Stewardship Ministry Leader

Result Expected

An effective leader will help the congregation understand the meaning of Christian stewardship and the need to practice it in all aspects of their lives. This coordinator leads the congregation to fulfill the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through an understanding that people are stewards at all ages and in all stages of faith.

Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications Helpful for the Job

• This ministry leader benefits from having one or more of these spiritual gifts: teaching, exhortation (encouragement), giving, leadership, compassion, faith, and helping.
• This leader exemplifies generous living, is devoted to lifelong learning, and is passionate about helping others learn and grow in knowledge and faith.
• This ministry leader needs a strong understanding of biblical stewardship and management of all that God gives and provides.
• Useful skills for this position are the ability to listen to and communicate with people of all ages; interest in a wide range of stewardship experiences; ability to work with others involved in all aspects of Christian stewardship; aptitude for researching issues; and ability to develop, organize, and implement stewardship programs and events.

Responsibilities of the Position

• This leader will coordinate with others to plan and implement a comprehensive ministry of Christian stewardship that includes education, inspiration, and action for the congregation. This leader will collaborate with finance leaders, the camping coordinator, earth advocacy leader, health and welfare leader, and scouting coordinator.
• This coordinator will be familiar with United Methodist and other stewardship resources, facilitate their use, and be able to recommend appropriate resources for all age levels and faith stages.
• This leader will work with organizations, people, and resources in and beyond the congregation that are concerned with Christian stewardship.
• This leader will learn about and promote opportunities for stewardship service (such as recycling) useful to people of all ages, both in the congregation and the neighboring community.
• This leader will lead the celebration of Christian stewardship in worship and fellowship opportunities throughout the year. Topics for celebration might include mission and connectional giving, living more frugally, personal financial planning, Earth Day, and care of the planet.

Getting Started

• Learn about the present opportunities available in your community for people of all ages to care about the earth, financial, and material resources. Often, schools have educational programs, and communities sponsor gardens. Discover gaps in opportunities where your congregation can lead the way in making a positive difference in the lives of people.
• Talk with your pastor and others to understand their hopes and dreams for congregational stewardship as a means toward fulfilling the mission of the church.
• Soon after you are elected, convene a group of interested people to help you plan. Meet with the congregation’s finance committee and earth advocate to coordinate and plan. Share the ministry with others by delegating projects to people in the church or community who have passion and interest.
• Study Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation, 2017-2020: Stewardship.

People and Agencies That Can Help

• Your pastor, people in your congregation, the community, and other congregations who are interested in stewardship. As you travel, visit other congregations to observe stewardship ministries. Notice ways that communities handle recycling and promote wise resource management.
• Discipleship Ministries, www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources/stewardship; toll free 1-877-899-2780; email, [email protected]
• InfoServ, the information service for the church, provides current information about United Methodist resources, programs, and staff services. Email: [email protected]; Website: infoserv.umc.org.

Web and Print Resources

• Afire with God: Becoming Spirited Stewards by Betsy Schwartzentraub (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2007)
• The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2016 (Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)
• Celebrating the Offering by Melvin Amerson and James Amerson (Discipleship Resources, 2007)
• Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2009)
• Faith and Money: Understanding Annual Giving in Church by Michael D. Reeves and Jennifer Tyler (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2003)
• Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007)
• Growing Compassionate Kids: Helping Kids See Beyond Their Backyard by Jan Johnson (Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2000)
• Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation, 2017-2020 Stewardship (Cokesbury, 2016)
• Interpreter, www.interpretermagazine.org
• Let the Children Give: Time, Talents, Love and Money by Delia Halverson (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2007)
• Propel: Good Stewardship, Greater Generosity by Clayton L. Smith (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015)
• A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen (Upper Room Books, 2011)
• Stewardship in African-American Churches: A New Paradigm by Melvin Amerson (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2015)
• Stewardship Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/umcstewardship
• Stewardship for the 21st Century, www.luthersem.edu/stewardship