Giving and stewardship in border black Baptist churches

Abstract

In this thesis, the Researcher argues that the Border Black Baptist Churches form two-thirds of the membership of the Border Baptist in the Association. The researcher is concerned that they are growing in numbers but declining in finances. This problem is affecting the body of Jesus Christ locally, nationally and globally. It does not end there but the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) has also been affected. My personal interest is to show that Border Black Baptist Churches are not necessarily poor but need some kind of profound teaching and motivation. It means that in the Border/Amathole region we need self-propagating, self-supporting, self-governing and self- theologizing within our own culture. We need to see that the tithing system is God’s plan for giving. It is instituted by God and encompasses His promises, only if we obey Him. In the Border Black Baptist Churches there is also a need to see that freewill offerings are part and parcel of God’s plan for financial giving and stewardship. It means that giving to God must be seen as Creation, Sowing and Reaping Principles. My research methodology includes interviews, questionnaires and study of the relevant literature. The reason for this research is to bring clarity about financial giving and stewardship in these Churches. The whole purpose is to see financially matured Border Black Baptist Churches in this region.