The ‘S’ word James Emmerson Diocesan Stewardship Officer.

The ‘S’ word

James EmmersonDiocesan

Stewardship Officer

Looking at stewardship

differently

Living as a ‘steward’ is a biblical obligation.

Matthew 25:21

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Matthew 25:26

“You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?”

Matthew 25:26, The Message

The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that!

Biblical teaching =Do what you can

Group Discussion In what ways is your church • encouraging all members to give their time

and grow in their gifts?• seeking God’s guidance in meeting the needs of our community?

“For those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. As for those who do not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

Matthew 25:29

Biblical teaching =Generosity works both ways!

Private reflection

Do you naturally think of God as wanting to be generous towards

you?

Group discussion• How does the vision of your church

inspire people to be more financially generous?

Summary

“Looking at stewardship differently”• Living as a steward is a biblical

obligation• Do what you can• Generosity works both ways