Biblical stewardship is a many-sided, multi-dimensional discipline, a lesson I learned during 25 years working with rural, town, suburban, and urban congregations in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. If employed, they potentially will bring forward the gifts necessary for vibrant ministry within the congregation and vital mission to the world.
1. Stewardship announces that everything we are and have belongs to God. It is an antidote to the power of avarice and consumerism. It guards against the idolatry of things, from being possessed by our possessions. Members are managers, not owners, of all the Creator has entrusted to them. The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it (Psalm 24:1).
2. Stewardship’s first and final standard is Jesus Christ. A faithful response is not measured by what the member(s) gave last year or what our neighbor might give. The life, death, resurrection, and promised coming again of Jesus Christ are stewardship’s only sure standard and measure. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus … who emptied himself (Philippians 2:5).
3. Stewardship’s primary goal is the spiritual growth of the members. Stewardship is more than a program to underwrite the congregation’s annual budget. As their gifts are uncovered, nurtured, multiplied, and deployed, church members become Christian disciples. Faith is deepened when members offer their substance in response to the graciousness of God. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it (Luke 9:24).
4. Stewardship reminds members they are accountable for how they use what God has given. What we do with what we have is the truest test of Christian commitment. The time is both now and to come when everyone will give an accounting of their stewardship. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. … Well done, good and trustworthy slave … enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25:19, 21).
5. Stewardship invites members to celebrate God’s abundance. God’s generosity is lavished on us. Sin tempts us to think otherwise, to be seduced into a theology of scarcity (not enough leadership, not enough time, not enough members, not enough money, etc.). Assuming God is stingy becomes a convenient excuse to justify apathy, non-action, and the maintenance of the status quo (see Matthew 25:24). After all, if the members don’t have abundant resources available to them, God cannot ask much of their congregation. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
6. Stewardship asks members “What is God’s share of your wealth?” not “What is your share of the church budget?” The essential issue is the members’ faithfulness, not the congregation’s finances. A worthy stewardship response is most likely offered when the members’ priorities are in the proper order. What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me? (Psalm 116:12).
7. Stewardship calls members to a large vision. Faith’s fair vision is always larger than what the congregation’s immediately identifiable and visible resources can accomplish. Only as the church embraces God’s broad vision for the world will the Holy Spirit be poured out on it. There is no need for the Spirit’s empowering if the members’ vision does not include trust in God’s future providential care and an obedience that necessitates some degree of institutional risk. “… because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen… (2 Corinthians 4:18).
8. Stewardship assures members that when they give generously and systematically, they will discover how truly rich they are. St. Francis prayed: “It is in giving that we receive” and that principle still holds true. Givers are the ones most blessed by their giving. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back (Luke 6:38).
9. Stewardship is the most basic and the most challenging work in the congregation. It is the most basic work because it delivers the indispensable gifts (time, talents, treasures) on which all the ministries of the church depend. It is the most challenging because it confronts our culture’s most powerful idol, money and what money represents “You cannot serve God and wealth. (Matthew 6:24).
10. Stewardship communiqués to the members are most effective when they are personalized, include specific information, and express genuine thanks. Impersonal “Dear Member” letters that also lack specific giving data do not honor the uniqueness and inherent worth of each member. Regardless of amount, all gifts received should be acknowledged with sincere appreciation. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (John 10:3).
11. Stewardship depends on pastors and officers leading by example. Church officers will not likely lead the members into a deeper commitment unless they themselves model faithful stewardship. “… I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God … exercising oversight … not for sordid gain, but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).
William M. Paul is honorably retired living in Pittsburgh, Pa. He formerly served on the staff of Pittsburgh Presbytery.
