“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill

Define Stewardship

By Mark L. Vincent

Here is a discussion starter for small groups, Sunday school classes, church boards and even families: If we subscribe to a Google RSS feed related to the word “Stewardship,” we will find the following definitions in their current order of frequency:

1. Taking responsibility to care for the environment
2. Being careful with a financial investment
3. Providing good management for an enterprise
4. Raising money for a church
5. Caring for one's life - managing money, time and health

Compare this to the following order of frequency for the word “Stewardship” in the Bible: Ooops! The word cannot be found.

Instead, the word, Steward (oikonomos) can be found in both the teachings of Jesus and in some of the New Testament letters, referring to the office one is given to care for the affairs of one’s master. Stewardship, by definition, is the actions of the Steward.

So, if we search for the various uses of the word Steward instead, here are the definitions we find in their order of frequency:

1. Taking care of the Gospel for God

Sometimes, the Gospel is referred to as the “manifold grace of God” (I Peter 4:8). Sometimes the Gospel is encapsulated in a parable of Jesus, such as the servants who must invite people to the wedding feast the Master wants to host. But in all cases, the central idea remains the same. God, in Christ Jesus, is doing something that renews, redeems, saves and makes whole. God wants people to receive this good news of mercy and grace. And God wants those who receive this good news to manage this Gospel message well so that others can hear it and share the joy.

Here then are some key reflection questions:

1. When we talk stewardship in our Church or home, does it sound more like the Google list or what we find in the Bible?
2. How might we recover a stronger sense of our role as a Steward of the Gospel message?
3. How does our use of income, relationships, bodily health and our care for the environment connect to the life of the Steward the Bible asks of us?

Reflecting deeply on these matters, one learns that being a Steward means I organize life for God. Money, talent, relationships, environmental care, and my chosen vocation get connected to my life as a follower of Jesus Christ. The definition need not be complicated.

Mark L. Vincent is a Senior Design Partner of Design Group International TM, an organizational development firm that has developed extensive stewardship education resources. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This Gift Costs You Nothing During Your Lifetime

Would you be interested in making a gift that will cost you nothing during your lifetime? Here’s how: Just specify the gift in your will. The gift will come out of your estate at the time you no longer need it. If you already have a current, valid will, you may add a gift through an amendment (codicil).

A current will allows you to direct where your property will go, who will receive it, and even how it will be used after your death. A will is revocable during your lifetime as long as you remain competent. And, because it doesn’t take effect until your death, you maintain ownership of your property and assets during your lifetime.

A will provides for the easiest way to make a gift to persons and organizations you believe in and want to support. It allows you to leave a tangible legacy and prevent your property and assets from being distributed under intestacy laws and the possibility of prolonged and costly probate.

Here are the most common ways to make a gift through your will:

• a bequest of a fixed specific amount
• a bequest of a specific item
• a bequest of a percentage of your estate
• a bequest of the residue of your estate after other bequests are made and expenses paid
• a contingent bequest if primary provisions can no longer be satisfied or if your heirs have predeceased you

The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation, serving the Susquehanna Conference, welcomes gifts in the form of bequests. To learn how a gift can be directed to The Foundation through your will, contact Rev. Phyllis M. Bowers, Executive Director, directly on her cell phone at 717-968-0251.

Betsy K. Finds A Way

Betsy K. loved music all her life and was the organist in her Church for many years. That’s why she always dreamed of providing scholarships for music students – especially for those who honored God by using their gifts in worship. The only problem was, Betsy needed all of her investment income for living expenses. If she wanted to remain in her own home, she would soon require additional income to pay for some help.

Betsy’s largest single asset was 30,000 shares of stock she held in a well-known company. Even though the stock recently declined in value, it still appreciated significantly since she inherited it many years ago. The current value of the stock was about $600,000; however, her annual dividends were only about $14,000.

After a meeting with her financial counselor, Betsy contributed most of her stock to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity. The regular payments from her annuity were substantially higher than the dividends she previously received. She also received a nice charitable income tax deduction that reduced her income tax over the next few years.

When Betsy passes away, the remainder of her gift will establish the Betsy K. Endowment for Christian Music Scholarships.

If you would like information about how to fulfill your dream of helping others, contact Rev. Phyllis M. Bowers, Executive Director of The Stewardship Foundation directly on her cell phone at 717-968-0251.

The purpose of “A Christian Perspective” is to provide ideas for bountiful living in God’s world, share ideas relevant to managing God’s gifts and encourage faithful attention to living a balanced life.