Pastor’s Corner “Vestry Commitment to Tithe”

This past Sunday I shared with you my personal journey into “deeper discipleship” with regard to finances, telling you about the four biblical truths that have untangled the ball of thorny yarn characterizing my relationship with money. (For those of you who missed it, please listen to the message in its entirety, or ask me for the manuscript.)

In my message I mentioned that Bishop John Guernsey challenged the Vestry and me with the statement, “The stewardship of a congregation will not exceed the stewardship of its leaders.” In response to Bishop John’s teaching and guidance, and in joyful response to the Holy Spirit’s movement, the Vestry composed and signed the statement below. We share it with you as an invitation to respond with us in gratitude and faith.

Vestry Statement

The signed statement below reflects the commitment of the Immanuel Rector and Vestry to tithing or to taking faithful, intentional steps toward a full tithe as an expression of our worship of God.

As Christians growing in our faith, we are called to practice gratitude for all that God has entrusted to us. Tithing—returning the first 10 percent of our blessings to God—is a historical biblical guide for Christian generosity, not as a burden, rather as a spiritual discipline that empowers us to put God first in our lives. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

To show our faithful obedience to God’s WORD, we give with joy, gratitude, and thanksgiving. “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving.” (Psalm 116: 12,17)

The Immanuel Rector and Vestry are committed to leading by example through intentional giving and moving toward the tithe in our own lives. We share this commitment not to boast or set a standard for others, but to invite the Immanuel congregation into prayerful, faithful stewardship, trusting that God will use our gifts to cultivate a Spirit-filled family that goes out to invite all people to experience life with God the Father in Jesus Christ, offering refuge, reconciliation, and renewal to the communities of Northern Virginia and beyond.

I am very thankful for our Vestry members leading the way into this deeper discipleship.

Your Pastor in Christ,