What are you doing in your new congregation to develop Biblical stewards? Since the Bible offers more than 2,300 verses regarding money it seems that it should be appropriate that a new congregation not shy away from Biblical teachings on stewardship. Jesus devoted over fifteen percent of His recorded words to this one subject. It would seem apparent that God expects us to use the resources He blesses us with to carry out our responsibilities.
My eldest son (14) recently commented that he was going to buy what he wanted to buy because it was his money. What he wanted was something that his parents did not approve of for several reasons. After a brief interchange, I told him that the money wasn’t really his anyway. That came as a shock. His response was, “Yes it is!” My response? “Really … it’s not yours. It’s all God’s money. God blessed your parents with it to allow us to give it to you through your allowance and doing some chores … but it all still belongs to God. Not just the 10% that you tithe … but the whole amount.” That seemed to be an unsettling idea for him. I tried to help him understand, it’s all God’s … we just have the privilege of being stewards of what He graciously provides.
In a new church (or existing church), stewardship needs to be a critical part of developing disciples. Disciples will be imbalanced if they perceive that they just give God His cut and keep the rest to do with as they choose. We must develop a holistic view of stewardship.
Are you familiar with the God’s Plan for Financial Success Biblical Stewardship Series? This unique and interactive Biblical Stewardship Series is one of the most comprehensive study courses of its kind. It is immersed in Biblical principles and practical application. The Biblical Stewardship series is normally presented through six, one and one-half hour modules including sessions on debt, investing, giving, estate planning and cultural stewardship (an awesome session). Each module offers a soul-searching look at differences between God's viewpoint and man's teaching about money and possessions. A new (or existing) church can use materials like the Biblical Stewardship materials as a part of a regular plan to develop Biblical stewards (see www.BiblicalStewardship.org). It can be repeated throughout the year as a part of a plan to develop mature believers. There are numerous good materials available, but I must admit that this material is some of the best I have ever seen. Biblical stewardship isn’t about money; it’s about living a life, which is dedicated to God.
My question to readers of this forum is this: “What are you doing to develop Biblical stewards in your congregation?” What materials are you using? What process or system have you established to develop believers that understand the stewardship of their lives?
bobby gilstrap