What do we mean by preaching stewardship? Today, stewardship is such a churchy term that many who listen to sermons may not know what preachers are talking about when they use the word. In fact, even preachers and congregational leaders have different ideas of what it means to preach stewardship. For some preachers and leaders, and certainly for some churchgoers, preaching stewardship is an annual event, usually held in October or November. In this once-a-year sermon, the preacher makes the case that the members of the congregation increase their giving to the church, in response to programs and priorities proposed by the church board or congregational council, or a financial shortfall or crisis. The preacher might highlight a special project, such as a new roof. The preacher might point to the congregation's mission, to all the good things the church is doing, as if to say, "This is a good investment." The preacher might appeal to people's sense of gratitude, inviting them to "give back" for all the benefits they receive. Or, the preacher might spell our the dire consequences that will befall the congregation unless more money is found. These fund-raising approaches are used successfully by the symphony, an alma mater, the cancer society, and many worthy causes and worthwhile institutions. They make people's use of money a response to a given need, the congregation's performance, or people's attitudes and feelings, suggesting that preaching stewardship is only appropriate at certain times or under specific circumstances.
