Stewardship
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Cecil Sims Stewardship Consultant

In the following paragraphs, I have attempted to identify some facts and principles as they exist in our churches and in the lives of our people. The presentation may be a little "helter-skelter", but if you carefully consider them, I think they will help you develop a meaningful ministry in developing Christian stewards.

PASTORS AND STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION
Most churches are "living" today on income from stewards developed by previous generations. Many studies have revealed most of the income in our churches is given by people over 50 years of age.

Another rather alarming fact is that many of our current pastors are neglecting stewardship education and dread dealing with money issues in the church.

The more tragic fact is that most of our people are caught up in the temptations of a materialistic society and the church is giving them very little help.

I have been personally challenged by the fact that the average young person who enters the work force today is going to earn over a $ 1,000,000 in their lifetime. This places on us an awesome responsibility to teach them to become good managers of that which God trusts to them.

In view of these facts, I encourage you to remember:

1. EVERYTHING WAITS ON STEWARDSHIP

2. STEWARDS DON'T JUST HAPPEN

3. IT IS BETTER TO RAISE STEWARDS THAN TO RAISE MONEY

As a pastor for over thirty years, I was very diligent in trying to "raise stewards." I probably did more things right and more things wrong than any pastor in the Northwest. I look back on my ministry and think, "I wish I had known and understood then what I know and understand now.” If I had it to do over again, I would place a much greater emphasis on stewardship education than I did before.

First, let me share a word about materials. Lifeway Christian Resources is a good source for materials. They have usually published a catalogue for stewardship materials, but currently are in a transition period as to how they will present their stewardship materials. Listed below are items every pastor ought to have in their possession.

SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Seminar
This is a four-session presentation which requires a trained consultant. The workbooks are purchased from Lifeway for $ 4.95. We have a number of consultants here in the Northwest available to our churches at a minimum of expense. This seminar can be presented in a number of ways, but the most effective is a four session presentation on Sunday, encompassing the Bible Study hour, the worship service, the Discipleship Training hour, and the evening worship service. This is the best one day stewardship education program Southern Baptist have ever produced.

The catalogue number for the workbooks is 0 7673 3639 9. The Lifeway phone number is 1-800-458-2772.

ABC's of Church Budgeting, Promotion, and Stewardship Education
This is a very simple "how to" booklet on budget planning and promotion. It is as good for a small church as a large one. The cost is $ 3.50. The catalogue number is 0 7673 9108 X.

Church Ministry Budgeting
The booklet helps a church plan and present its budget in terms of ministries rather than the normal line item budget. Price $ 2.0011 Catalogue number 0 7673 2420 X

MANAGING YOUR CHURCH FINANCES
This is a "hands on"..."how to guide" for a church to organize its financial work. Every pastor and every treasurer should have one at their fingertips. Price $ 4.95. Catalogue number 0 7673 9442-9

THE WORSHIPGIVER
This is a very practical book designed to help worship leaders relate giving to worship. . It includes 52 pre-offertory comments and guides for bible studies related to giving as worship. Price $ 5.50. Catalogue number 0 9999 6546 8.

LIFESTYLE STEWARDSHIP DRAMAS
This collection of stewardship dramas makes god's Word come alive right before your group or congregation. Don't underestimate the power of this type of presentation to convey the stewardship message.