Steward is Apt, but Problematic?

Right about this time each year we talk about stewardship in earnest. Coincidentally, that's about the time we're building a budget as a congregation (because it's not just the council's budget--it's all of ours'). But stewardship doesn't end with a trip to the wallet and volunteering to be an usher. Stewardship is a lifestyle, and as an activity it's supposed to be joyous as well as obligatory!

Why isn't it then, at least not for many of us? (I'm sure there are some already cheerful givers out there, just you skip to the last paragraph and hush for now)

Possibly because the traditional way of illustrating that lifestyle is with the image of the steward. That comes from the bible. And now I'm gonna mess with it a bit so if that tweaks you out--perhaps you better not read anymore. (Or make a comment if you'd like!) I know scripture is the norm for our teaching, but in this case I think the analogy of the steward, though apt--is problematic, and possibly even unhelpful.

So over the next few days, I'm going to tell you why I think that, and what I would suggest as a replacement for it. All kidding aside--I encourage you to read and think and decide upon your own understanding of biblical stewardship.


First off - why do I have a problem with the image of the Steward? It's time-tested after all! Yes, the steward in Jesus' time was in charge of someone else's possessions and household, just as we caretake everything because it all belongs to God, who created heaven and earth. (Small Catechism) And while that fits--one other aspect of stewardship doesn't in today's world.

The steward was a slave.

In these days of the Jena Six and Imus, of the ghosts of racial tension still simmering and the wounds of racism still festering--we shouldn't hold up slavery as a good thing. Not even as an analogy. Not even if the bible does, metaphorically speaking. That's my opinion anyway. I'll defend it tomorrow.

Now for those who were cheerful givers and skipped down to this paragraph (first of all thanks for being so) and I might not be able to post after Thursday this week--because we sold our house in Maine that's been on the market since I accepted the call to Amherst. (Hurrah!) We may need to go up there for a closing! I'll keep you "posted.

Pastor Tom