Stewardship

Stewardship involves care-taking of what God has entrusted to us.  The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) defines stewardship as

“the act of investing time, talent, and resources to participate in Christ's love for others. Stewardship programs in the OCA are designed to support the church's ministries and the spread of Jesus Christ's teachings.”  

As Christians, we are stewards of our lives, our families, our possessions and property, and of the Church.  Each of us who considers Dormition to be our spiritual home has a role to play in the parish’s functioning, health, and growth.  We can be stewards by helping to clean up after coffee hour, ensuring the church is tidy, being involved with ministries, offering rides to services, and many other ways. In short, stewardship is not about money, but love - love of God, His Church, one another, and the world around us. To help our leadership plan for and appropriately steward our growth, we have initiated a Stewardship card pledge system.  This was discussed at the annual meeting and is important to help plan for budgeting our costs as well as creating and improving the ministries so many of us enjoy.  As with most new things, it is natural to have questions about what these mean and their implications.  

Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers:

1) Question:  Does completing the stewardship card obligate me in any way, financially or otherwise?

Answer:  No.  The stewardship cards are in no way legally binding.  They are simply a way for the parish to help budget our expenses and plan accordingly for the future in terms of creating and sustaining ministries and accounting for the general operating expenses of the church.  

2) Question:  What happens if I pledge a financial commitment or sign up to be involved with a ministry and cannot follow through?

Answer:  Life happens, circumstances change, and emergencies arise.  If you have committed in some way but cannot follow through with being involved or your financial commitment, we understand.  Simply let Fr. John know if it involves a ministry, or let the Treasurer know if it is related to money.  You will not be sought out if you “fall behind” on a pledge or punished if you cannot follow through on a ministry effort.  To the contrary, we are a family and would want to be sure to help you in any way possible.

3) Question:  Who sees my information?

Answer:  The priest always has the discretion to view any information pertaining to the parish, but as my personal practice, I do not view people’s financial commitments or offerings.  The Treasurer will be the only one to see whatever financial information is offered and I will see information related to desire for involvement in ministries and forward that information to the appropriate ministry leaders.

4) Question:  Stewardship doesn’t seem to be an Orthodox Christian approach, is it?

Answer:  Stewardship absolutely is in line with Orthodox Christian theology and practice.  In fact, the OCA has its own “resource kit” for this exact purpose, and other Orthodox Christian jurisdictions have robust organizations to address this particular purpose.  

5) Question:  How is stewardship related to my spiritual life?

Answer:  The exercise of stewardship for an Orthodox Christian is the process of putting all of creation in its proper perspective.  It is the process of establishing a correct set of priorities in a life that is Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, and moving toward God’s kingdom.

6) Question:  What is the relationship between stewardship and tithing?

Answer:  Tithing means “10%” and is a concept taken from the Old Testament, including Genesis and Leviticus.  Stewardship is caring for those things entrusted to us.  It includes money but is more about a lifestyle of acknowledging God, His generosity, and offering back all aspects of our lives, including devotion of our time and talents.

7) Question:  How do I submit my Stewardship card?

Answer:  The easiest way is, using the envelope provided, place your card into the tray that is passed around during the Divine Liturgy.  That way it will remain private and avoids our Treasurer from being bombarded with random envelopes.

If you have further questions or concerns about the idea of stewardship, the cards, or their use, please seek out either a parish council member or Fr. John.