#501 - 🇬🇧 God First: It is "Faithraising", Not Fundraising

Why does God ask His people to give if He already owns everything?In this episode, Marcos Bomfim presents the first part of the General Conference Stewardship Ministries Strategic Orientation. He challenges the common idea that church giving is primarily about meeting budgets or funding projects. Instead, giving is presented as a spiritual journey—one designed to teach us to trust God as our Owner and Provider.Marcos argues that people do not tithe simply to support ministers' salaries; instead, they give out of a deepening relationship with God. Through biblical principles, practical examples, and personal testimony, this message explores how tithes and offerings are not merely financial transactions, but acts of worship and faith—a spiritual discipline. From the “God First” principle to regular and systematic giving, this episode invites listeners to see generosity as a pathway to deeper dependence on God.You’ll also hear:​Why stewardship is more about faith than finances​The difference between tithe and offerings​How regular giving shapes spiritual growth​The purpose behind “promise offerings”​Why members' participation matters more than tithes and offerings totals​A personal story of choosing faith over financial securityThis episode calls for moving beyond project-driven giving and rediscovering financial stewardship as worship, trust, and partnership with God’s mission.Key references: Proverbs 3; Malachi 3; principles from the writings of Ellen G. White.The following key themes and details are explored:​Stewardship vision, mission, and goal.​The "God First" Principle: This is presented as a positive application of the First Commandment—placing God at the center of every life decision, including marriage, career, and finances.​Regular and Systematic Giving: Drawing from Proverbs 3:9 and the writings of Ellen White, the speaker defines this as returning a percentage of every income "increase" back to God. This includes the tithe (10%) and a regular offering, which is a percentage of the income chosen by the individual (often referred to as a "promise offering").​The Difference Between Tithing and Offering: While tithe is fixed at 10%, offerings are where an individual can "increase their percentage" to exercise greater faith.​Focus on Financial Stewardship: The speaker explains that while stewardship covers many areas (time, health, etc.), the Stewardship department has a focus on finances because it is the only department in the church structure dedicated to this topic.​Measuring Success: Rather than tracking total dollars, the strategic goal is to see a 2% annual increase in membership participation in tithing and offerings, which serves as an indicator of spiritual growth within the congregation.​Combined Offering Plan: This plan is promoted as a way to move members away from "project-based donations" toward a mindset of worshipping God through regular giving, ensuring funds are distributed equitably across local and global missions.Marcos shares his journey of transformation, noting that he initially never intended to be a pastor and felt spiritually weak. He recounts his experience pastoring both the poorest and wealthiest districts in his conference. He highlights a turning point where he and his wife decided to double their own offering percentage during a time of financial instability, viewing it as a "sacrifice of financial security" that allowed them to experience God's provision in the "desert".This episode mentions the production of offertory videos and readings designed to educate church members during the two minutes before a collection, aiming to provide a theological foundation for giving rather than mere entertainment.This episode was presented on May 04, 2026, during the Trans-European Division Stewardship Advisory in Belgrade, Serbia.