	Six Steps of Christian Giving and Discipleship
	Here, Robin Stevens, formerly National Stewardship Officer for the Church of England, looks at how we view and respond to the call on us to resource God's mission through the Church - with our money as well as with all that we have and are. We hope the following analysis will be both helpful - and challenging! It is not designed to make us feel guilty but it will help us to see that it might be more appropriate to address the relationship that we have with God before we have another 'stewardship campaign'.
1. SURVIVAL I give a bit when I'm asked in the same way that I pay an insurance premium - because the church ought to be there in case I need it. The need is survival - and there's a chance that the church might help. My relationship with the church is that I know it's there if I need it - all being well, I won't. You'll need to start worshipping in church to take the first step. 2. SUPERMARKET I'm happy to pay towards the cost of the bits of the church that I want and enjoy. The need is safety and by treating the church on my terms I feel safe and unchallenged. I see myself as a customer. You're developing an element of commitment to the church - or even to God. Your attendance is becoming regular - if only once a month. 3. SUPPORT The work of the church is important and so I'll support it. I want to belong to the church and I see myself as a member of the supporters' club. You see that it's your duty and your joy to be involved in worship and other activities and you'll want to move to full 'membership'	4. SUBSCRIPTION I see myself as a church member and I wish to contribute my fair share of the resources it needs - so I give regularly and tax-efficiently. I identify with my church - I see myself as an active part of the church. Faith is taking over and you're starting to trust in God - be careful as anything could happen! 5. SUBMISSION My understanding of being a disciple is that I should put God first in my life and do what he wants - even with my money. My giving is at a level that others might consider to be generous. I see a deeper meaning in life and my giving responds to God and not just the needs of the church. You see yourself as a child of God and you're putting him first in your life. 6. SACRIFICE My Christian calling is to be Christ-like and so naturally I give joyfully and sacrificially in faith. I see a purpose in my life and going out of church is more important than coming in. As Archbishop George Carey once said, "The first question to ask is not, 'how much do I need to give?' but rather, 'how can my giving reflect something of God's love for me?"'.
	Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6325

Six Steps of Christian Giving and Discipleship

Here, Robin Stevens, formerly National Stewardship Officer for the Church of England, looks at how we view and respond to the call on us to resource God's mission through the Church - with our money as well as with all that we have and are.

We hope the following analysis will be both helpful - and challenging! It is not designed to make us feel guilty but it will help us to see that it might be more appropriate to address the relationship that we have with God before we have another 'stewardship campaign'.

1. SURVIVAL

I give a bit when I'm asked in the same way that I pay an insurance premium - because the church ought to be there in case I need it. The need is survival - and there's a chance that the church might help. My relationship with the church is that I know it's there if I need it - all being well, I won't.

You'll need to start worshipping in church to take the first step.

2. SUPERMARKET

I'm happy to pay towards the cost of the bits of the church that I want and enjoy. The need is safety and by treating the church on my terms I feel safe and unchallenged. I see myself as a customer.

You're developing an element of commitment to the church - or even to God. Your attendance is becoming regular - if only once a month.

3. SUPPORT

The work of the church is important and so I'll support it. I want to belong to the church and I see myself as a member of the supporters' club.

You see that it's your duty and your joy to be involved in worship and other activities and you'll want to move to full 'membership'

4. SUBSCRIPTION

I see myself as a church member and I wish to contribute my fair share of the resources it needs - so I give regularly and tax-efficiently. I identify with my church - I see myself as an active part of the church.

Faith is taking over and you're starting to trust in God - be careful as anything could happen!

5. SUBMISSION

My understanding of being a disciple is that I should put God first in my life and do what he wants - even with my money. My giving is at a level that others might consider to be generous. I see a deeper meaning in life and my giving responds to God and not just the needs of the church.

You see yourself as a child of God and you're putting him first in your life.

6. SACRIFICE

My Christian calling is to be Christ-like and so naturally I give joyfully and sacrificially in faith. I see a purpose in my life and going out of church is more important than coming in. As Archbishop George Carey once said, "The first question to ask is not, 'how much do I need to give?' but rather, 'how can my giving reflect something of God's love for me?"'.