Leaving Your Legacy with the Church: Concerning the Use of Endowments Funds for Local Congregations

Abstract

Church finances have changed in the last 100 years. While budgets and church ministries may increase, biblical stewardship always remains constant. Yet, it seems that it is becoming more difficult to meet the financial needs of the church. What financial options can churches employ in order to contend with their growing costs? Endowment funds are an underused tool that can help offset the cost of operational budgets. But if a congregation's giving cannot meet its needs due to failed stewardship, are endowment funds the answer? Do endowment funds fit in with God-pleasing stewardship? Pastors, who are concerned with every aspect of discipleship, will want to fully explore their church's culture surrounding giving. Endowment funds can provide many blessings for a congregation, but pastors and congregations must realize that a sinful attitude surrounding giving will not be fixed by a financial tool. Regardless, these funds can be a part of God-pleasing stewardship, and they can provide a congregation with several blessings. Moreover, as this thesis will state, our Synod already has the infrastructure available and ready to aid our congregations as they seek to utilize this tool.