Say stewardship in the church and many people automatically think money. Stewardship is about money – but it is significantly more than just about money. The association of money primarily with stewardship has done a great disservice to this rich biblical concept. This association is perhaps one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the church tapping into the huge reservoir of resources that lie within its membership. So, what is stewardship?

Simply put stewardship is about management with accountability. In biblical terms the steward is one who is entrusted with “gifts” from God and is expected to use these to the best of his/her ability in service to God and neighbour. The steward does not own but manages God’s gifts and is accountable to God for how the gifts are used or not used. There are several biblical texts on stewardship. They speak on stewardship of time, talents, treasure, the mystery of God (the gospel), and life. This all embracing understanding of stewardship places everything in the service of God.

An important key to unlocking the understanding of stewardship is found in 2 Corinthians 8:5. In 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 15 St. Paul speaks of the Macedonian Christians’ generosity in spite of their poverty. Their enthusiastic, generous, sacrificial, and loving giving to the needs of the saints in Jerusalem springs from the fact that “they gave themselves first to the Lord” 2 Corinthians 8:5.

When one surrenders his/her life to God, that life places itself and everything it owns in joyful and willing service to God. Questions like, “Can I afford?” Do I have time?” Is it possible..?” “What is more important?” etc., are answered definitively when one gives oneself first to the Lord.

God has blessed us as individuals and as church with abundant resources for life and mission. As accountable and good stewards let us use these in service to God and neighbour. This happens best as more and more we give
ourselves first to the Lord.