Stewardship (Part 1)

Stewards are responsible over something entrusted to them by someone else. As a believer, you are a steward of spiritual resources God has given which include: 

-The Gospel: Every believer is a steward of the Gospel.  We are to share its message with others.

-Finances: Every  believer is a steward of the money God gives to him personally.  Those who handle ministry funds of a church or Christian organization are also stewards of these funds.

-Material Resources Of Ministry:   Such as church buildings, property, and equipment.

-Spiritual Gifts:  Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. You are a steward of your spiritual gift and your place of ministry in the Body of Christ. 

-Other Believers:  God uses people, not programs, to  build His Kingdom.  Stewardship involves people.  If you are a leader, you are responsible for the people who work with you in ministry.  You are to help them grow spiritually and develop their own spiritual gifts for the work of the ministry. 

You are to be a good steward of these resources.  The main requirement of stewards is that they are to be faithful:

1 Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."  

To  be  a good steward, you must make plans. The word "objectives" is another word for "plans" or "goals.”  So, stewardship by objectives means "making plans to be a good manager of the spiritual resources God gives you.”

Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about servants whose master gave them resources called "talents.”  They were told to be good stewards and use the funds wisely.  Every man but one had a plan and successfully followed it.  The one who did not make a plan for his resources and did not use his talent was judged an unfaithful servant.  

Jesus encouraged planning:
 Luke 14:28 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"

When I write about planning and management in this I'm not talking about planning as it is done in the secular world of business.  I am talking about planning under the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of effective ministry because God knows the future. He can give you wisdom in making plans. Planned objectives will make you a good steward of the Gospel and the ministry God has given you.  It will help you work with God to accomplish His purposes.  The Bible confirms that when people begin to step out and act in faith on a plan, God works with them.