Good stewardship

Theology of Governance

There is a commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment.

God is the owner of everything in this world (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 1:16,17), and this ownership has never been surrendered. God has, however, entrusted people to manage, administer, or ‘steward’ God’s creation on his behalf. (Genesis 1:27-30).

A steward is one who is entrusted to manage or govern the property, possessions and affairs of another on their behalf. Stewardship is the manner or way a person undertakes that process.

Good stewardship is characterised as being effective, efficient, equitable, inclusive, innovative, careful and fair. Its management practices are marked by integrity, sustainability and selfless service.

We are charged to be good stewards of the people, abilities, opportunities, resources, and environment that God has placed into our care, and we will be called to give an account for how we have managed what has been entrusted to us.

Directly after Pentecost, the first Christians developed a way of life that expressed their love of God and each other. They met together continually, were united and shared everything they had. It was an attempt to exercise stewardship in a way that benefited the fledgling church and those in need. They followed their Jewish heritage in believing that the gifts of creation and the fruits of human effort were to be used in the service of God’s plan and for the good of all people.

As we continue to exercise good stewardship on God’s behalf, we are called to be both ruler and servant – existing to please our God, our Master, while lovingly taking care of God’s creation as servant leaders.