Often thought of as involving only the raising of money, the true ministry of stewardship is
helping believers become disciples of Christ in the use of all the resources God has provided.
This includes the management of one’s body, material possessions, abilities and time.
Jesus spent much time discussing the material aspects of life. He knew His hearers couldn’t
understand the great principles of His kingdom unless they had an understanding of their
“steward” relationship with God. He told the gathering in His Sermon on the Mount that,
“where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21).
God asks the church to be a fellowship of individuals sharing a common purpose and caring
for one another as they grow in faith. The New Testament speaks of the church as the “body” of
Christ (Eph. 1:22).
Christ calls us into His body for the purpose of establishing a saving relationship with Him
and the community of believers. As Ellen White comments, “Every believer should be
wholehearted in his attachment to the church. Its prosperity should be his first interest, and
unless he feels under sacred obligation to make his connection with the church a benefit to it in
preference to himself, it can do far better without him. It is in the power of all to do something
for the cause of God.” (Counsels on Stewardship, page 42).
The church is meant to be a learning experience for each member. The members are to “stir
up one another to love and good works” and “forsake not the assembling of ourselves together,
but encourage one another” in Christian growth (Heb. 10:24-25). This is one way in which
church members care for and minister to each other.
A local church stewardship secretary or finance committee chairperson, like any other
church officer, is a minister. Every Christian believer is called to ministry, gifted by the Holy
Spirit, and in baptism ordained for ministry.
God supplies each person in the church with the resources for ministry—scripture, spiritual
power, God’s character, and spiritual gifts.
The recognition of God’s ownership leads to financial faithfulness. This faithfulness is
manifested in returning an honest tithe and thank offerings to God for His abundant provision
and His sustaining power.