Stewardship Definitions

Households: An address on the church’s mailing list. The household may consist of
one individual or a family of two or more. It is useful to think of
HOUSEHOLDS when planning a Commitment Program. It helps to
determine how many PLACES OF CONTACT will need to be made by
way of visits or letters to be sent, etc. Some congregations have begun
identifying each youth over the age of 16 as a “household” unit
regardless of where they live. This provides the youth with their own
copy of communications from the church.

Pledging Units: A source of a pledge or commitment. It may be from an individual or a
household.

Givers of Record: These are the people who give to the church in a way that enables the
Treasurer to maintain a record of their giving. Almost all givers of record
make a written financial commitment or pledge and then fulfill it with their
regular offerings. Some, however, prefer to not make an annual financial
commitment, but do give by check or in an envelope.

Random Dollar Givers: Individuals who make up their minds about how much they will give to
their church for God’s work in the world on the basis of a fixed dollar
amount that “feels right.” The determination of the amount has nothing to
do with consciously considering the totality of what God has blessed
them with.

Proportionate Giving: This is a way of giving that begins with the question, “How has God
blessed me?” rather than “What does the church need?” Then the
decision is made to return a proportion or percentage to God in
obedience and gratitude.

Tithe: The tenth. It is referred to 67 times in the Bible. It is a proportion or
percentage. On multiple occasions, the General Convention of the
Episcopal Church has witnessed that the tithe is the minimum goal for
Christian giving.

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