Stewardship in the Text

From the “Where Your Heart Is” ELCA stewardship newsletter. Subscribe here.

A common challenge I hear regarding stewardship is that finding organic ways to speak about it can be difficult, especially in relation to the lectionary texts. Not every sermon should be a “stewardship sermon,” but on any given Sunday, stewardship themes arise from the biblical witness and can be highlighted!

The following excerpts from upcoming readings this Advent and Epiphany are just a few hooks on which a stewardship thought might hang:

Matthew 24:36-44 | Nov. 27

The readings for this first Sunday of Advent, as for the whole season of Advent, call us to consider how we steward our time. We practice waiting in these Advent days so that when the time comes for our own waiting — for births, job transitions, diagnoses, death — we can do it well. How do you, individually and as a community, steward your time? In this holy season, consider how your own stewardship of time is reflected in your social calendar.

Matthew 3:13-17 | Jan. 8, 2023

On a Sunday when we celebrate baptism, take stock of how your community stewards its water consumption. Initiate water-saving measures in your parish, and lift up your local water sources in prayer. In Genesis, stewardship of creation is the first charge God gives humanity; fusing that charge with the holy gift of baptism can create a powerful Sunday message.

Matthew 5:13-20 | Feb. 5, 2023

This Gospel lesson will be familiar to many because salt and light are now common metaphors for how we steward our faith. Imagine how our gifts and treasures might be salt and light in our world, encouraging others in their generosity. After all, giving begets more giving, and being open and honest about how we give can motivate others to give too.