The Synergy of Stewardship


In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses addresses the whole company of Israelites as they prepare to enter into the land of Canaan with these words: “When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors…a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).

We all have inherited much in our community and church for which we did not plan nor did we build. How shall we express our gratitude? How shall we responsibly care for our inheritance? What shall we do as members of this household of God, who, like the early Israelites, have been led by God’s providential presence and have received innumerable blessings from God’s gracious hand? How shall we remember the Lord?

November 14th we have the opportunity once again to consecrate our financial gifts, prayers, service, presence and witness. Consecration is simply the act of dedicating something for the service of God. Church buildings are consecrated, as are many of the material things within those buildings. But just as important as pews, organs, candles, altars and Bibles may be, even more important is the dedication and devotion of the people within the church community to the service of God. After all, Jesus did not come to heal, save and teach pews and candles – He came to human beings. And it is ordinary, everyday human beings, such as you and me, whom He sends out into the world today, tomorrow and the days to follow.

Stewardship is a synergistic experience in which our prayers, presence, financial gifts and faithful service work together to enable the work of God to be done in our church. Our prayers connect us directly to the vital source of guidance, direction and sustenance we have in God. Our ministries only happen when we show up in person and become the body of Christ through our presence and our service. Our financial gifts help maintain the physical location in which our ministries happen, and pay the salaries of those who dedicate their livelihood and special abilities and calling to enabling and leading our whole church in ministry to our community.

This year, I invite you to heed the words of Moses and to consider deeply all that you have inherited from God.  What can you return to God through the work and ministry of the church as your expression of remembering the Lord? Join us on November 14 as we consecrate all these gifts to the service and remembering of the Lord. See you in worship!

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