The ministry of stewardship is developed through the foundational relationship one has with God. This includes how we manage and care for the funds that we are blessed to receive from the true Giver of our financial resources.
Throughout my career in various financial avenues for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I have been privileged to serve in positions that have allowed me to work directly with the inner workings and functions of funds as they flow through every level of the church.
One of my passions is the ministry of stewardship. Over the years, the term “stewardship” has been associated with the notion of “giving” or “begging.” Unfortunately, this has created discouragement, especially within the Millennial and Gen Z community. While giving is a part of stewardship, it is only one portion of a multifaceted ministry designed to contribute to the enhancement of one’s personal relationship with God.
I view stewardship as a wholistic approach to finances whether on an individual or collective basis. In this context, stewardship is a financial way of life. The ministry of stewardship is developed through the foundational relationship one has with God. This includes how we manage and care for the funds that we are blessed to receive from the true Giver of our financial resources.
In 1 Timothy 6:17‒19, the apostle Paul charged Timothy with a task of being a good and faithful steward and to teach others as well. He states, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (NIV)
Each month, we will take a unique approach to the ministry of stewardship. We will discuss various topics on finances, including:
Jesus states in Luke 16:10‒11 that “. . . whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So, if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (NIV) Whether you have little or much, how are you handling the financial resources that are entrusted to you?
God has given us a roadmap of how to be a blessing and how to be blessed. In 2022, we will take a deeper dive into the ministry of stewardship and the tools that we have been given. Our goal is to grow our faith and reliance on the promises of God.
Jermaine Jackson is Lake Union Conference’s associate treasurer and director of Stewardship.
