Church Words
The church has its own jargon that may not be recognizable to the general public. We use words like lectionary, liturgy, evangelism, and stewardship. It may be the case, that we are not always sure what we mean, when we’re talking to each other about these things.
Stewardship for instance, is a word we don’t hear very much outside the church. As a simple or basic definition, it can be the responsible upkeep and care of something that has been entrusted to us. Where the church is concerned, this not only falls on the pastor, the council, and the committees, but it falls on all of us. Stewardship quite simply is taking care of our house, our ship, and all that is required to make it the best it can be.
There are fixed costs, maintenance costs, and various projects and plans. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has often broken down the funding of such things by dividing them into categories called time, talent, and treasure. When we give of our time we participate in the life of the church as owner or members, rather than visitors or guests. When we share our talents, we provide necessary services to our church community, and although the church is not of the world, it is in the world, and it needs our treasure. It is no surprise that the church actually needs money just like any other household does.
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together running over, will be put in your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you and overflowing blessing.” (Malachi 3:10)
Please know that God is fully capable of blessing you, even in an inflated economy. Continue being generous people of God, “for He can do exceedingly and abundantly more that we could ever ask or think.” (Ephesians 4:20)
— Pastor Gary
