Year Round stewardship

Stewardship is first, foremost and always, a spiritual matter. Stewardship is a part of Christian living. It takes place, daily, not just annually in your annual financial and/or time and abilities response program. The real bottom line of Christian stewardship does NOT include just a dollar sign. The bottom line of all Christian stewardship is Jesus Christ.

Year-round stewardship includes an intentional effort to strengthen and support congregational members in the understanding of their role as God's stewards. This occurs through education, information, and involvement in the holistic ministry of stewardship. Year-round stewardship encourages members to participate in defining the ministries of the congregation. Further, it encourages members to be a part of those ministries by participating in all aspects of congregational life.

Click here for resources from the Episcopal Church

Click here to download the Year Round Stewardship Program

Click here for Year Round Stewardship materials from the Lutheran Church

Significant Questions We Want Everyone (adults, youth & children) to Be Able to Answer: (pdf)

* What does it mean to be a steward?
* Of what are we stewards?
What is the role of money in my life, as a member of the body of Christ?

Key Concepts We Want Everyone to Know

* God loves us and wants us to have all that we need to live a joyful and productive life.
* All that we are and all that we have are gifts from God.
* Regularly giving of our time, abilities, energy, and money is a spiritual practice.
* Tithing is an important spiritual practice. It helps establish a healthy regard for money. It helps us to live the life God hopes we will have.

Key Truths

* Persons in the United States possess considerably more wealth than the majority of the people in the world.
* We make decisions to use this wealth generously for good or selfishly for our own indulgence.
* Jesus has a lot to say about our use of money.

Practical Suggestions

* Write a vision statement for the stewardship committee. Then set goals to be accomplished over a three-year period. The goals should answer the question, "How do we plan to teach key concepts and key truths? How do we plan to hold up the key questions?" Less than one-third of the goals should involve the financial commitment program. Do not keep either the vision or the goals secret. Ask for vestry/bishop's committee approval of the goals and plan and then let the congregation know.
* Review your three-year plan annually. Evaluate the previous year and revise the plan in the light of new information or circumstances.
* Use what you have. Look for opportunities to incorporate the themes and truths above in existing activities. Occasional adult forums or lenten studies are only two obvious possibilities.
* Look for real needs that are opportunities for lively stewardship discussions. Financial planning, what makes a good will, current events, and how to talk to children about money are just a few topics that come to mind, along with what is the best use of our building and property.
* Incorporate a discussion of stewardship into confirmation class and in preparation for baptism.
* Include Christian education volunteers in your annual stewardship program.

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