What Is Stewardship?
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, lightly edited by Fr. Timothy Pavlatos.
Orthodox Christian stewardship is a way of life that acknowledges accountability, reverence and responsibility before God. A primary goal of stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust, and act on those beliefs. As stewards, we affirm that every part of our lives is a gift from Him. Stewardship calls the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed. The idea of stewardship rests on the Greek word philotimo (grateful indebtedness) and is understood through the words of Jesus Christ: "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8).
An Orthodox Christian steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing stewards. Each year, the steward is asked to review his or her personal circumstances carefully and commit time, talent and treasure to support the parish and her ministries, which in turn serve the faithful and the wider community. This circle of giving and care lets the Church serve, give back and grow, following Christ's Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
Effective stewardship ministry is not a single event or project. It means going out to our people wherever they are in their walk with Christ, listening to their concerns, helping them see their importance as branches of the True Vine, and encouraging them to offer their gifts in His service. We use many resources, but unless we meet people personally, listen sincerely to their ideas and concerns, and share a vision for the future of the parish, our efforts will not reach their full potential. People give to what they see has value, purpose and meaning. Effective stewardship begins face to face and heart to heart.
In Oriented Leadership, their book on Orthodox Christian leadership, Williams and McKibben define stewardship as the call of the faithful to share willingly the gifts God has given them, including for God's work. Stewardship is devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as a parish, as a Metropolis, as a national Church and as the Church universal. It is our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind, in grateful acknowledgment of Christ's redeeming love.
"Stewardship is caring for the needs of others. Stewardship is offering one's self to God as He offered Himself to us. Stewardship is what a person does after saying 'I believe...' as proof of that belief." (Williams and McKibben, Oriented Leadership)
In the words of Fr. William Chiganos of Holy Apostles Church in Westchester, Illinois: "...people don't give to need; they give to vision.... Church people don't stretch their giving because of need to meet the budget; they give because they are able to see a vision of people being reached and God's purposes being accomplished in the life of the church and its ministry."
Parishes with successful stewardship programs have found that stewards who give their time, talent and treasure unselfishly and joyfully unleash incredible support, which in turn deepens the spiritual life and ministry of the parish.
Become a Steward
Questions about stewardship? Contact our Stewardship lead, John Chrisagis, at pcpresident@st-katherine.org.