A Pastoral Guide To Stewardship In The Bible
Many churches don't do a good job of preaching stewardship as taught in the Bible. For me, the word 'stewardship' immediatelybrings me back to my teens. The church I was attending launched a 'stewardship campaign' to raise money for a new building.
Stewardship was code word for 'give money to the church'. It's all too common in our churches these days. Financial needs arise, so off we go to dust off the sermon on 'stewardship'. And, that's really sad, honestly... a massive missed opportunity:
- Stewardship is about me partnering with God to best utilize the resources He's blessed me with.
- Stewardship is about intimacy with Jesus, trusting Him with my security.
- Stewardship is about taking good care of what Jesus has entrusted to me.
Does all of this overlap with tithing, church support, church budgets, buildings, church giving software, etc?
Of course! But here's the thing: stewardship is much bigger than money.
What Is Stewardship?
Stewardship is all about management of the resources entrusted to us by God. As a pastor, you know more than most that management can get messy. That’s why we’re going to take a look at what the bible tells us about stewardship in this article.
In the New Testament, the word ‘steward’ comes from the Greek word ‘oikonomos’, which means household management or manager. Managers are not owners. Stewarding resources is about using them, investing them, deploying them according to the direction of the Owner.
I love how Dave Ramsey’s team puts it:
Stewardship is managing God’s blessings, God’s ways, for God’s glory…That means our time, talents, treasure, relationships, jobs and, yes, our stuff. It’s all God’s, and He trusts us with it.
RamseySolutions.com
Here are a handful of common errors churches tend to make when it comes to handling stewardship (pastors aren't immune either!):
- Preaching stewardship only as it relates to money
- Preaching about stewardship in order to increase church giving
- Ignoring the truth that stewardship is about our hearts
- Using guilt or shame
- Ignoring the need for personal stewardship
Again, we'll dig into these more deeply, in a moment.
How To Be A Good Steward With Ten Guiding Principles
Stewardship Principle #1: Everything Belongs to God (Ownership)
In his book, 'Surviving Financial Meltdown' Ron Blue writes, “A biblical view of money requires that we recognize God’s ownership of everything”. Simply put, everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1-2 reminds us of this:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.”
What is ‘everything’? It includes our time, talents, money, and possessions. This perspective shifts our mindset from ownership to management, where we accept our responsibility as caretakers of resources He’s placed in our hands.
Larry Burkett, author of ‘The Complete Guide to Managing Your Money’ and ‘Business by the Book’, writes “When we acknowledge God's ownership, every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision.”
We are called to use the resources He has given us wisely, responsibly, and in a way that honors Him. This helps foster humility, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility within us to manage God's gifts in line with His will.
Stewardship Principle #2: We are trusted to manage God’s resources (Responsibility)
We’ve been entrusted with the management of God's resources. Before God created Adam, God said He’d make man in His image, and allow mankind to rule over all the animals:
Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Genesis 1:26
After making Adam and Eve, God commanded them to be fruitful and multiply, to “fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:28
God entrusts us with His creation and wants to help us manage it wisely and faithfully.
hat does it look like to do it right, or wrong? Let’s take a look at the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where servants are given resources to manage on behalf of their master (read the full Parable here in Matthew Chapter 15).
The two servants who multiplied the master’s money were praised, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21). The one who buried his solo talent in the dirt? Well, he was rebuked for being wicked and lazy, and the talent was taken away from him and given to the one with 10.
And yet, have you ever read this scripture and thought, ‘better safe than sorry?’, or even pitied the last servant? After all, he didn’t lose his master’s money, right? He just didn’t multiply it. But when we work diligently and by faith, we can trust the results to God, just as He has entrusted us with the talents, ideas, and resources.
A few key lessons emerge from this parable:
- Take initiative and be diligent — nothing is gained if no action is taken
- Take risks (by faith), and trust God with the outcome
- Be ready to give an account of your work
- Life is about rewards and consequences — and each are largely based on our actions
As stewards, we are responsible for using our time, talents, and treasures in ways that align with God's purposes and bring Him glory. This includes caring for creation, supporting the church, helping those in need, and using our abilities to serve others. So therefore, let us be diligent, ethical, and purposeful in all that we do.
Stewardship Principle #3: We will give an account of our stewardship (Accountability)
We will be held accountable for how we manage our resources. We often reference three scriptures concerning this topic: Romans 14:12, Matthew 25: 14-30 (The Parable of the Talents, which we already discussed in Principle #2), and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
In Romans 14, Paul writes on the issues of Christian liberty, and the importance of not judging others within the community of believers. In verse 12, he writes, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God”. We all will stand before God’s judgment seat, meaning that we must assume personal accountability to our Father (and not personally assume the responsibility of judging others!).
The passage in 2 Corinthians 5:10 underscores the reality that believers will be evaluated based on their deeds, implying stewardship too: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
It is the hope and joy of every believer that one day, they hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23a).
Stewardship Principle #4: Being trustworthy in small and large matters (Faithfulness)
Charles Spurgeon, everyone’s favorite English Baptist preacher, famously said, “Faithfulness in little things leads to faithfulness in great things”.
