STEWARDSHIP FAQ

(revised January 2025)

How do I become a member of the parish? 

Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries, of the Church and through our faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ. The Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish between voting members and non-voting members. A voting member is over 18 years of age, completes a contact profile (digital or on paper), provides a Stewardship pledge, and commits a portion of the time, talent, and treasure to the Church. The Archdiocese also requests the voting member remain current on commitments, throughout the year. Keep in mind that true membership in the Body of Christ involves living according to His word and within His Church. 

What is Stewardship? 

“Stewardship is the offering to God as children of faith rather than as hired servants. Children of God make offerings to God as an expression of authentic love, whereas hired servants simply fulfill legalistic duty. Christian stewardship is a manifestation of our love for God through the holistic offering of time, talent, and treasure to Him, through Christ’s Holy Church. By this offering of love to our Father in heaven, He further extends the healing experience of His Church to His children, through Her ministry.” - Father Luke Palumbis, St. Basil the Great Church, Houston, TX. 

Stewardship is our response to God’s grace and moves us from grace to gratitude. Just as we love because God first loved us (I John 4:14), we give because God first gave to us. 

Why must I pledge? 

A pledge is your proposed but not yet fulfilled donation/commitment of material blessings. It allows us to better plan our budget for the year as it covers costs including our operating budget, regular maintenance, and employee salaries. Additionally, Church School, Chanting, and other such programs are covered. All pledge amounts are kept in the strictest confidence. 

How do I fulfill my pledge and when? 

In the manner that suits you best. Contributions toward a pledge can be made once, weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannual, or annually. This can be performed online through the One Church Software website for St. Nicholas at https://stnicholaslex.onechurchsoftware.com/, on the One Church application on your mobile device, or by mail. For checks made out to the church please note “Stewardship” on the memo line. Stewardship occurs on a calendar year basis, starting January 1st. Parishioners are asked to fulfill their pledges by December 31st of the year in which they are pledging. 

Who is included in a pledging family? 

A pledging family may include parents and children under age 18. Each working, self-supporting adult over 18 should make his/her own commitment. 

 

What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment or need to revise my commitment? 

During the course of a year, circumstances change. You can change your commitment according to your changing financial situation by advising the Stewardship chair. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for God and His Church. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardship commitment - we are just glad you are part of this parish! 

How much Treasure should I pledge and give? 

“What shall I give to the Lord in return for all His benefits towards me?” (Ps 116:2), is answered in every liturgy when we pray “let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” What that looks like is different for everyone - it is a personal decision based on your family’s financial situation. Remember, it is a joy and a pleasure to give back to Christ and the community that cares for us. As St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “So let each one give as he intends in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we commit ourselves to this endeavor, we can reflect on Mark 12:43-44, where Christ speaks of the widow, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she has, her whole livelihood.” 

Still looking for a discrete number as a guideline on how much to give? The bible speaks of tithing (giving 10% of your riches). For some, this may be possible, for others, it may not. As stated above, the key is to give from your heart. Every year, re-evaluate your donation/commitment of material blessings to see if a change is appropriate for you and your family. 

More questions? 

Contact the Stewardship team by email.