At Harbinger Gospel Church, our understanding of financial stewardship and tithing is rooted in New Testament teachings and the practice of the early church.
Generosity over Tithing:
While the New Testament does not command a fixed tithe, we emphasize living generously in all aspects – time, talents, and finances (2 Corinthians 9:7, Luke 6:38). Recognizing that all we have belongs to the Lord, we encourage members to steward these resources in a manner that reflects God’s grace and generosity towards us.
A Posture of Generosity:
Our default posture should be one of radical generosity, exemplifying the Kingdom of God in our daily lives (“as you go, make disciples” – Matthew 28:19). This approach extends beyond monetary contributions to the church; it encompasses living on mission in every aspect of our daily lives. We expect our members to actively engage in mission-focused activities, such as taking a mentee out or sharing the gospel over coffee, inviting people to their homes for meals, organizing neighborhood barbecues or events, and providing care for those around them. To help facilitate this, we do not mandate a fixed 10% tithe, as we believe our members should have the financial freedom to invest in these relational and community-building activities.
Pastoral Role in Encouraging and Overseeing Generosity:
Our Pastors responsibilities include fostering and encouraging a spirit of generosity among our members. This involves periodic conversations to ensure that members are living out this vital aspect of their faith, always approached with grace and understanding.
Support for Pastors:
As stated previously our distinctives outline, we intend for our pastors to be bi-vocational, earning their living through secular employment, in the model of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:9). This approach upholds a commitment to serve without making financial gain a primary focus. While we acknowledge the New Testament practice of supporting traveling evangelists and missionaries, as exemplified by Paul’s ministry (1 Corinthians 9:14, Philippians 4:16-17), we believe the context of our local pastors’ ministry differs significantly from that of itinerant preachers; we would financially support a preacher, evangelist, or missionary who is commissioned and sent out from our body.
Collections for Specific Needs and Burden Sharing:
A Pastor will discern and encourage collections to address specific needs within and beyond our community (Acts 2:44-45, 2 Corinthians 9:7). These collections play a vital role in addressing immediate and personal needs within our congregation. This includes helping members with unexpected financial burdens such as medical expenses, bills during times of hardship, car troubles, and other unforeseen circumstances. Such acts of support embody the scriptural call to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), reinforcing our commitment to a community where members actively care for and support each other in practical ways.