Joyful generosity amid uncertainty

The National Stewardship Team reflects on exercising Christian stewardship in times of significant economic change.

THIS is not the right time. That’s often the gut reaction many individuals and congregations have when the subject of financial stewardship is raised. Around us we see economic hardship, rising inflation and a time of change and readjustment in the Kirk, and so now more than ever it may seem only natural to want to put off the topic of stewardship until better times come along.

“This is not the right time” is also what God heard the people saying in the book of Haggai, at a time when the Temple lay in ruins after a period of exile and the people seemed reluctant to contribute to its future. The harvest had been poor, people were struggling to keep warm and workers were not earning enough to live on. More than that, some spoke of memories of the former glory of the Temple and were discouraged to see what had become of the institution they loved. Much of this sounds very familiar.

The message Haggai delivers reminds the people that all the treasures of earth, land and sea belong to God. In the midst of difficult times, Haggai presents a compelling picture of God’s generosity and invites the people to respond in generosity. Despite all that was going on around them, God’s message to the people was that this is very much the right time. God’s promise to the people is simple: “Don’t be discouraged, any of you. Do the work, for I am with you.”

(Haggai 2:4). More than that, God promises that the glory of what is to come will far outshine what has been lost.

This story reminds us that God is generous in all times and calls us to reflect this generosity in our own living. Rather than shy away from stewardship during difficult and uncertain times, we have an opportunity to actively demonstrate the steadfast generosity and faithful presence of God. This applies to us as individuals – in terms of our own giving and how we live our lives – and collectively, as congregations and as a national church.

Trusting in God’s promise of a more glorious future enables us to give with joy and expectation. The opportunity to invest in the mission of God and the ministry of the church is part of our discipleship and helps us to grow in faith. Reflecting on our stewardship of money offers each of us a chance to review what we give in relation to our individual circumstances. Some may feel the need to reduce their giving, while others will be in a position to give more than they do currently.

Collectively, congregations and the regional and national structures of the Kirk can also live out a culture of generosity. From the desert of Sinai to the parables of Jesus, the people of God have been reminded not to store up treasures in hope of better times or in fear of harder times. As the church engages in a period of mission planning, and society faces continued financial challenges, the time is ripe for us to consider how we can use the resources God provides to reflect the values of God’s kingdom. How does our collective stewardship demonstrate our belief in and desire for the better future God promises?

We are privileged to be invited into God’s mission and have the honour of sharing God’s most generous gift – new life in Christ – with the communities in which we live and work. Doing so requires the careful stewardship of the resources God has put at our disposal. Taking this opportunity to recognise and respond to God’s generosity moves us to live out a generosity that is filled with joy, even in changing and challenging times.

We asked the National Stewardship Team to share their ideas to help congregations in this challenging economic climate:

Embrace Whole-Life Stewardship

Recognising the generosity of God in all areas of life can help foster in us a culture of generosity. The resource A Narrative of Generosity encourages everyone to share, reflect and act within the areas of time, God, gifts, possessions, money, relationships, youth, volunteers, body, mind, earth and vision. As congregations focus on mission, sharing our stories with one another can be a great tool for discerning what God is already doing, and calling us to do, in our communities. Resources are also available for exploring these topics intergenerationally, enabling everyone to participate in a whole life of stewardship.

Explore Additional Income Streams

As the church changes and develops, the ways we sustain congregational income also need to change. Expanding sources of income through ventures such as social enterprises, events, fundraising and partnership working can also create new ways of involving others and deepening discipleship. A number of congregations run successful cafes which not only generate income, but create opportunities to connect with the local community. One congregation in Perth operates a holiday let attached to the church to generate a regular income, while others have hosted concerts, wedding fairs and charity shops as ways of increasing income while engaging in mission.

Encourage Planned Giving

During these uncertain times, giving which is proportionate, planned and regular benefits both the giver and the recipient in terms of budgeting and effective stewardship. A convenient way to do this is by setting up a standing order. This can be altered up or down at any time as circumstances change. Individuals may also consider leaving money to the church in their will, extending their generosity into the future.

Planned regular giving also helps congregations maximise offerings through the Gift Aid scheme, boosting congregational income at no extra cost to the giver or congregation. By completing a simple form, givers who are UK taxpayers can increase their financial gifts by 25%. Offerings and donations given in cash or through a contactless device may also be eligible for tax relief through the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme.

Enable Cashless Giving

Our recent survey of Church of Scotland congregations found that one third are already using or actively exploring digital methods of giving, such as contactless devices, QR codes or online donate buttons. As fewer people regularly carry cash, embracing these approaches makes it easier for people to give. One congregation in Edinburgh which piloted the use of a contactless device finds that it currently raises around £120 each month and has quickly become an accepted and welcome facility for the giving of cashless offerings. The Team regularly supports congregations in exploring the various options on the market.

Engage the Stewardship Team

The National Stewardship Team supports congregations in all of these areas and many more. We find a conversation is often key to helping a congregation see things afresh. We can facilitate workshops and conferences or present our resources and stewardship ideas to Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries. We don’t have a fixed agenda: what is right for your congregation will be quite different from what works in another. We want to see churches thriving and growing – properly resourced through effective and Godhonouring stewardship. ¤

We would love to help your congregation practice stewardship with joy and generosity – visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk /resources/ stewardship to get in touch