Part of discipleship is preaching stewardship.  As we discuss stewards and stewardship, it is important to understand that the term goes beyond the functions and operation of the AME Church.  All Christians are stewards, Christ has entrusted the world into the hands of the Church.  Stewardship is the care of property and things that belong to some one else.  Faithful stewards take seriously both their authority and responsibility.  A steward must be equipped with the capacity to take charge, to choose boldly and make decisions in the absence of the landlord.  There are basically three types of stewards.  First, there is the immobilized steward is one that is unable to take charge.  Secondly, there is the irresponsible steward; one that is unwilling to be responsible to the landlord.  Lastly, there is the responsible steward.

Malachi 3:7-12

Key term in the passage is prove me, try me, test me.  God expects us to put God's word to the test.  God has promised that when we commit our lives to giving that God will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that we will be unable to receive.

The only way we will ever know it is to boldly ask God to remain committed to God’s word.  God is faithful to God’s word.

GOD

Deuteronomy 12:6-8
Deuteronomy 14:22-23

Why:  1. Because God has blessed us
         2. So that we may learn to fear God

ORPHANS/WIDOWS/STRANGER

Deuteronomy 26:12-15

Why:  1. God wanted to care for them, since many of their family members died in wars.

PRIEST

Numbers 18:20-28
Nehemiah 10:37-39
Nehemiah 12:44

Why:  1.  To Support the Levites
         2.  Because God promised to be their inheritance

CHURCH

Nehemiah 10:39
Malachi 3:8-10

Why:  1.  So that the work of the church would not go lacking

Now, we know that TITHES are a tenth of our income, and the purpose for tithing and the methodology behind it.  Now let us see how does faith play a role in tithing.