SMART Goals for a Stewardship Resolution

By Courtney Fields , Georgia Baptist Foundation

As we prepare to end one year and begin another, you might have begun considering your "new year's resolutions" for 2024. Often times when we carefully craft these resolutions, they end before they even begin. To avoid this, it may be best to create a SMART goal - specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound - to correspond with your resolutions so that they can become reality. Have you considered adding stewardship to your resolution list? If so, here are some ways to make this a SMART goal for you:

Make It Specific

How much would you like to tithe per month? According to a survey conducted by Lifeway Research in 2022, 51% of Protestant Christians give 10% or more of their income to the church that they regularly attend. This is a great starting point for many, but remember that God honored the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-4). Some may not be able to afford 10% of their income due to looming debt, expenses, or hardships. Consider trying a budgeting app like EveryDollar to determine what you can afford. If you are in the financial position to do more than 10%, God blesses that, too (2 Corinthians 9:6). Giving bountifully has more to do with your heart posture than the amount given.

Goal: "I would like to tithe $_____ per month."?

Make It Measurable?

How can you track your monthly progress? There is no shame in setting up automated giving to your church if it is available. If your church does not have an automated giving option through an app or website, you can set it up through your personal bank's online 'Bill Pay' option. Another useful option is a Donor Advised Fund - you can pre-determine an amount you would like to give, distribute the funds as you feel led, and add more funds as the capital continues to grow. If you prefer pen-and-ink, you can add your tithe to your monthly budget, your checkbook log, or create a special envelope for your monthly tithe.?

Goal: "I would like to tithe $_____ per month by _____."?

Make It Attainable?

How can you ensure that you will give? At times, tithing can unintentionally become subordinate to other financial concerns. In order to protect the joy that should be coupled with giving, it may be important to prioritize your tithe in your monthly budget. Other budget items like entertainment, dining out, and clothing can be placed behind the important act of worship through tithing. Setting financial boundaries on yourself will make this possible.

Goal: "By _____ , I will prioritize tithing $_____ per month by _____."?

Make It Relevant?

Why are you tithing? One benefit to being a part of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board is that your giving reaches more than just your local community through your church.?Some of the 'cheer' you experience by tithing to your church may be from remembering that your act of worship can help support your pastoral team, maintain your church building, start churches across the U.S., or even support the work of missionaries abroad. Let this knowledge fuel your joy in giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Goal: "By _____ , I will prioritize tithing $_____ per month by _____ because _____."?

Make It Time-Bound?

When can you begin? You might not be ready to start tithing immediately so that you can first evaluate your finances, discuss them with your spouse or financial advisors, or even move your finances around. Although you are taking time to figure things out, you may need to set a deadline so that you don't delay in becoming a better steward of your resources (Philippians 4:19).

Goal: "By _____ , I will prioritize tithing $_____ per month by _____ because _____ before _____ __, 2024."?

Remember to have grace with yourself as you work to become the best steward that you can be in 2024. The Georgia Baptist Foundation is here to provide several options for you to grow in this area.?