Stewardship as Discipleship: Promoting Playfulness, Getting Real

Money, money, money, money…MONEY! We all need it; most want more of it; many individuals and churches feel as if they do not have enough of it. So what’s a pastor or ruling elder to do?

As we continue to discuss the topic of stewardship in this series, some may be wondering, “Brad, our pledge campaign isn’t until next fall. Why are you talking about stewardship now?” Thank you to those who are wondering about this question! The answer is that stewardship is a part of discipleship, which is to say stewardship is not just for the fall. Indeed, I would argue that a fall only focus minimizes, diminishes, and lessens one’s whole person discipleship if it is limited to a “pledge drive ghetto.”

Bird’s Eye View for Promoting Stewardship – As congregations move toward normalizing the conversation about stewardship – talking about money as if it is a part of daily life, which it is – it may be helpful to engage your church family in playful ways. Imagine a potluck supper where people are asked to play the Continuum Game and align oneself one side of the room, the other side, or somewhere in between along a continuum. What would your congregation look like if you asked these questions:

·         How comfortable are you talking about money at church from Petrified on one side to Pulpit Shouter on the other side?

·         How does your congregation address money from Secret Santa on one side to Posting Gifts on Wall on the other side?

·         How would you like your church’s atmosphere to shift from More Secret on one side to More Open on the other side?

Playing the continuum game can be a fun way to open the doors toward normalizing conversations around money.

Liturgical View for Promoting Stewardship – As congregations become playful, which leads us toward greater openness, we have the opportunity to be more honest and authentic in our community conversations. Worship is a primary means for our faith communities to express their honesty and authenticity as stewards of God’s abundance. Imagine saying the following in worship at times other than the fall pledge campaign:

·         Praise: “I thank God that you are a gracious congregation of people who have supported this church’s ministry with generosity for years.”

·         Confession: “I stand before you today on behalf of the session to confess that we have neglected an important part of our responsibility in leading you toward greater faithfulness, and we seek your forgiveness.”

·         Word: “Today’s lectionary passages, once again, lead us to get real about our stewardship.”

·         Response to the Word: “Here’s how you can help… Will you help us help our members become better informed, more joyful stewards?”

Can you imagine? Can you envision? If so, then you can lead others deeper into faithfulness!

Seeking to be normal in unusual times,

Brad Munroe