Are You Called to Stewardship Ministry?
There's a misunderstanding in Christianity about serving in ministry. Many people believe that serving in ministry is a full-time pastor position at a church or a missionary to a specific region or group. Unless you fit into one of these roles, you're not really in ministry.
I spent sixteen years in my first career working for a large company that provides a vital service to the public. While employed there, I began to help people understand finances from a Biblical perspective through small groups, teaching classes, and coaching. I did this during the evenings and weekends as a volunteer.
It was years later that God called me to do it full-time. And you know what? The job was exactly the same. The only difference was the amount of time I got to do it each day. I realized then I had been doing ministry all along.
In my focused area of ministry, financial discipleship, I've met hundreds of people with the same passion for sharing the truth about Biblical stewardship and for helping people live it out. A few indicators confirm, at least for me, when someone is being called to serve in stewardship ministry.
5 Indicators that you may be called to Stewardship Ministry
1. You've got a financial stewardship story
After connecting with hundreds of people with a passion for financial stewardship, there's one thing that is true about each one. Every one of them has a financial stewardship story.
Some were in terrible financial situations, chasing the American Dream and having the debt to prove it before God revealed to them His biblical financial principles, which led them to financial and spiritual freedom. Others were raised by parents who had taught them these Biblical principles. Still, others didn't even realize they were in bondage to money until someone (a stewardship champion) offered them an option to attend a class or small group and study this topic.
Every person that I've met who is passionate about this topic has a powerful story. Maybe you do too. God doesn't waste anything. If you've had to fight your way out of a financial mess and you have the scars to prove it, or you've been trained as a good steward by others, God intends to use it.
2. You've made a conscious decision which master you will serve
The first and most important principle of Biblical stewardship is ownership. Simply put, God owns everything and supplies everything for our lives. Therefore, our role is not the role of an owner but that of a steward. We are stewards (managers), not owners of everything we have in our possession.
The only way you and I can get this owner/steward relationship right is when we no longer believe money, or anything it can buy, will bring us joy and fulfillment. Faithful stewards have chosen Jesus as their master and have rejected mammon (god of riches) and his promises because they know only Jesus can promise and provide what they need.
3. You see stewardship as the foundation for everything in your life and in God's kingdom
Faithful stewards have a perspective that many Christians still lack. They believe that a follower of Christ can only be faithful and fruitful through good stewardship. In other words, faithfulness and one's ability to produce good fruit are directly tied to how one manages everything, especially money and wealth. To serve God well is to operate as a faithful steward.
Faithful stewards don't believe in being wasteful, even in the little things. They take seriously what Jesus said in Luke 16:10, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." To please their master, they strive to use their time, talent, and treasure to further His kingdom.
4. Others see you as someone who has practical as well as spiritual wisdom about finances
When you're good at something, people notice. Whether you've been raised with sound stewardship principles or you've learned them through trial and error, people notice because, for many of them, finances are a struggle. Your knowledge and your faithfulness to live out these principles stand out.
It's been my personal experience that money is always of interest to most people no matter the environment. I've been on airplanes, lunch breaks with coworkers, walking, dining, or driving with friends, and whenever the topic turns to money, there's always an increased interest and participation.
Today, perhaps more than any other time in history, people need to understand God's financial principles because the world is full of distractions and material goods, which can quickly become idols that capture our attention and make us slaves to them. Those who have spiritual wisdom regarding money and wealth and how God desires for us to use them can teach and equip others to gain this wisdom.
5. The topic of financial stewardship constantly comes up in everyday conversations
When something extraordinary happens in your life, you can't help but share it. I remember when I became aware of God's financial principles and started applying them to my life. As I experienced peace and breakthrough, I wanted to share it with everybody! I thought everyone should know and understand these principles because of the transformational impact they had on my life.
When you're passionate about financial stewardship and you have a desire to disciple people in these principles, it keeps popping up in all types of conversations. This is not a coincidence! Because the power of this knowledge is so great and can literally change lives, God will bring you opportunities to share what He's graciously taught you in hopes that you will share it with others.
Conclusion
Financial stewardship is a ministry for those who want to teach and equip people with God's financial principles so that they may experience financial freedom and be free to live out God's plan and purpose for their lives. If these indicators resonate with you and you believe God is calling you to be involved in this type of ministry, we'd like to help you get started.
You don't have to quit your job or go on the mission field to serve in this ministry. You can begin by volunteering at your church or in your community. And, if you have questions or would like someone to talk to, please contact us. We would love to help you as you consider the next steps.
For Further Reading:
The Marks of a Christian Investor
The Greatest Hindrance in Our Faith, According to Jesus
What does the Bible say about Saving
Review: Charting Your Legacy by Compass
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