Stewardship topics addressed in this article:
- What is Stewardship?
- Why a pledge form?
- What do the Uniform Rules and Regulations say about Stewardship?
- Stewardship terminology
- Why don’t other parishes practice Stewardship?
- What was lacking with the Old System?
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What is Stewardship?
At the heart of our Orthodox Christian stewardship is gratitude in response to God’s blessings, which He grants to us freely, lovingly and abundantly. When Saint Paul was referring to the generosity of the
Macedonians, he wrote: “They gave beyond their means, of their own free will…but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:3, 5).
When people come to Christ and experience His sacrifice, love, and ongoing care for them as persons, they offer themselves in the service of the Lord as an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving.
If you are already a steward, please invite a friend to visit our parish of Holy Trinity. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!
If you are not yet a steward - now is your opportunity to be an integral part of a parish that is striving to meet the spiritual and fellowship needs of its parishioners.
Why a Pledge Form?
- To help a steward determine how and when to give back to God.
- To help the priest determine those who wish to be parishioners in good standing.
- To help the General Assembly establish a budget.
- To help committees as they work on their missions.
A New Year's pledge form was mailed to each registered parishioner this past fall. If you have misplaced your copy, or if you are a new member seeking a copy of our Holy Trinity's Stewardship form, you
can click here for a downloadable version. If you are unable to open the electronic form in your browser you can contact Fr. Ljubomir and he will send one out to you in the mail.
What Do the Uniform Rules and Regulations Say About Stewardship?
The Uniform Rules and Regulations do not directly address stewardship. However, they do directly address how a Parishioner in Good Standing is determined. Prior to the current set of rules, a “Member
in Good Standing” was defined, and included dues as well as involvement in the life of the Church. Too often, the status of “Member in Good Standing” was attained by merely paying one’s “dues.” The
new rules and regulations place great emphasis on the role of the parish priest in determining who is and who is not a Parishioner in Good Standing, and less on financial support. Financial support is,
however, an integral part of determining who is a Parishioner in Good Standing.
When one reads the current rules and regulations it is immediately apparent that “membership” has taken on a whole new meaning (as described in the terms), and that a more inclusive attitude is
presented.
One cannot exclude the teachings of the Church as it regards stewardship, and that is where examination of the spirit of the rules and regulations exists. In examining with an open mind we can only
determine that “dues” is not in accordance with the teachings of Orthodoxy, and that stewardship is.
In addition, at the Alhambra Sabor in 2003 keynote speakers taught about stewardship, both theologically and practically. From that Sabor, we were all encouraged to begin stewardship programs. In
2004, with stewardship being described as the primary method for financial support of the Church, and that gambling did not ascribe to the precepts of Orthodoxy or the concepts of stewardship, the
Episcopal Council determined that all parishes in North America were to cease gambling activities. In March, 2004, our Metropolitante resolved that each parish in the diocese begin the
implementation of a stewardship program. In March, 2005, our Metropolitante resolved that each parish establish a stewardship committee and establish a stewardship plan by March of 2006.
Metropolitante resolved that each parish establish a stewardship committee and establish a stewardship plan by March of 2006. In March of 2006, parishes were extended to June 1, 2006 to establish
their committee and have a plan in place by March, 2007. With these resolutions in place, and directives given by the Metropolitan to achieve these goals, there can be no question that the
Metropolitante has determined that every parish in the Midwest Metropolitante is to establish stewardship. And, for those that resist strong and swift consequences will be upheld.
Stewardship Terminology
Member: Every baptized Orthodox Christian residing in the geographical area of a parish is a member of that parish. This is the only place member is addressed in the Uniform Rules and Regulations.
Dues: From Ottoman times, a fee required to belong to a certain group under occupation by the empire. Used in the United States as a requisite for belonging to a club or organization.
Minimum: In a pledge system of financial support, often used to replace “dues.” When a minimum is established, that is often what is given. Minimums can also exclude some from participation and
thus from the life of the Church.
Pledge: A prayerful commitment to the Lord’s work for the upcoming year, and a formalization of one’s financial and time commitment.
Parishioner in Good Standing: One who has the privilege to participate in parish assemblies. A Parishioner in Good Standing is determined by is or her participation in the life of the parish as
confirmed by the parish priest, and fulfillment of their obligation to live accordingly, including financial support of the church. Must be a member of the parish (as defined above) in which they wish to
participate as a Parishioner in Good Standing, and they must routinely practice their faith; receiving of the Holy Eucharist.
Why Don’t Other Parishes Practice Stewardship?
More importantly, why do WE practice Stewardship?:
- Stewardship is Scriptural
- It is pleasing to God
- Stewardship is the way of life and ancient tradition of Orthodox Christians
- We can be an example to others
- We should focus on our own spiritual growth and we should pray for others to do the same
- It enables us to concentrate on the practice of giving a portion back to God of what He has given to us.
- Enables God to continue His work on His Earthly kingdom
What Was Lacking With the Old System?
This has been observed in many of our parishes:
1. Not Spiritually or Christ-centered
2. Instead of assuming full responsibility, it depended on:
- Bingo
- Raffles
- Las-Vegas nights
- Concerts for support
3. Financially Unpredictable (causing sporadic cash flow)
4. Imitated a club with mandated dues for many parishes
5. Gifts were not kept confidential, which made gift-givers uneasy, and those who could not gift due to personal circumstance feel undeservingly guilty
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