Ten Stewardship Principles

Ten Stewardship Principles

Beginning in Fall, 2011, the Stewardship Committee is offering a new Principle for your consideration each month. 

Principle 1:  A grateful steward is our Christian response to what God has first given us – the gift of Christ, the gift of Jesus Christ and the community of believers.  We recognize that God comes first.  As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Macedonians, “but first they gave themselves to the Lord.”

 II Corinthians 8:5

Question:  How do we acknowledge that God has priority in our lives?

Principle 2:  A responsible steward is our way of acknowledging and showing faith in the Gospel.  This involves how we treat ourselves, our family and others.  Paul writes, “you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the Gospel of Christ.”

 II Corinthians 9:13

 Question:  Did you consider that your ‘VOCATION,” work, play and home, is a place of being a good Steward?

Principle 3:  A self-sacrificing steward is based on the self-sacrifice of Christ.  For our sakes Jesus gave up everything to make us rich through the cross and the resurrection.  We, too, are called to sacrifice so others may share in God’s Word and blessings.  Paul writes, “…gave according to their means and even beyond their means.”

II Corinthians 8:3

 Question:  Have you ever given sacrificially to feel a ‘pinch’ for the sake of others or the church?

Principle 4:  A willing steward means each person is moved by the Holy Spirit and is prepared to give of him/herself.  We are to freely give our time, talents and resources.  Paul writes of the Macedonians,

“For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave…”

II Corinthians 8:3

 Question:  Do you give: 1.) willingly, or, 2.) dutifully, or 3.) begrudgingly?

Principle 5:  A sharing steward  recognizes the unique gifts each person has received and that the purpose of these gifts is for the good of the community of God.  We are to use and share our gifts for the benefit of all.  Paul writes, ” And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”

                             II Corinthians 9:8

Question:  How do you use your gifts and talents for fellow church members?

 

Principle 6: A proportionate steward is our way of giving in relation to our abundance.  We are to give according to our “means”, not according to an income or a budget.  Paul told the Corinthians, “If the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he has not.”

II Corinthians 8:12

 
Question:  All can’t be “equal” in giving.  How do you determine what to give?  From leftovers or abundance or a formula?
 
 
Principle 7:  A committed steward means making a statement about your intent and following through.  As members in the Body of Christ, we are asked to make a commitment of our time, talents and resources as a faithful response to God and as a statements of support for God’s work.  Paul encourages us to “arrange in advance for the gift you have promised.”
 
II Corinthians 9:5

Question:  Do commitments help you or scare you?  Why?

Principle 8:  A regular steward means practicing our stewardship on a daily basis.  By doing so this becomes a lifestyle.  Paul instructs us to
 
“On the first day of the week, let each one lay aside their offering, as God has prospered them.”
 
                                                                                                                          I Corinthians 16:2

Question:  Giving is a habit.  What other “habits”  shape our lives?

Principle 9:  A geniuine steward  means putting your faith into action.  This is the tangible demonstration of what is sincerely on our hearts and where our treasure is, not simply a verbal expression.  The Macedonians set an example that Paul called to the attention of the Corinthians.

“…to prove by the earnestness of others that your love is also genuine.”

II Corinthians 8:8

Question:  What part of church are you most passionate about?

 

 

 

 



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