Best Practices in Parish Stewardship

Key Elements for Establishing Stewardship As a Way of Life

Stewardship as a Way of Life Mature disciples

make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, no matter the cost to themselves;

Christian disciples experience conversion – life-shaping changes of mind and heart – and commit their very selves to the Lord;

Stewardship as a Way of Life

Christian stewards respond in a particular way to the call to be a disciple. Stewardship has the power to shape and mold our understanding of our lives in the way in which we live;

Stewardship as a Way of Life

Stewardship as a Way of Life Jesus’ disciples and

Christian stewards recognize God as the origin of life, giver of freedom, and source of all things. We are grateful for the gifts we have received and are eager to use them to show our love for God and one another. We look to the life and teaching of Jesus for guidance in living as Christian stewards.

--- Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response

A Spirituality of Stewardship A spirituality of

stewardship recognizes that: Everything we are

and have comes from God

We learn to respond in gratitude

Such gratitude is nurtured within the community of believers

Fostering Stewardship: Seven Steps Commitment of

Leadership Pastor

Living witness Commission/

Committee Fostering and

sustaining stewardship Annual plan Renewal with annual

commitment Pastoral Council

Pastoral Planning

Fostering Stewardship: Seven Steps

Hospitality and Evangelization Hospitality and

Welcoming Essential Community – The

Importance of Belonging

Fostering Stewardship: Seven Steps Formation Toward a Spirituality of

Stewardship Living, lifelong relationship with Christ People with grateful hearts and generous spirits Vision of faith community as place where disciples

are formed

Fostering Stewardship: Seven Steps Reach Out

Living the Gospel in ways large and small Discern the needs

within the parish Discern the needs in

the local community and the world

Discern ways to address the needs through the ministry of parishioners

Fostering Stewardship: Seven Steps

Ministry Development and Support Listen to the ways in

which parishioners hope to serve

Ministry Guide and Fair Ministry Support

Stewardship of Treasure Parishioners have a

need to give

Fostering Stewardship: Seven Steps Planning and

Evaluation Annual Renewal Timeline

Fostering a Spirituality of Stewardship: Seven Steps Gratitude and

Accountability Recognition of

stewardship of parishioners Recognize commitment Gratitude for giving

Regular sharing of all that is given Time Talent Treasure

Annual Report

Conversion of Mind and Heart Self-absorption to interconnection Self-centeredness to God- and Other-

centeredness Self-determination to responsive

discipleship A false sense of security to a life of

conversion A sense of entitlement to a life of gratitude The need for control to the freedom of

generosity

Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response

“The Christian vocation is essentially a call to be a disciple of Jesus…

Jesus’ call is urgent. He does not tell people to follow him at some time in the future but here and now – at this moment, in these circumstances. There can be no delay.”