Stewardship
We invite you to explore a variety of resources. We have categorized them by activity, and they represent a variety of approaches to living a Christian life. This menu is not designed as a “to-do” list, but rather as an offering for individuals to sample and find the activities that bring them closer to God in this particular practice.
Stewardship acknowledges that all that we have and all that we are come from God. As disciples, we seek to use these gifts and resources not for our own uses but for God’s mission in this world. In order to be good stewards, or caretakers of ourselves and our world, we must also practice generosity as we recognize that all good gifts come from God and are best used in ministry and community.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.”
Watch
What is Stewardship? This simple video from Holy Trinity, Ankeny (IA) explains how we are stewards, or caretakers, of our time, treasure, and talents. (1.5 minutes)
Bible Project: In the story of the Bible, God is depicted as a generous host who provides for the needs of his guests. However, humans live from a mindset of scarcity and hoard God’s many gifts. In this video on Generosity, we explore God’s plan for overcoming our selfishness by giving the ultimate gift of himself in the person of Jesus. (5 minutes)
Ascension Presents: Which is better, being an owner or a steward? Fr. Mike reminds us of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) as he points out how seeing ourselves as an owner is not as great as it seems. When we see ourselves as the owner of something, we hold onto it more closely for fear of losing it. When that thing is taken from us, we may become resentful. (7 minutes)
Read
5 Ways to Practice Generosity with Kids / from the Christian Reformed Church of North America
Generosity is freely sharing with others the many gifts God has given us, and our God is an abundantly generous God! When we feel gratitude for God’s many gifts to us, that gratitude overflows in generosity.
Generosity: Helping our Neighbor Flourish / article by Chris Schoon
Practicing generosity ultimately means that we are learning to live with open hands both to receive what we need from God and to let God give others what they need through us.
Generosity: What are we missing? / article by Erin Vroom with Steve Atkinson
Generosity is one of those things we’d probably all say we value, but how that practically works out in our lives may be a different story…
Listen
Generosity Series / Bible Project
Generosity is really important in the biblical story, as well as a vital part of everyday lived experience. How is this connected to scarcity, abundance, anxiety, and trust? This 5-part podcast series examines how our trust in God’s abundance feeds our generosity of both treasure and talent.
There is Always Enough / Mimi Dixon from Renovaré
Simplicity doesn’t mean we don’t have anything. It’s viewing ourselves as stewards of what God has given us to provide for ourselves and share with others. Mimi Dixon joins Nathan Foster again to remind us that in God there is always enough. (39 minutes)
Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Generosity / Br. Curtis Almquist from SSJE
For us to be fully and freely alive, we need the inflow of God’s provision, and in many forms; however we also need a complementary outflow of God’s provision, from our own life to others, otherwise our soul will become bracken. We have been created in the image of God, who shares life with boundless generosity. It is of our essence to be generous. (20 minutes)
“Live as stewards of all that has been entrusted to you. Use what you have been given for God’s glory and for the coming of God’s kingdom on earth. Use it to bless the lives of others, to bring hope where there is despair, to create possibilities where all seems dead and lost.”
Do
Family Stewardship Worksheet
Use this worksheet to foster thought and action about how each member of your family can contribute time, talent, and treasure to God’s work through St. Peter’s this year.
Generosity Bible Study
How did Jesus respond in a time of scarcity? This week, we look at the generosity of God, modeled for us in the way of Jesus.
A Season of Stewardship Booklet
As a family of faith, we are called to consider our stewardship of our many resources: creation care and community care; care of ourselves and our neighbors; and proper use of our many gifts, financial and vocational, all to the Glory of God. This booklet can be downloaded or printed for you to use in prayer and in reflection in your daily and weekly faith practices.
Practicing Generosity
Generosity is often associated with financial giving, but there are many other ways to engage with this faith practice! Here are some ideas for a week-long Generosity Challenge. Feel free to adapt them as you wish, perhaps changing the order around to fit your schedule better.
Pray
A Prayer for Joy in God’s Creation
O Heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
A Prayer for Sacrifice
Lord God, you deserve my best. Forgive me for the times I have offered you only the dregs, whether it be half-heartedly muttered prayers or only the money I know I can do without. Help me to remember that there is no better resting place for my heart and indeed all my possessions than with you. Help me to trust and obey you more each day. In your name I pray. Amen.
A Year with God by Richard Foster
A Prayer for Vocation
Lord, help us to believe that we are all ordinary people made extraordinary through your vision and your power. Take our insecurities and feelings of inadequacy and give us the courage to see ourselves and others as you see us, with gifts and potential to transform your world and build your Kingdom. Amen.
Church of Ireland
