Date of Award
Summer 8-14-2025
Document Type
Major Applied Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Practical Theology
First Advisor
Joel Okamoto
Scripture References in this Resource
Colossians 3:23; Matthew 6:21; Haggai 1:7; Malachi 3:8–10; Genesis 1:26; 2 Corinthians 9:11–14; 1 Timothy 6:18
Abstract
The Church today finds itself navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, generational shifts, and a growing sense of spiritual indifference. Within this context, generosity continues to serve as a profound expression of both faith and mission. The research presented in this project affirms that when generosity is taught with a spirit of grace, rooted in Scripture, and exemplified by leadership, it has the power to bring renewal—not only to individual believers but also to entire communities. In an era characterized by financial anxiety and spiritual consumerism, the biblical and theological foundations of stewardship and generosity provide both a necessary corrective and a compelling invitation. This study has shown that percentage giving, while not prescribed as a mandate in the New Testament, remains a practice with deep historical roots, solid theological grounding, and significant value for both the individual and the community of the church. The biblical practice of tithing reflects the self-giving nature of God (2 Cor. 8:9), strengthens the bonds of Christian community (Acts 2:42–47), nurtures trust in divine provision (Matt. 6:25–34), and aligns believers with their vocational calling to love and serve the neighbor (Gal. 5:13–14). Far from serving merely as a pragmatic strategy for institutional sustainability, generosity expressed through percentage giving functions as a spiritual discipline; one that shapes hearts, transforms communities, and testifies to the overflowing grace of God (2 Cor. 9:6–15).
Recommended Citation
Barkett, Timothy A., "Stewardship, Generosity, and Percentage Giving Changing Attitudes on Financial Generosity Through Bible Study Concerning the Tithe for the New Testament Christians of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ" (2025). Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project. 243.
https://scholar.csl.edu/dmin/243
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
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