We all know and love Luke 16: 10, but do we know what the previous verses are speaking about?
Luke chapter 16 is the Parable of the Unrighteous Steward. It recounts the story of a manager of a rich man's estate who was accused of squandering his possessions. The parable does not necessarily imply that the manager was guilty of stealing or embezzling his master's wealth.
Unsure of how he'll live if he is fired, the manager comes up with a shrewd plan: he knows he’s in the wrong and will be fired, so he decides to reduce the debt of those who owe his master. But why? Scholars suggest the shrewd manager believed his plan would cause people to welcome him into their homes (i.e., food and lodging!) after he gets fired. Ironically, the master praises him for being shrewd.
Some scholars believe Jesus used this story to teach his disciples to be shrewd (but for eternal purposes). Then Jesus explains the Faithfulness Principle in verse 10, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10) — emphasizing faithfulness in the everyday, mundane things as a requirement prior to gaining more responsibilities.
Ultimately, our faithfulness in minor details reflects our overall character and reliability. By being trustworthy in all things, we build a foundation of integrity that prepares us for greater responsibilities, and honors God.
Stewardship Principle #5: Giving willingly and cheerfully (Generosity)
Everyone loves a cheerful giver — how can you not?
In The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn writes, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Cheerful giving and cheerful giving heaps the blessings on everyone!
Giving willingly and cheerfully means that our contributions to God's work should come from a willing heart, and be given with joy.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This verse emphasizes that giving should not be done out of obligation or pressure, but as a voluntary and joyful act. When we give willingly and cheerfully, it reflects our gratitude for God's blessings and our trust in His provision.
This generous spirit enhances our relationship with God and fosters a positive, giving culture in our churches. Pastoral tip: model what you desire to see!
Eighteenth century theologian and evangelist John Wesley, isn’t just the founder of modern-day Methodism, but was also well-known for his economic teachings. He encouraged his congregants to work hard, be frugal, and give generously. In The Use of Money, he famously wrote “Having, First, gained all you can, and, Secondly saved all you can, Then give all you can.”
Stewardship Principle #6: We are told to use our resources wisely (Wisdom)
Proverbs 3:9-10 reminds us how to prioritize our wealth and resources: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Wise stewardship involves:
- Prioritizing God: Honoring Him first in our financial decisions and other resources.
- Planning and Budgeting: have you heard the saying, “a budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went”? Plan, and budget. Keep it simple — it works.
- Investing in Eternity: Using our resources to make much of Jesus and to point others to Him — things that have eternal significance.
Howard Dayton, prominent Christian financial expert, author and speaker, writes in his book Free and Clear, “Debt is like any other trap, easy enough to get into, but hard enough to get out of.” Steward wisely, and with discernment, and debt is one trap you can stay out of.
Stewardship Principle #7: Serving others with our gifts (Service)
Our gifts are not just for ourselves. Our God-given abilities and resources are to help and support others, in our immediate family, and beyond.
In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says “Faithful servants never retire. You can retire from your career, but you will never retire from serving God.”
In serving others, we follow Jesus' example, and fulfill His command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This service can take many forms, such as volunteering, offering our skills to benefit the community, or providing financial support to those in need.
The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." This verse emphasizes that our talents and gifts are not just for our own benefit, but are meant to be shared.
Using our gift to serve includes:
- Recognizing our gifts: Understanding that every person has unique talents and abilities given by God.
- Serving others: Actively using our gifts to help, support, and uplift those around us.
- Faithful Stewardship: Managing and using our gifts responsibly, knowing they are part of God's grace.
- Building community: Strengthening the church and broader community through acts of service and love.
By serving others with our gifts, we fulfill God's command to love our neighbors and reflect His love and generosity in our actions. We also grow in our christlikeness: “Gaze upon Christ long enough, and you'll become more of a giver. Give long enough, and you'll become more like Christ” (Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle).
Stewardship Principle #8: Demonstrating thankfulness for God’s Provision (Gratitude)
Demonstrating thankfulness for God's provision means recognizing and expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive. Thank you, Jesus — for life in you and with you, and for all that you’ve given us.
Thankfulness is a powerful force — even neuroscience research backs this up, showing that gratitude can have significant positive effects on the brain!
What does the bible say? First Thessalonians 5:12-22 provides practical instructions for living a life of faithfulness and gratitude, including the exhortation to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (verses 18).
This ‘attitude of gratitude’ (yes, it’s corny — but it just works!) is a key aspect of stewardship. It reminds us that in all that we do and anything we are going through or suffering in,let us have a thankful heart.
Joyce Meyer says, “Be just as thankful when things aren’t going good as when they are going good”. Here she explains the power of gratitude, what to do when we’re grumbling, and how to give Him thanks.
Stewardship, therefore, involves managing God’s gifts in a way that honors Him and reflects the hope and love found in Christ. We live out the very principles Paul teaches in 1 Thessalonians, bearing witness to our faith in everyday actions, and expressing gratitude. Demonstrating thankfulness reminds us of God's goodness and encourages a spirit of generosity and contentment.
