Stewardship

1)     Why does the Orthodox Church call stewardship a spiritual practice?

Stewardship is an offering, and it is part of how we participate in the saving work of Christ and His Church. By offering back some of what has been given to us, we allow God to work through that offering "for the life of the world." Just as we offer bread and wine for the Liturgy which God transforms into the Body and Blood of Christ to transform us into the living Body of Christ, so do we offer our time, treasure, and talents to Christ and His Church so that God might receive them and transform them into the means not only of our salvation, but for all Creation.

2)     Is my stewardship defined only by the money I give to the church?

Absolutely not. Time and service given to others is a critical component of stewardship. Our church can’t function without these gifts of time and talent.

3)     How does stewardship help the church?

Money is a necessary tool for ministry. Every act of giving, no matter the size, makes a difference. The church's mission of salvation and evangelism depends directly on our generosity. Our parish’s many ministries, including Sunday School, GOYA, GOYAlumni, Parish Family Night, Young at Heart and others are all funded by our stewardship.

Stewardship is vital to our church and, among many things, helps to:

■  Provide religious services and sacraments

■  Provide religious counseling

■  Provides visitations to the hospitalized and shut-ins

■  Minister to the community outside of our church walls

■  Offer help and support to those in need

■  Support those who serve us

■  Support our Metropolis

■  Keep our church grounds and buildings in good condition

4)     Why is making a pledge important?

Pledging yourself to any spiritual practice increases the likelihood that you will actually do it. In the fall each year we ask you to commit to the practice of giving. We’re most concerned with your commitment to this practice and less concerned with how much you give. Additionally, the Parish Council does its best to operate St. Andrew’s on a sound financial basis, and knowing what the church can expect in income enhances their ability to plan responsibly for the year.

5)     How much should my stewardship pledge be?

At St. Andrew’s, we do not give a suggested amount to be a steward - that would make us a club. Rather, we encourage you to consider all that God has done for you and His abundant blessings.  As the Evangelist Matthew writes, “where your treasure is, there your heart will also be”, we encourage you to give in a way that indicates where your heart is.  For example, if I spend more money each month on Starbucks than I donate to my church, perhaps my priorities are misaligned. The Scriptural model is to tithe 10% of our income to our God. Prayerfully consider what is possible for you and your family. Many of our stewards strive to offer 3% of their yearly income. What we offer to the church is something we should notice and feel in our budget. See the proportional giving table below for more information.

6)     When should I make and fulfill my stewardship pledge?

Stewardship occurs on a calendar year basis, starting January 1st. Parishioners are encouraged to offer their pledges on Stewardship Sunday or as early in the calendar year as possible and to fulfill them by the end of the calendar year. While all payment frequencies are accepted, weekly or monthly payments are encouraged as best practice for fulfilling pledges.

7)     What happens if I make a pledge and find that I cannot fulfill it?

Our commitment is not a legal obligation, but a promise to God. You can change your commitment according to your changing financial situation by advising the church office.

8)     How much does it cost to operate St. Andrew’s annually? What percent of the church’s annual budget is supported by stewardship?

In 2023, St. Andrew’s budget was $ 861,550. Stewardship accounted for 34% of the church budget. For 2025, St. Andrew’s budget is $920,100.

9)     Isn’t stewardship really just a membership fee for the church?

This is an “old school” teaching that has come out of the church. Christian stewardship is not about simply paying dues. It is not a sense of obligation or a club membership. Christian stewardship is a response of worship in giving back a portion of the gifts God has given us. In love we return His blessings back to Him; knowing full well that He will always provide when we put our trust in Him.

10)  As a steward, do I need to pay for sacraments done at church or for other services (e.g., for Memorials/Trisagion prayers at the cemetery)? Do I need to tip the priest?

No. As a steward of the Church, all of the sacraments and service for you and your loved ones are, from a financial perspective, part of your stewardship. Tipping is a past custom in the Greek Orthodox world and, while it historically helped to supplement clergy wages, it is no longer necessary.