Living Faith - Stewardship

Well, it is that time of year when many congregations, and individual persons are reviewing and deciding upon their budgets for the year. And stewardship seems to be one of the areas that we often shy away from talking about, preaching about (except that one "Stewardship Sermon" that all preachers are forced to do each year), and challenging ourselves and others.

And so I ask why?

I think (and others do as well) that we struggle with this because we begin in the wrong place. We begin with the money (and for those of you that know me know I am the first to say that stewardship is about much, much more than money)and we get stuck. We get stuck because money becomes the tag by which we identify ourselves, by which we seek to become ourselves.

What if, just what if we seek to begin in another place? What if we were to begin in faith? In prayer? In thanksgiving to God who gifts us with all that we are and all that we have? What happens if we start in this place?

Well, first thing is we must admit our fear. Our fear that we no longer have full control. Our fear that we no longer are in our comfort zone or safe space. Our fear that we might feel this. And we should feel this. We should feel our giving - if not it is just casting off the left-overs, things, time, and money that we would have just thrown away anyway.

Many churches and people believe that we are commanded, no, rather required to give 10% of all that we have. And yes, biblically, 10% or a tithe is what is held up as an example, as a shooting point, but in a different way - as money that is given above and beyond the committed support of the local community.

We are called to give proportionately, as a commitment to our church or faith community. Proportionate giving is giving from ones means - meaning that those who don't make as much money should never be expected to give the same amount as someone who makes a lot of money; nor should a person in a unique situation (single parent with three kids, medical bills, caring for an elderly parent, etc...) be expected to give the same amount as a retired couple who are enjoying their golden years.

So as we plan our budgets, vote on our budgets, and determine our commitments for the upcoming year let us ask the question of ourselves and our communities - As a disciple of Christ, how am I called to support my congregation with my financial commitment in the coming year? Do I start with my church commitment, and then go from there? Am I giving enough that I feel it, that I notice it? Are there circumstances in my life that I need to pay attention to in order to be a good steward?

It can be scary. It is a challenge. But it is our call as disciples of Christ to live into our calling as children of God and to be a part of the work of God in the world, and this involves our stewardship commitments.

Recommended reading: Powell, Mark Allan. Giving to God: The Bible's Good News about Living a Generous Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 2006.