Stewardship “You Think You Know but You Have No Idea”

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

Stewardship “You Think You Know but You Have No Idea” By Brandie Grisham

This tag line from the MTV biography series came to mind when I started to think about stewardship. It resonated with me because for the longest time I always looked at stewardship as something my church wanted from me but I realized after working as an intern at St. Bernadette’s this past year that could not be farther from the truth. As an intern I was required to attend as many committee meetings as I could and to participate in as many activities as possible. And although that was my “job” I learned that my active involvement in the church actually enhanced my worship experience. Always afraid of the burden such commitments would be on my already hectic schedule, I shied away from participating in service opportunities. But in actuality my contributions connected me to that community which is something I hope to replicate here at Epiphany.

My perception changed. Stewardship is no longer what the church wants from me; it is now something that the church gives me. The church does not want my time just for the sake of service but it wants to provide me the opportunity to build relationships. Stewardship is not taking my talent but allowing me to bring purpose and meaning to my life through the exercise of my gifts. The church does not want my treasure but it wants to offer me the fulfillment of giving to those less fortunate than me since I have been so greatly blessed. Stewardship – allow it to work for you.