What We Believe About Stewardship
Harvest Bible Chapel is a first fruits, biblical portion church. This means that our Elders will exhort the people to be obedient to the truth of scripture as it relates to stewardship. In the Old Testament, the people of God were commanded to bring a literal tenth of all their increase to the house of the Lord. Today, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit we seek to follow the intent of this command, contributing out of all that the Lord has given us. The size of this giving to the Lord is to be determined prayerfully as each believer determines “not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7) what portion to gladly return to the Lord. Scripture is equally clear that returns of these gifts to the Lord must occur first and foremost at the local church where the individual receives his or her teaching (Galatians 6:6).
How the Deacons, Elders and Treasurer Steward the Tithes and Offerings
Scripture is replete with references to effective stewardship. Jesus' parable in Luke 16 is a picture of our obligation to be wise stewards. The Deacons are charged with assisting people who desire to be blessed as first fruits, biblical portion stewards. The church observes the Canadian Council of Christian Charities standards for financial accountability.
The Elders will ensure that teaching of biblical stewardship is impressed in the teaching calender and bring additional teaching opportunities to assisting our people in living within Malachi 3:10 "Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Regular reporting of actual expenses versus plan will be completed by the treasurer and reviewed by the Deacons Board monthly. Quarterly updates of the financial results of the church versus budget will be posted on the website after approval by the Deacons and Elders.
Appropriate financial controls are established and monitored by the Treasurer and Church Auditor who prepares annual external financial statements. Financial control include separation of duties and expenditure controls and authorities. Donation receipts and weekly offerings information is segregated such that no Deacon or Elder has specific personal information.
Our Annual Budget Process
In the fall the Executive Pastor
will prepare a church budget based upon the assumptions discussed with Ministry
Leaders and the Elder Board. These assumptions will include reference to the
prior year actual expenses, the planned extension of existing ministries as well
as new ministries of the church and will include staffing changes, missions,
capital plans and other input from the Treasurer.
The budget will be
reviewed first by the Deacon Board for input and modifications followed by a
presentation to the Elder Board for ratification. Quarterly updates of actual expenses vs. budget are posted below.
Audited year end financials will be posted early in the second quarter of the following year
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