Church
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Discover the transformative biblical principles of stewardship that will not only enhance your fundraising practices but also deepen your understanding of God's call to manage resources, talents, and relationships for His glory.
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.
Questions fundraisers ask
What does the Bible say about stewardship?
That God owns everything and people manage what He entrusts to them. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows servants rewarded for using what they were given well. Jesus taught that whoever is trustworthy with little is trustworthy with much (Luke 16:10), and each of us will give an account to God (Romans 14:12).
What is a steward in the Bible?
A household manager trusted to oversee property that belongs to someone else. Joseph ran Potiphar's household this way (Genesis 39:4), and Jesus spoke of the "faithful and wise manager" (Luke 12:42). Paul wrote that those given a trust must prove faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). Peter applied it to every believer: use your gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace (1 Peter 4:10).
What does the Bible say about stewardship of money?
Give first, give cheerfully and hold wealth loosely. Proverbs 3:9 says to honor the Lord with your wealth and the firstfruits of your crops. Paul says God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) and tells the rich to be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17-19), warning that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
What is stewardship of time?
Treating your days as something entrusted to you, not owned. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls believers to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity. Psalm 90:12 asks God to teach us to number our days so we gain a heart of wisdom. In practice, it means giving your best hours to what matters most, including rest, family, work and serving others.
How can ministries talk about stewardship without just asking for money?
Teach stewardship as a way of life, then present clear opportunities to give and leave the decision with the donor. Jeremy Reis once asked his mentor Tim Smith, author of Donors Are People Too, whether he was ever afraid to ask. His advice: "Jeremy, don't be the Holy Spirit in their life." The fundraiser's job is to present the opportunity, not to move the donor's heart.
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