We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
“As, according to what we have heard, in some churches the bishops administer the property of the Church without stewards, the Synod decrees, that every church which has a bishop must also have a steward from its own clergy, who shall administer the property of the Church by commission from his bishop; so that the administration of the Church may not be uncontrolled, and thereby the property of the Church exposed to waste, and the clerical character exposed to evil fame.”
Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 26” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 333.
Again, since we arrived at the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all, we are spending some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.
1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)
Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.
Today’s post from Canon 26 tells the clerics “that every church which has a bishop must also have a steward from its own clergy” to administrate the resources of the church. What a beautiful picture!
As the church was growing across the ancient world, the goal was to make sure activities were not “uncontrolled” and “exposed to waste” which would bring dishonor to the clergy and to God.
Does your church have a steward? Someone appointed with administrative gifting to manage the resources of the church so that there is no “waste” or bad reputation to God or the pastoral team.
At this point I want to offer a service to every reader. Get your church accredited for following the seven standards of responsible stewardship. What are they? Find them here on the ECFA website.
As ECFA press author, I can waive your $500 application fee and help you get on the path of accreditation. Every church needs a steward and a seal that externally verifies that the steward has administrated in compliance with standards.
Let me help you with this. Reply to this email and I can get you and your church on that path.