Stewardship is more than Fundraising

“Why is an architect talking about stewardship?” asked a pastor recently when I talked to him about a workshop we’re planning.  The pastor continued, “Stewardship means fundraising to most people.” I was caught off guard because; for me, Christian stewardship means caring for and using God’s creation in a way that furthers His kingdom and His purpose.  This more holistic notion of stewardship is how I link my occupation (architect) with my vocation (follower and disciple of Christ).

A team from Engineering Ministries Int'l at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya

I was raised in a church tradition that historically was populated by farmers and tradespersons. The “can-do,” practical nature of these people equipped them to live out their faith in heroic acts of international relief for refugees, response to natural disasters and mutual aid for those building homes, barns and church meetingplaces. Their faith called them to reject materialism, resulting in communities that were green and sustainable long before it became fashionable.  From the earliest age I was taught and shown that stewardship meant honoring God in the practical, mundane choices we make about how we live and work.

Offices of Everance -- A Church-operated financial services firm

As the Church, like all of society, becomes more urban/suburban/exurban, service and ministry projects encounter more regulatory, financial and technological challenges. Too often churches undertake projects with purposeful naivety thinking that banks, governments and businesses will “cut them slack” because they are the Church. Similarly, too often the Church settles for what is “good enough” – accepting solutions and outcomes of less quality than what any of us would personally accept in our homes or businesses. Rather we should call upon the financial, sales, engineering and technology skills found in our church to navigate projects fairly, transparently and with a high standard for value.

Preaching the Gospel includes, “caring for the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) and, “loving our neighbor as ourselves” (Matthew 22:39).  Stewardship means planning for and equipping ourselves to obey these commands in tangible, skilled, and practical ways. Fundraising is often a component of this, but before we launch into fundraising or a capital campaign for a project, let’s use all the tools of commerce and the marketplace that are available. Being a good steward and practicing stewardship is so much more than fundraising.