Christian Stewardship

What is it?

Christian stewardship is the belief that everything — time, talents, money, possessions, relationships, and the Earth — belongs to God, and humans are called to be faithful managers (stewards) of these resources for His purposes, using them wisely, serving others, and reflecting His glory, not their own. It’s a whole-life responsibility involving generous giving, responsible management, caring for creation, and using gifts to build God’s kingdom, with accountability to Him as the ultimate owner and as churches in the Surrey Hills we are looking at how we respond to God’s generosity.

Core Principles

• God as Owner: God owns everything, and Christians are merely caretakers.
• Accountability: Stewards are responsible to God for how they manage His entrusted gifts.
• Purposeful Living: Using resources to fulfil God-given goals, not just personal gain. 

Key Areas of Stewardship

• Time: Using time wisely for meaningful activities, service, and rest.
• Talents & Abilities: Developing and using spiritual gifts and skills to serve others.
• Finances: Managing money responsibly through saving, avoiding debt, and generous giving (tithes/offerings).
• Possessions and Environment: Caring for the Earth (creation) and using material goods responsibly.
• Relationships: Honouring God in family, community, and all interactions, treating others with love. 

Practical Application

• Work as Worship: Doing jobs and tasks as if working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).
• Generosity: Giving back a portion of earnings and resources to God and His work.
• Simplicity: Living within means, avoiding excess.
• Service: Using gifts to build up the church and kingdom. 

In essence, Christian stewardship is a lifestyle of gratitude and faithfulness, recognizing that all aspects of life are gifts from God to be managed for His glory and the good of His world. 

To this end St. James’ have been prayerfully reflecting on how they can faithfully respond to the needs in our community and the world. St. James’ currently have three mission partners (which are reviewed regularly) Dorking Foodbank, Amber, Compassion including Fountain of Peace. Following two life-changing trips to Uganda to visit Fountain of Peace by Rosie McCance and Lucy Pakenham, Lucy and Libby Harlow, the PCC voted to help with their fundraising initiative to build accommodation for the nannies and the volunteers. Thanks to our regular givers and one-off donations the PCC felt called and delighted to be able to contribute towards this.

Across the two churches we are currently reviewing our stewardship policies in order to be able to respond to the needs of our churches, our community and the world. If you would like more information do please contact me.