An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

September 2010

So often, when we begin to think that church leaders stress money matters too often, we do not consider the great ministries of the church. Ask any pastor or leading lay people in any church: How is their congregation helping to meet the needs of those who are suffering?

The answer given will inevitably point to money given to provide food, clothing, counseling, housing, medical care, and so forth for the poor. Giving help to those in desperate need is a mandate Christ has given us. If we neglect the poor, the sick, the hungry, the ignorant, those in rags, those treated unjustly, we will have failed Christ.

Christian stewardship involves far more than worship; it involves service. It involves doing something positive to help those in desperate need. It calls for sharing all that God has given us!

In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Christ recites a list of what is expected of his followers, and ends his talk with these words: “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” (Matthew 25:45)

My friends, let's do it!

Prayer: Loving and just Lord, stir us up to service on your behalf, that we may hear you say at the last: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…” (Matthew 25:34) Amen.