When I was younger I thought the term stewardship was a fancy name for giving money. Attending a large church in Kalamazoo, Michigan the folks that had the “Stewardship” responsibilities seemed to always have blue or black suits on. Now, as I have experienced life’s turns and changes, God has helped me grow in the understanding of stewardship. Many times the folks with jeans and sweaters are also doing the call of stewardship. Both are needed and appreciated in God’s sight.

Yes, treasures of monetary value are necessary to keep the doors open, mission work alive, and many other ministries that require financial assistance. However, as I find my days going quickly, the gift of time is also important. Time and talent are important to the equation that God asks me to participate in.

So many of our church members give of their time (Wednesday evenings, Saturday mornings, weekend nights…) to be active in ministry. The reward works both ways, they share with me. The time they spend to give or help, is many times mirrored back to them in a growth experience for them.

Finding time to participate in activities that foster Christian fellowship and service to the community has become a challenge for me personally as job pressures and economic issues mount. Yet, it is a clear decision that I must make to rebalance these priorities. God surely wants me and you to participate in His church with active use of our time and talents. Do you, like me, need to rebalance?

As for monetary stewardship, I knew as a child how important it was to give my Saturday morning chore money to the UNICEF box at church. The meager quarters and dimes added up, and would provide food and clothing to children around the world. As an adult, it is also true to support our ministries.

At Libertyville Covenant Church, we have a good handle on operations, and we continue to fund our ministries with the financial giving of the church. The giving units of our church, meaning the individuals or families that give to LCC, have remained fairly constant for the 15 years that my family has attended LCC. This consistency in financial giving is important to God’s church and its ministries.

All gifts are important to building God’s kingdom. Time, talent and treasures.