Stewardship

"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist put it,

He throws caution to the winds,

giving to the needy in reckless abandon

His right-living, right-giving ways

never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."

(2 Corinthians 9:8-11, The Message)

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is about making choices, as individuals and in community. It is more than giving money to the church. Stewardship is about being faithful disciples, caring for and managing all that God has given us.

Stewardship is not just one part of Christian discipleship; it involves every aspect of life in all the stages of life.

Stewardship is the grateful response to God’s grace and goodness. It requires a consideration of how our choices affect us and others, of how we can be good caretakers of the created world and of how we can best serve God as disciples of Christ.

Resources

Stewardship Kaleidoscope

The PC(USA) hosts an annual three-day stewardship learning conference in March. If you are have never been before, you are eligible for the scholarship, which waives all but the lodging fees. Contact John Rickard if you are interested. This conference is a wonderful opportunity to receive professional advice and ideas for both teaching and ruling elders.

Church Stewardship Campaign Resources

Websites

PC(USA) / Presbyterian Foundation

Ecumenical Stewardship Center

Congregational Resource Guide

PC USA Store (search for the latest Stewardship materials)

Documents

Annual Campaigns That Really Work – PDF

How to Choose the Right Approach – PDF

Things to Think About When You Think About Money in the Church – PDF

Abundance & Anxiety-web link

Checkbook Theology – PDF