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Journeys of Stewardship
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by Ken Kamba
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A steward, by definition, is a person morally responsible for the careful
use of money, time, talents, and other resources, especially with respect to
the principles or needs of a community. Stewardship, then, is the act of
managing these resources for the community. At St. John’s, each member is a
steward of our church ministry. Contributions of money, time, and talent
provide vital resources that will ultimately meet the needs of our church
and the greater world.
My journey as a steward of the church began as a child. I watched my father
faithfully place a check of an unknown amount into the offering plate each
Sunday while my mother faithfully sang in the choir. Although I was never
expected to contribute to the offering, the message I was given was clear:
contributing to the church is important regardless of the amount or talent
that is shared. God willingly accepts all gifts!
My stewardship journey continued as a poorly funded college student at
Valparaiso University. I recall passing the offering plate each week
wondering when my time would come to make a worthwhile contribution to my
church. Although I was unable to make consistent financial contribution to
the church during those four years, I was able to participate in the
church’s ministry through vocal and instrumental music opportunities.
However, I did not feel that I was giving enough.
During my early years at St. John’s, I defined stewardship by my ability to
financially contribute to the church on a regular basis. Unlike my childhood
and college days, I now had the means to give and did so whole heartedly.
However, I neglected to think about contributing my time and talents, in
addition to my money, in order to meet the ongoing needs of my church. I had
been thinking in more traditional terms, linking stewardship with money
only. Financial contributions are a crucial lifeline of the church, but not
the only one.
Since serving on the church council for the past few years, my definition of
stewardship has been broadened. I feel privileged to serve with the amazing
group of committed members whom you have elected as your council. Council
members provide many different viewpoints as to how to guide the church, but
everyone has the same goal - the betterment of St. John’s. Yes, we do look
at money, budgets, and line items. But, a great deal of time is also spent
on spiritual growth, both personal growth and church growth. For me, it has
been an awesome experience. I feel more involved and committed to my church.
I have been challenged to look at my definition of stewardship. I have been
reminded of my moral responsibility to share my money, time, and talents
with my church community. There are many needs and many ways that I can
contribute. And so can you. Look around—there are opportunities everywhere! |
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Additional Journeys of Stewardship are available by clicking the link below: |
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Journeys of
Stewardship Index |
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