Erika F. Puni, PhD Stewardship Ministries Director General Conference

1. To provide an orientation and understanding of Stewardship Ministries and it’s place in the life and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 2. To highlight the value of stewardship education in the process of discipling and spiritual growth. 3. To present a wholistic approach to Christian stewardship that is consistent with our Adventist beliefs and mission. Objectives

The Stewardship Challenge Biblical stewardship is misunderstood by many of our church members to mean “tithe and offerings” only. This misconception, and our constant focus on “giving” (calendar of offerings) has created the following problems:  Mistrust of church leaders and systems  Diversion of tithe and offerings by members to other persons & groups  Project giving replacing systematic giving  Resistance to stewardship education by pastors and church members

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:26, 28 (NIV) The Blessing of Partnership & the Privilege of Stewardship

The Privilege of Stewardship 1. Life (human life including culture and experience) given by God. 2. The World (including flora and fauna) created by God. 3. The Family (the human family and society) established by God. 4. Material Resources (including finances) that belong to God 5. Time(s) (including the Sabbath) appointed by God.

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind and with ALL your strength.” Mark 12:29,30 (NIV) The Invitation of Jesus

Total Life Stewardship

2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they (Macedonian churches) gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. 2 Corinthians 8:2-5 (NIV) Giving To The Lord

Christian stewardship and generosity starts with the giving of one’s total self, first, to God. Fundamental of Stewardship “Stewardship is ALL of me in response to ALL of God”

1. The world in which the Seventh-day Adventist Church was born into has changed, and it continues to change daily. 2. If the Adventist Church is to be relevant and connect with people’s hearts today, it must adapt the way it does ministry (including stewardship) in the world. Stewardship Facts

3. Biblical stewardship is the total commitment of the heart to God including the returning of the Lord’s tithe and the giving of free-will offerings. 4. Stewardship is the spiritual responsibility of every disciple; and it is the work of every department with Stewardship Ministries emphasizing, promoting, and teaching “financial stewardship.” Stewardship Facts

STEWARDSHIP SHIFT RemunerationRestoration MINISTRYDEPARTMENT Fund Raising Faith Building MoneyPeople DevelopmentDisciples FinancesSpirituality

FOCUS SHIFT Tithe & Offerings Lordship of Jesus BROADNARROW Church Member God As Creator BehaviorValues Pocket & Wallet Heart ProgramLifestyle

“But seek first his [God’s] kingdom and his [God’s] righteousness, and all these things [our humans needs as disciples/stewards] will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV) Living in the Kingdom of Jesus “Kingdom” is the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in our hearts daily

Stewardship 360

Seventh-day Adventists Mission Statement “The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to make disciples of all people, communicating the everlasting gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12, leading them to accept Jesus as personal Savior and unite with His remnant church, discipling them to serve Him as Lord, and preparing them for His soon return.” GC Working Policy 2010/11:29

STEWARD STEWARD Servant of Jesus Servant of Jesus Lives Jesus’ Lordship Lives Jesus’ Lordship Worships the Creator Worships the Creator Led by God’s Spirit Led by God’s Spirit Gives life to Jesus Gives life to Jesus Loves people sincerely Loves people sincerely Cares for the planet Cares for the planet Uses gifts in ministry Uses gifts in ministry Committed to mission Committed to mission DISCIPLE DISCIPLE Follower of Jesus Follower of Jesus Lives the life of Jesus Lives the life of Jesus Worships Redeemer Worships Redeemer Led by the Holy Spirit Led by the Holy Spirit Submit all to Jesus Submit all to Jesus Loves other disciples Loves other disciples Cares for environment Cares for environment Serves in ministries Serves in ministries Make new disciples Make new disciples Stewardship is ALL of me in response to ALL of God

1. Wholistic stewardship affirms the place of God and the Bible in Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. 2. Stewardship as a matter of “spirituality” and “reformation” is consistent with the action of the General Conference in session in The “broad” approach underscores our commitment to Christian Stewardship as a fundamental belief of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and it includes tithe and offerings. Christian Stewardship