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So often, we think of stewardship in the narrow sense of addressing specific financial situations. If we’re struggling with debt, then stewardship means being disciplined in our spending and getting out of debt. If we’re well-off, then stewardship is all about giving and generosity.
And in the church, we tend to separate people in different financial situations and have separate conversations that address those specific financial conditions. We run programs designed to help people get out of debt. We run giving campaigns to encourage people to give. Maybe we even address our top donors with specific giving opportunities.
In the process, we fall short of an overall understanding of stewardship. Whether we’re struggling or well-off, stewardship principles don’t change. God still owns everything we have, and he calls us to honor him through faithful stewardship – whether we have a little or a lot. God still calls us to gratitude, to faith, to Biblical wisdom regardless of our financial position.
In the context of a wholistic view of stewardship, specific conversations do need to be held around establishing stability, gaining clarity, and leaving a legacy. When we think of stewardship as an element of discipleship, these conversations grow deeper than numbers. They go to purpose, character, and how we manage all that God has provided.
Podcast host James Lenhoff summarizes these conversations and shows how churches can maximize discipleship in the area of finances.
If you’re interested in a wholistic stewardship program in your church, check out the FreedUp app.