Stewardship as Spiritual Practice

I’ve often wondered if the church tends to talk more about “Stewardship” in the Fall because at this time of year we are more awake to the abundance of God that surrounds us.  

John Donne, the English poet and Anglican priest, appointed as Dean of St. Paul’s London in 1621, said in a sermon:  “In Heaven it is always Autumn, because God’s mercies are ever in their maturity”. 

I love the season of autumn, the tomatoes ripening in the garden, the bright dahlias whose response to their flowers being cut is to produce even more blossoms, the smells of canning jams and chutneys.   This fall as I drive around the diocese I am astounded by the laden fruit trees, the full grape vines, the incredible beauty of this land.  All this free gift leaves us in awe, wonder, with praise to our Creator.  

Stewardship begins with being awake to the overwhelming generosity of God, mindfulness that leads us into gratitude.  

Stewardship is our response to a Generous God, a response with our whole lives, our selves, as we often say, our time and talent and treasure. 

Stewardship, of course, is not just in one season of the year, but a life-long practice of offering back to God out of the abundance of what we have been given.  

Stewardship is a spiritual practice, an important piece of our growing relationship with God. Archbishop David Sommerville, my chaplain when I was in seminary, said our chequebook would indicate our spiritual health (now of course it might be our Interac statement or our Pre-Authorized Donations) – what our priorities are, the things we care about most. He encouraged us to start to give “off the top”, give first, not out of what’s left after we have paid for what we need.  

I remember him saying he had always given 10% of his income back to God, and he had never ever missed or needed that money.  This giving “off the top” was a very challenging concept to me, but now more than 3 decades later, I would say the same thing he did – I have never missed or needed what I gave.  

If proportional giving is a new spiritual practice for you, I encourage you to begin with some proportion, 2 % or 5%, smaller at first and increasing as you discover the freedom and benefits of giving, a healthy spiritual response to God’s generosity. 

Generosity is a God-like quality.  I am impressed by the generosity of people in Diocese of Kootenay responding to Together in Mission. Hundreds of people have made and kept strong commitments to parish and diocese.  Your giving means we are able to build ministry opportunities and serve God’s mission of love.  

Thank you for your faithful generosity.  May it bring you satisfaction and joy, and draw you closer to the One whose self-giving love has freed us and sustains us.