1. Stewardship EducationSPD Lay Consultation Erika F Puni South Pacific Division

2. Stewardship Today Biblical stewardship is misunderstood by many of our church members to mean “tithe and offerings.” This misconception, and our focus on “giving” has created the following problems: • Mistrust of church leaders and systems • Diversion of tithe and offerings by members to other persons & groups • Project giving replacing systematic giving • Resistance to stewardship by pastors and church members

3. Stewardship Definition Stewardship is the lifestyle of one who accepts Christ’s lordship, walking in partnership with God and acting as His agent to manage His affairs on earth.

4. Redefining Stewardship • Stewardship starts with God as Creator • It recognises Him as owner of all things (life, time, resources etc) • Acknowledge Him as the sustainer of life, and is in control of His creation • Accepts Him as the provider of every good gift and blessing

5. Redefining Stewardship • Stewardship understands God as the initiator of relationships with people • Teaches that Jesus is Saviour and Lord • Recognizes the Church, the body, as an extension of Christ Himself • The believer is a steward, and is in partnership with God

6. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

7. What are your values? SECULAR SPIRITUAL Temporal Eternal Self-centered Christ-centered Body Spirit Short-term Long-term Self-control Spirit-controlled

8. Stewardship Issues • Importance and Priorities • Control and Lordship • Faith and Trust • Commitment and Loyalty • Allegiance and Worship • Mission and Discipleship

9. ALL FOR JESUS

10. It’s a matter of the Heart! • Kingdom means the rulership and lordship of Jesus Christ in our hearts • Righteousness means a right relationship with God

11. Financial Stewardship • Commitment to Lordship of Christ • Expression of partnership with God • Believers response of love • Recognition of God’s blessings of grace “Stewardship is the human side of lordship.”

12. Expressions of Financial Stewardship TITHE OFFERINGS Belongs to God Belongs to God It is holy It is holy God specifies it Believer sets it Act of worship Act of worship Spiritual response Spiritual response Express loyalty Express gratitude

13. Giving Paradigm OLD NEW Financial Matter Spiritual Act Focus on Self Focus on God Work oriented Grace oriented Emphasize obligation Emphasize lordship Maintenance driven Mission driven Members are Donors Members are Stewards

14. Stewardship Strategy Stewardship Education Simplified Offering system Information and Communication Strategy Local Church Pastor

15. Being Doing Knowing Stewardship Education Objectives

16. Denominational Culture Surface levelExpressive behavior Temporary views Programs & Products Deep level Peoples Worldview Core Beliefs Values and Principles

17. Mind Emotions Values Stewardship is Multi-dimensional

18. Stewardship Values • Sovereignty • Spirituality • Relationship • Worship • Transparency • Unity • Lordship • Integrity • Partnership • Discipleship • Accountability • Mission

19. Stewardship Education • Modelling – leadership • Preaching – local churches • Training – conference/unions • Reporting – formal and informal • Writing – church publications • Testifying – sharing of personal stories

20. Stewardship - the Future • Stewardship education • Communication strategy • Simplified offering system • Distribution of resources • Review of church policies • Leadership ethics • Discipleship initiatives

21. Questions for Discussion • What does the “lordship of Christ” means for you as an Adventist Christian in Australia and NZ? • How can we, as members of the body of Christ, help the corporate church in the promotion of biblical stewardship? • Why is spirituality an important issue in the life of the church today?