Newsletters

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, stewardship is viewed through the periscope of the Christmas season and how God’s greatest Gift to His people that first Christmas is the prime example for how we are to maintain and use the good gifts He continues to give us. Knowing that God’s gift of His son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, is for all generations, our faithful response to this gift through our individual and congregational stewardship allows for the sharing of this great Gift for all generations.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the concern that stewardship and the words associated with it have been weighed down and hindered over the years due to fundraising gimmicks is discussed. Because of the confusion that has and continues to encircle this Biblical concept, the teaching of it has become less than precise. Making sure this concept is used under its proper context will ensure that it does not become functionally meaningless in congregations.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the need to revamp how congregations and pastors view stewardship is discussed. Unfortunately, over the years, stewardship has been perceived as an intensely personal matter and, thus, has become a taboo topic to talk about. However, in order for stewardship renewal to take place, this current majority perception needs to be changed, and this change can only be done through individual repentance by the congregation member and the pastor.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the need for stewardship transformation in congregations and in individuals is discussed. The modern version of stewardship is broken and needs to be transformed – and only the Lord can fix it. This need for transformation is compared to the transformation of Zacchaeus as told in Luke 19.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, an updated list of objectives for stewardship ministry is provided. The goals listed are practical and functional and are meant to be applied to situations that are both internal and external. The list’s intended audience is individuals, families and congregations. The Board of Stewardship has adopted these objectives and pray they can be a much-needed start for discussion about this important topic.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the topic of time stewardship and it being a casualty of the fast-paced society in which we live are discussed. Helping to shape faithful stewards within the congregation must include careful consideration of this important piece of stewardship and the ways to strengthen it in members’ lives.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, insight is provided into the importance of ordinary stewardship – taking care of what God daily provides – in the lives of congregation members. When the elements of ordinary lives are used daily to be stewards of the love God gives, then God is able to do extraordinary things through these individuals, in their lives and in their community.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, insight is provided into the differences between volunteerism and stewardship. What these differences mean for the local congregation as it strives to build faithful stewards in Christ are also provided.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, insight is provided into the importance of “preparing the soil for a stewardship harvest” within congregations. This preparation starts with Word of God and is based on the work of the Holy Spirit. With both of these tools to call upon, faithful stewardship in congregations will be given from the Lord.

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, insight is provided into the importance of having healthy and balanced implicit and explicit ministry goals when it comes to stewardship, for an individual and for an entire congregation. They need to work together so that all of life and life’s resources are used in faithful service to the Lord.