STEWARDSHIP & PHILANTHROPY

“And You Will Be My Witnesses…”

Acts 1:6-8

STEWARDSHIP?
In Mathew 6:19-33 Jesus taught that Stewardship is an eternal perspective on life, in this world which will one day pass away with all its treasures and concerns (cf. 2 Peter 3:10-13). This eternal perspective flows from our covenant relationship with God and is established by our allegiance to Him alone (cf. Matthew 6:22) and our fidelity to the principles of His Kingdom (cf. Matthew 6:34). Later, in Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus teaches that our Stewardship of God’s resources is applicable in every sphere of our lives; a concept explored further in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 where the scripture records the warning that we will have to give an accounting for everything we ever did with those resources.

PHILANTHROPY?
The Greek root of “Philanthropy” literally translates as “Loving People.” The English word refers to the general desire of goodwill for others & the active effort to cultivate the conditions which lead to Individual & Societal Flourishing.

We BELIEVE that God has revealed Himself in His Word and in History so that we might Know Him, Love Him, & be fully Alive through Him. Thus, our DESIRE is to be a true Community of the Faith: Disciples, Worshipers, & Stewards of His Kingdom as we FOCUS on cultivating an environment that is conducive to loving God, strengthening Family, and transforming Community.

Within this framework, it is our conviction that Biblical Discipleship, Worship, and Stewardship are the sum total of a life entrusted to God. They are an act of Gratitude, Adoration, & Sacrifice (cf. Romans 12:1-2/ Hebrews 12:28-29/ Matthew 22:33-47). They are the essence of the Divine Mandate (cf. Genesis 1:28/ Genesis 9:7); & they find their culmination in the Gospel of the Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

Understood this way, Biblical Stewardship is more than just giving our money to help other people do ministry. It is the commitment of all of our resources (treasure, talent & time) to the Service of others as an act of allegiance to the King of kings & Lord of lords (cf. Matthew 22:34-40).