Date

8-6-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Rodney Autry

Keywords

Church, Money, Stewardship, Time, Talents, Tithes, Offering, Combined Offering, Church Stewardship, Financial Giving, Christian Generosity, Pastoral Leadership, Faith-Based Fundraising, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Tithes and Offerings, Church Finance, Giving Behavior, Spiritual Discipline of Giving, Donor Engagement in Ministry, Stewardship Sermons, Biblical Principles of Stewardship, Religious Financial Management, Ephesus SDA Church, Harlem, Stewardship Education, Church Budget Transparency, Discipleship and Money, Generosity as Worship, Increasing giving in urban Seventh-day Adventist churches, Sermon-based intervention for stewardship education, Pastoral strategies for financial growth in the church, Spiritual formation through faithful giving, Empowering congregational generosity in Black churches, The role of preaching in financial stewardship development, Church member engagement in financial responsibility

Disciplines

Leadership Studies | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This doctoral thesis explores the complex relationship between church members and financial giving at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church. The study aims to understand why members refrain from contributing to tithes and offerings by examining their trust in local church leadership and the denomination at large. The study identifies several underlying reasons for the reluctance to give by using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, teaching seminars, and participant group observations. These are grouped into three primary themes: transparency, education, and dissatisfaction with church governance. One of the key findings was that the lack of trust in church leadership and financial management significantly influenced members’ giving behavior. The absence of clear, accessible financial reports and explanations about how tithes and offerings support the church’s missions, activities, and community programs both locally and globally further contributed to members’ reluctance to give. The researcher conducted a six-week financial seminar for church members to address these issues. At the conclusion of the sessions, it was evident that members’ primary concerns were education on financial matters and distrust in church governance. By highlighting the interplay between education, transparency, and organizational structure, this thesis offers valuable insights for church leaders seeking to enhance financial engagement and stewardship. It suggests reforms, such as improving transparency, communication, and reconsidering the organizational structure, to foster a stronger, more supportive relationship between church members and the institution.

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