Stewardship EducationSPD Lay Consultation

Erika F PuniSouth Pacific Division

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

Religion

Political Structures

Social Structures

Technology

Economy

Language

ALL FOR JESUS

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

Stewardship Education Stewardship Education ObjectivesObjectives

KnowingBeing

Doing

Surface level Expressive behavior

Temporary views Programs & Products

Deep level Peoples Worldview

Core Beliefs Values and Principles

Denominational Culture

Stewardship is Multi-dimensional

Mind

Emotions

Values

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?