Stewardship Now: The Three Ts

The Rev. Thomas W. Simmons IV

The word “stewardship” is often used as a code word in the church when talking about the uncomfortable topic of money. 

Most churches handle stewardship the way NPR conducts its annual pledge drives.  During most of the year we don’t hear anything about money, and then when the pledge drive begins they keep interrupting the show to ask for money. I usually find another radio station to listen to. 

Unfortunately, a lot of folks in the church tune out, too. Half of them make a pledge and the church maintains itself for another year, just like last year. This is what “stewardship” means in most Episcopal churches today. 

But is this what stewardship really means?

No, of course it isn’t.  Stewardship is something much bigger, more central and vital to the life of Christians and the Church. Stewardship is a core component of our relationship with God and our mission of Building Christians for Service. 

Stewardship is not about giving money. It’s about how we receive God’s abundant grace.  It’s learning how to give thanks to God and to order our priorities to serve God.  It is about growing in spiritual maturity and enjoying and making the most of God’s grace and generosity.  Stewardship is about managing God’s gifts to us, and it touches every area of your, including your financial and material abundance. 

That’s the short definition of Stewardship.  In a series of three articles, of which this is the first, I will more deeply explore the meaning of stewardship in relation to the Three Ts: our Time, Talent and Treasure.