About Stewardship
Stewardship is the recognition that there is spiritual value in a generous life. It is the joyful response to God’s love for us, a means for us to both "love the Lord" and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Stewardship is the natural response to God's love and care. It is both our responsibility and our privilege as disciples of Christ.
God created this world and all that is in it. Everything we have -- our possessions, our abilities, our freedoms, our very time on this Earth -- are God's gifts to us. The very term "stewardship" reinforces that we do not own our life's resources, we are are managers -- "stewards" -- of those resources and should use them wisely. The uses to which we devote those resources reflect our gratitude to, our love for, our God.
Scripture tells us that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48). The "rich in this present world" are commanded to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19). We recognize ourselves in these verses.
Stewardship is a call for us as Christians to be generous in all ways, just one of which has to do with our finances. It is because of the generosity of many that Emmanuel is able to minister its members and the community in which we live. This ministry extends to all -- young and old, men and women, those of both new and mature faith. Every sermon, program, activity, class, and fellowship opportunity is made possible due to the faithful generosity of members and non-members alike.