GIVING
 
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
 
According to God's Word, a Christian Steward is one who:

• Acknowledges God as Creator and Owner of everything, and
• Seeks to manage all of life: one's character, financial resources, talents, gifts, time and possessions for the purpose of bringing glory to God.

In its mission to advance the Kingdom of God, Forest Hills Baptist Church teaches and strives to model the stewardship principles found in the Bible. 
 
QUALITIES OF A CHRISTIAN STEWARD
 
Qualities of a Christian Steward
Reproduced and adapted from http://www.gbod.org/stewardship/

1. A Christian steward is compassionate.
Christian stewards are caretakers and caregivers. They concern themselves with the distribution of gifts and resources so that all might benefit (Genesis 2:4-9; Matthew 14:13-21; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 12:12-28; James 2:14-17).
 
2. A Christian steward is content.
Christian stewards acknowledge that their strength comes from God through whom they can do all things regardless of how many or how few material possessions they have (Philippians 4:11-13; 1Timothy 6:6-10).
 
3. A Christian steward is generous.
Christian stewards give whatever is needed and whenever it is needed (Proverbs 11:24-29; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 12:13-21; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
 
4. A Christian steward is grateful.
Christian stewards value what has been entrusted to their care and protect and preserve everything as if it were their own, yet acknowledging that the earth and all that is in it belong to God (Psalm 24; Psalm 92:1-4; Luke 16:19-31; Philippians 4:6).
 
5. A Christian steward is loving.
Christian stewards know that the Lord requires justice and kindness and humility, and they follow the two greatest commandments (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:29-37; Luke 11:42; 1 Corinthians 13:3; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 4:8-11).
 
6. A Christian steward is loyal.
Christian stewards serve God faithfully, remembering who they are, whose they are, and why they are here on earth (Matthew 6:19-21, 24; Luke 14:25-33).
 
7. A Christian steward is obedient.
Christian stewards obey God by setting aside a part of all their income for others (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Deuteronomy 26:1-18; Malachi 3:6-18; Luke 18:18-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
 
8. A Christian steward is prayerful.
Christian stewards acknowledge the greatness and goodness of God through prayer, fellowship, study, worship, and reflection (Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 145; Jeremiah 29:11-14; John 6:25-40; Romans 12:1-21).
 
9. A Christian steward is responsible.
Christian stewards realize that caring for God's creation and wisely managing resources never ends (Genesis 41:37-45; Numbers 18:25-32; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; Matthew 28:16-20).
 
10. A Christian steward sacrifices.
Christian stewards follow Jesus' teaching to sacrifice what they have out of gratitude for their many blessings (Mark 12:41-44).
 
11. A Christian steward shares.
Christian stewards have learned to distribute fairly so that none will be in need (Luke 19:1-10; Acts 4:32-35; Acts 20:34-35).
 
12. A Christian steward is trustworthy.
Christian stewards can be trusted to make wise decisions concerning the resources placed within their care (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
 
 
MAKING GIFTS TO FOREST HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH
 
Forest Hills relies completely on charitable contributions, donations and volunteers to carry out its mission to be a nurturing community, connecting people to Jesus Christ and equipping each other to impact our world."   
 
Three types of Resources are needed for Forest Hills to implement its many diverse ministries.

1. FINANCIAL RESOURCES
2. TALENTS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS
3. TIME, TREASURES AND STUFF

 GIVING FINANCIAL RESOURCES
 
A Christian Steward obeys God by setting aside a part of all his or her income for others (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Deuteronomy 26:1-18; Malachi 3:6-18; Luke 18:18-30; I Corinthians 16:1-2).
 

• MONEY - Cash gifts (usually in the form of a check) are the primary means of financial support. You may make a donation using one of the following methods:
  
  By Envelope Service: For your convenience, envelopes are available for tithes and offerings. Members will automatically receive personalized offering envelopes, and envelopes can also be found in the sanctuary or in the church office.
  
  By Mail: Send your tax deductible check to:

                                    Forest Hills Baptist Church
                                    Attn: Financial Secretary
                                    201 Dixie Trail
                                    Raleigh, NC 27607
           

• INVESTMENTS (i.e. stocks, bonds, property) - Another way you can give is with a gift of appreciated investments such as stocks, bonds or property. Such a donation carries full value to the church without the donor having to pay capital gains on the increased value of the asset.
  
  If you are interested in making such a gift, or if you would like to know more about this option, please contact the Financial Secretary at (919) 828-6161 ext. 101 or via e-mail at tithe@foresthills.org.
   
   
• OTHER GIVING INSTRUMENTS - In addition to the more traditional means of giving cash or gifting investments/property, you may want to consider alternative means of giving through Endowments, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Annuities, Insurance Policies, At Death Gifts, etc.
  
  For more information The North Carolina Baptist Foundation, Inc.
  
  Or contact the Financial Secretary at (919) 828-6161 ext. 101 or via e-mail at tithe@foresthills.org.

 
GIVING MYSELF
 
A Christian Steward is a part of the Body of Christ and follows Jesus' example of serving others (Ephesians 4:11-13, I Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:3-8).
 
It is true that to accomplish the missions and ministries of Forest Hills, financial support is required. But it is equally true that God has called, gifted and equipped people as partners in Christian Ministry.
 
The call to serve is great! Too often, Ministry Needs exceed Ministry Resources. It is God's design that everyone finds his or her place to serve.
 
Examples of giving myself [LINK to "Talents and Spiritual Gifts" as found in the Stewardship Brochure- Below].
 
 
TALENTS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS
 
    • Musically gifted? Consider Choir, Praise Band, Children's Music, Soloist, or Orchestra.
 
    • Gift of Hospitality? Greet guests, embrace college students, open your home to internationals, welcome neighbors with "welcome wagon" kits.
 
    • Master Chef - Gourmet Cook? Prepare meals for families in need, feed BSU students, invite a college student or international student home for lunch, cook pigs and chickens for the neighborhood.
 
    • Caregiver, Comforter? Support adoptive families,care for special needs children, care for other care givers.
 
    • Fluent in another language? Befriend international students, teach ESL.
 
    • Gift of Teaching? Lead small group college Bible study, teach Sunday School, adults, youth, children.
 
    • Painter? Electrician? Plumber? Contractor? Landscaper? Help maintain church property, participate in mission trips, be part of the Habitat House team.
 
 
Learn more...
...about Discovering Spiritual Gifts
...about Team Ministry at FHBC
...about FHBC Partner Ministries
 
Connect. Contact ....
...someone about getting involved at FHBC
...a Minister about getting involved in a specific Ministry
 
 

GIVING MY STUFF
 
A Christian Steward Shares: As good stewards, we must learn to distribute fairly so that none will be in need (Luke 19:1-10; Acts 4:32-35; Acts 20:34-45)
 
Needed for effective ministry: Valuable, Untapped Resources of:

• TIME - One of our most valuable commodities
• THINGS - Everyday things can be used for ministry
• STUFF - Accumulates. Give it to Others

For an example of this type of Resource
 
Learn more...
...about Team Ministry at FHBC
...about FHBC Partner Ministries
 
Connect. Contact ....
...someone about getting involved at FHBC
...a Minister about getting involved in a specific Ministry
 
Tell us more about...
...the time you have to give for ministry
...the things you might use for others
...the stuff you'd like to donate