Many people use the term "stewardship" interchangeably with church fundraising.  For instance, a "stewardship campaign" often involves asking people to donate money for the local body of worship.  This site is not about being wise in raising funds for your church. 

The true definition of stewardship is much broader than asking for cash.  Dictionary.com defines steward as follows, "a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.".

Stewardship is really the recognition that God is owner of all and that we are simply managers of those things with which he has blessed us.  Someone who is a good steward may participate in the offering at church by tithing from their first fruits.  However, stewardship is much more than tithing.   For instance, how are you managing the entire amount of money at your disposal?  Are you a good steward if you tithe but blow the rest of the wad on petty things that have no lasting value? 

Stewardship is also about how you are helping to grow God's kingdom through your usage of time and talents.  If God has gifted someone with a particular talent that is used solely in the marketplace, is that how God intended that skill to be utilized?  Could the body of Christ use that talent in some way?

It is often said that a person's priorities can be gleaned from their checkbook and calendar.  This is a stewardship in a nutshell.  If we give God our best of our time, talents, and treasure, then we can expect to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant".

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