But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
“As you consider where your congregation is today and where you want to be with stewardship and generosity in the future, I suggest you identify the three or four key teachings you would like everyone to know and practice. Each year assess the impact of your efforts from the previous year, and determine what outcomes you would like to see in the year ahead.”
Keith A. Mundy in “How An Annual Stewardship Emphasis Can Strengthen Generosity In Your Congregation” in Giving: Growing Joyful Stewards in Your Congregation, vol. 19 (Richmond: ESC, 2017) 14-15.
Today’s my last day of class and then I make the long journey home from Seoul to Denver later this afternoon. Each one of my students plans to do their project on growing generosity related to a church setting, so this is one of many points I plan to make on my last day. I will miss them so much. I love these students from South Korea, India, Ghana, Pakistan and USA.
I am confident that each one grasps a biblical understanding of what it means to be a faithful and generous steward. By God’s direction they will discern what biblical truths to sow in the hearts of those they serve in the coming year. What about you? Are you responsible for stewardship efforts in your congregation? What teachings will you sow in your church this year?
Let’s say God leads you to teach your church about these four items this year: contentment, sharing with the poor, service, and missional outreach. I remind my students, that the best first step is to ask God to teach you and your church overseers about these areas so that your lives match whatever you are teaching and so you can pray together for growth in your congregation.