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Biblical stewardship is misunderstood by many of our church members to mean “tithe and offerings.” This misconception, and our focus on “giving” has created the following problems:
Mistrust of church leaders and systems Diversion of tithe and offerings by members
to other persons & groups Project giving replacing systematic giving Resistance to stewardship by pastors and
church members
Stewardship Today
Stewardship is the lifestyle of one who accepts Christ’s lordship, walking in partnership with God and acting as His agent to manage His affairs on earth.
Stewardship is the lifestyle of one who accepts Christ’s lordship, walking in partnership with God and acting as His agent to manage His affairs on earth.
Stewardship Definition
Stewardship starts with God as Creator It recognises Him as owner of all things
(life, time, resources etc) Acknowledge Him as the sustainer of
life, and is in control of His creation Accepts Him as the provider of every
good gift and blessing
Redefining Stewardship
Stewardship understands God as the initiator of relationships with people
Teaches that Jesus is Saviour and Lord Recognizes the Church, the body, as an
extension of Christ Himself The believer is a steward, and is in
partnership with God
Redefining Stewardship
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
SECULAR
What are your values?What are your values?
Temporal
Self-centered
Body
Short-term
Self-control
SPIRITUAL
Eternal
Christ-centered
Spirit
Long-term
Spirit-controlled
Importance and Priorities Control and Lordship Faith and Trust Commitment and Loyalty Allegiance and Worship Mission and Discipleship
Stewardship Issues
Kingdom means the rulership and lordship of Jesus Christ in our hearts
Righteousness means a right relationship with God
It’s a matter of the Heart!
Financial Stewardship
Commitment to Lordship of Christ Expression of partnership with God Believers response of love Recognition of God’s blessings of grace
“Stewardship is the human side of lordship.”
Expressions of Financial Stewardship
OFFERINGSTITHE
Belongs to God
It is holy It is holy
Belongs to God
God specifies it Believer sets it
Act of worship Act of worship
Spiritual response Spiritual response
Express loyalty Express gratitude
Giving Paradigm
NEWOLD
Focus on Self
Emphasize obligation
Focus on God
Emphasize lordship
Work oriented Grace oriented
Financial Matter Spiritual Act
Maintenance driven Mission driven
Members are Donors Members are Stewards
Stewardship Strategy
Simplified Offering system
Information andCommunication
Strategy
StewardshipEducation
Local Church
Pastor
Surface level Expressive behavior
Temporary views Programs & Products
Deep level Peoples Worldview
Core Beliefs Values and Principles
Denominational Culture
Sovereignty Spirituality Relationship Worship Transparency Unity
Lordship Integrity Partnership Discipleship Accountability Mission
Stewardship Values
Stewardship Education
1. Modelling – leadership
2. Preaching – local churches
3. Training – conference/unions
4. Reporting – formal and informal
5. Writing – church publications
6. Testifying – sharing of personal stories
Stewardship education Communication strategy Simplified offering system Distribution of resources Review of church policies Leadership ethics Discipleship initiatives
Stewardship - the Future
Questions for Discussion
1. What does the “lordship of Christ” means for you as an Adventist Christian in Australia and NZ?
2. How can we, as members of the body of Christ, help the corporate church in the promotion of biblical stewardship?
3. Why is spirituality an important issue in the life of the church today?
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