We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
“How can we equip non- and nominal Christians to respond to God’s call of discipleship, stewardship, and generosity? In Romans 12, Paul talks about being members of the body of Christ and how our spiritual gifts can equip members to build up the church. The gifts of prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and compassion are all needed.
The stewardship team can focus on teaching others in the gift and practice of generosity. Again, the first task of the stewardship and generosity team is to teach and equip all members to be good money managers. Wesley’s teaching on the matters of money included helping people earn, save, and give! Before people can give, they must be able to earn, eliminate debt, and save more.”
Clayton Smith in Propel: Good Stewardship, Greater Generosity (Nashville: Abingdon, 2015) 33.
This is a book I recommend to my students in the area of church stewardship programs. I love the idea of mobilizing a team to help the whole congregation grow in this area.
This year my word is “compassion” (and my focus is always on stewardship and generosity), so I like how this book suggests that every church have teams based on giftedness to help everyone grow.
My challenge with regard to compassion is two-fold. As it is empathy coupled with action, I listen but am learning that the empathy needs to be the first, and likely most important action.
So I tend to start with addressing the challenge rather than empathizing with the person who is challenged. So, then my action is viewed as trying to solve a problem when my aim is to show love.
I am learning this from reflecting on my past interactions with people who are more compassionate that me. Imagine if in our churches people could coach us in these areas. Oh my, the impact we could have.
Regarding stewardship and generosity, Smith is spot on. Teach people to steward first as money managers, then to give as generous givers. The intentionality of this book makes it useful.
That’s true for all of us. May God help us grow with intentionality in the areas where we are weak. We can do that by learning from spiritually gifted people whom God has wired to guide us.