather than on your income or your own will, you will draw nearer to God and be more fulfilled. (1 Timothy 6:17)

If you would like to learn more about how God has uniquely created you, we encourage you to start by completing a FREE Personality I.D. profile made available by Crown Financial Ministries.

If you would like to take advantage of a more comprehensive assessment, please contact Pastor Pete Parker to take advantage of a special pricing arrangement for Crown's Career Direct® Complete Guidance System - a revolutionary assessment system that combines biblical principles of stewardship of talents with cutting-edge career guidance technology.

MANAGE ~ develop a personal spending plan

Plans are necessary to reach any goal. In fact, it is almost impossible to accomplish anything worthwhile without a plan. But with a plan, you can achieve far more than you can imagine!

Going on vacation? You'll look at a map to see the best route, or take the time to lad the destination into your GPS. You'll probably schedule someone to stop by the house to water the plants, pick up your mail, and maybe even mow the lawn or shovel the walk. You'll think about where you'll stay at night and perhaps even make some reservations to avoid unpleasant surprises while you are away. All these things and more are done ahead of time so you and your family will have the best experience possible.

And the same is true when it comes to finances . . . sure you can bounce through life without paying attention to your checkbook or credit card statements, but where will you end up financially?

As it relates to our finances, God wants for us to . . .

   ♦  Be wise and faithful (1 Chronicles 29:11, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Luke 16:10-12)
   ♦  Avoid debt (Deuteronomy 28:12)
   ♦  Be content (Philippians 4:12)
   ♦  Be honest (Proverbs 21:6)
   ♦  Be ready to share with others (1 Timothy 6:18)
   ♦  Provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8)
   ♦  Enjoy what He gives us (1 Timothy 6:17)
   ♦  Save for a rainy day (Proverbs 21:20)

Because God knew that finances would impact every area of life, including our walk with Him (Matthew 6:24, Luke 8:14), He said a lot about money management in His Word. The verses above are just a few of the 2,350 verses dealing with financial matters in the Bible.

FULFILL ~ why should you give?

In addition to giving us the skills, talents, and ability to make money, and the direction and wisdom to manage it well, the Lord has also given each of us a purpose or role to fulfill in His Kingdom.

Some of you fill several critical roles, actively volunteering in one or more ministries at Woodcrest or within the community. Know that God has you where you are for a reason.

Some of you are still on the sidelines . . . waiting for the right time or opportunity to get involved. If that describes you, know that most volunteers never find the right time - they just decide to get involved and try out a few different opportunities until they find the right fit. If this describes you, let us officially invite you to be a part of what's happening at Woodcrest.

Getting involved will be one of the best things you've ever done for yourself.

In addition to being generous with your time, being generous with your finances is also one of the best things you can do for yourself. Some of the benefits you can expect include . . .

   ♦  Material needs met/Reduced Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34)
   ♦  True Life (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
   ♦  Increased capacity to give (Proverbs 11:24)
   ♦  A more intimate relationship with Christ (Luke 16:11)

Whether you are still exploring this whole idea of giving of your finances, have recently made the decision to give systematically, or have been giving faithfully for a long time, please check out some of the resources we believe you'll find helpful on our resources page.