“Christian Stewardship is not a programme, nor is about raising money. Instead, it is part of our lifelong discipleship journey.
Stewardship is a way of life in which we regard ourselves and our possessions as being held on trust from God, to be used in His service. God has made us His stewards or managers of everything He has given to us: our time, our abilities, our possessions, our money, our whole lives.
Stewardship for Christians is not about giving so that the church can “make ends meet” but, rather acknowledging how generously God has given to us and then generously giving back to God and seeing His church grow as it is resourced for mission and ministry.”
Stephanie Rankin of the Diocese of Blackburn, the Church of England in Lancashire. For more on their Giving in Grace resources, visit their website.
Today’s perspective on stewardship in the local church comes from the UK.
Rankin rightly places stewardship in the context of discipleship, while helping people realize that it’s not about the money, but about realizing your role and the purpose for resources linked to mission and ministry.
What about your church? Do you teach stewardship as part of lifelong discipleship?