Stewardship Principle #9: Caring for Creation (Sustainability)
Every time God made something during the six days of Creation, Genesis tells us, “and God saw that it was good”. (Genesis 1). But why did God call creation ‘good’ — or even ‘very good’? The Gospel Project explains that creation is fundamentally good because in its intended and original design, it reflects its Maker.
In Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it: you could say it marks their inaugural role as caretakers. It’s in our DNA to use natural resources wisely, and preserve the environment for future generations. Caring for creation, therefore, is a natural part of our stewardship as humans.
Our steward of creation reflects a respect for what God created, and it’s also a necessity for the continued growth of humankind. When we steward creation, we honor God. Creation itself (in its natural form), glorifies its Creator.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork
Psalm 19:1
Stewardship Principle #10: Using resources to fulfill God's purposes (Purpose)
As God’s kids, we are asked to manage what our Father has given us —time, talents, and resources—in ways that align with God's will and mission. We are called to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Our Father’s heart is that all would come to know Him through His Son:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
It makes sense that one of our highest priorities is to recognize that everything we possess is ultimately God's and should be used to advance His kingdom and serve others. It includes supporting church activities, helping those in need, sharing the Gospel, and using personal skills and abilities for the common good.
Randy Alcorn shares this helpful illustration on stewardship and giving, explaining how God intends for us to give things away for His kingdom, and to help those in need.
The principle of purpose is about reflecting God's love and faithfulness in our actions, and pointing others to Him.
Warning: Carefully Avoid THESE Church Stewardship Errors
Error #1: Preaching stewardship only as it relates to money
Stewardship isn’t just about finances, and to preach in this way would be a misstep, for two major reasons:
- Everything we have belongs to the Lord. All of it: our families, our homes, our resources, our time, and our abilities (not just our money).
- Stewardship helps equip us to follow and fulfill the Great Commission.
Error #2: Preaching about stewardship to boost church giving
I think we all know this is a no-no, right? We don’t teach the congregation on stewardship, tithing and giving SO THAT the church can make more money. No! We teach to disciple, expound on God’s word, and show what practical, godly living looks like.
Stewardship is part of our spiritual DNA: starting from Adam, God gave mankind the responsibility of stewarding His creation. The hope for all believers is (or could be), that the Lord says to us one day when we meet face-to-face, “well done, good and faithful servant”, having lived well trusting Him and faithfully managing the roles, responsibilities and resources He’s put in our lives.
While we don’t preach on stewardship so people give more, a natural result of teaching on financial stewardship and generous giving is that believers will desire to become generous givers. Once we have laid the proper spiritual foundation, we can then teach on the blessings that come with faithful giving, and giving like our good and faithful Father.
Error #3: Ignoring the truth that stewardship is about our hearts
As with most things, stewardship is a heart matter. It really isn’t about rules, numbers and percentages — as much as we may wish it to be, at times. Stewardship should be our response to who God is, who we are in Christ, and what He commands us to do. When we’re unclear about what this means, the best place to start is Scripture. “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).”
Jesus talks about money a lot throughout the New Testament (more than he says on both heaven and hell!). When it comes to giving, here’s what He said on the attitude and approach we should have:
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Error #4: Using Guilt or Pressure
I doubt most pastors intend to rely on tactics of guilt and pressure. But, it can happen, especially in certain situations:
- When you're feeling financial strain
- If people have left the church
- If giving has declined
The challenge to consider is this:
Are you focused on the problem (lack of finances) , the solution (increased giving), or on what Jesus is speaking to your heart?
Please do not use guilt-tripping or pressure! It is always against your best interest and undermines the Gospel! We follow God as New Covenant believers not under law. Believers desire to do things that God puts on their hearts. Let's encourage them to seek out Jesus's direction, and listen to His voice!
The essence of Christian ethics is not a matter of mere decision making but of making right decisions that stem from the character of God
R.C. Sproul
Your church will respond to the nudges of the Holy Spirit and the character of Christ that is being cultivated in them. Help them focus on Jesus, not on money.
Error #5: Ignoring Your Personal Example
It may be cliche, but ‘practice what you preach.’ As church leaders, when we don’t demonstrate good stewardship in our own lives, it can undermine our credibility. Authentic, Christ-led teaching requires us to lead the way for others and ultimately point them to Jesus and His example.
Share why you give and how it’s blessed you (note: not how MUCH you give!) This a great way to encourage people to become cheerful givers.
Modeling giving isn’t just about finances though. It’s also in how we serve and love others. It models the heart and character of God.
“When we understand true, biblical stewardship, the trajectories of our lives change with every decision we make:
- We begin to build a legacy of stewardship in our families.
- We treat our spouses and kids differently.
- We approach our work with a new sense of purpose.
- We become grateful for everything we have.
- We live within our means.
- We have more money to give.
- We have hope for the future.”
All Things Church Leadership, For Pastors, Written By Pastors
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