A strategy for improving stewardship in Marondera District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Although Marondera District membership is at 1,796, only 10% is returning tithe and offerings. With such a percentage of giving, how can a biblical foundation brought about by systematic education on tithes and offerings increase church members’ giving pattern? Stewardship is part of discipleship; as such it is built on relationship. Giving reflects the kind of relationship that exists between God and human beings. Scripture encourages faithfulness among God’s people in order for God to continue blessing them. The study reveals that 48% of the district membership is formally employed but 10% of the total membership was found to be consistently giving tithe and offerings. The main reasons cited for unfaithfulness were, lack of commitment, poverty, insufficient information about tithe and offerings and misconception that tithe is only paid by those who are formally employed. After implementation of a program which included training, visitation and evaluation; participation in tithe and offering increased to 45% of the total membership. Additionally, two churches purchased stands, Cherutombo church roofed its building, the district cleared its Municipal debt and it was divided into two districts in January 2013.