As Christian nonprofit fundraising professionals, we have a unique calling to steward the resources God has entrusted to us. Our role goes beyond simply raising funds; it’s about nurturing relationships, inspiring generosity, and ultimately advancing the Kingdom of God.
To effectively fulfill this calling, it’s essential that we have a deep understanding of what the Bible teaches about stewardship. By aligning our fundraising practices with biblical principles, we can invite donors to participate in God’s work while also honoring Him in the process. In this article, we’ll explore key passages of Scripture that shed light on the meaning of stewardship and how it applies to various aspects of our lives and ministries.
Stewardship of Resources
The Bible clearly teaches that God is the ultimate owner of all things (Psalm 24:1), and that we are merely stewards of the resources He has placed in our care (1 Chronicles 29:14). The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of wisely managing these resources, while 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 encourages us to give generously and cheerfully.
Stewardship of the Environment
As stewards of God’s creation, we have a biblical mandate to care for the environment (Genesis 1:26-28). This responsibility involves preserving and protecting the earth (Psalm 8:6-8), as demonstrated through examples such as the Sabbath year for the land (Leviticus 25:1-7) and the protection of mother birds (Deuteronomy 22:6-7).
Stewardship of Time and Talents
The Bible instructs us to use our time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16) and to serve others with the unique abilities God has given us (1 Peter 4:10-11). The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the importance of investing our time and talents in loving and serving others.
Stewardship of Relationships
At the heart of biblical stewardship is the call to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). This involves caring for our family members (1 Timothy 5:8) and building and maintaining healthy relationships characterized by humility, gentleness, and unity (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Stewardship and Eternal Perspective
The Bible teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), recognizing that our stewardship is ultimately an act of worship (Romans 12:1). As stewards, we will one day give an account before God for how we have managed the resources, talents, and relationships He has entrusted to us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
By understanding and applying the biblical principles of stewardship, Christian nonprofit fundraising professionals can more effectively inspire generosity, nurture relationships, and advance the Kingdom of God. As we embrace stewardship as a way of life, we can experience the joy of participating in God’s work while growing in our own faith and obedience.
