WILLOW Magazine, Issue 4, 2006 Ministry Connections: Stewardship by Dick Towner Stewardship as Outreach In light of this issue’s theme of evangelism and outreach, I want to present the thesis that there is tremendous potential for community outreach through stewardship ministry. At first blush this may seem counterintuitive, but allow me to build my case. Let’s begin with factors we know to be true that lay the groundwork for my thesis: Finances are a huge part of life. Many of us spend the majority of our waking hours either making money, spending money, worrying about money, fighting over money, trying to protect our money … it’s an issue that’s right there in our face a majority of the time. Many people are having financial difficulty. The statistics abound — consumer debt, bankruptcies, negative savings rates, little saved toward retirement, etc. I won’t bore you with details. Financial pressures are a major cause of divorce, a leading contributor in many cases of depression, and a source of shame, guilt, and embarrassment for many. There is a widespread lack of knowledge about basic financial matters. In the absence of knowledge and truth, a series of myths have developed which drive the financial behavior of many people. Chief among the myths are: “Things bring happiness,” “Consumer debt is expected and unavoidable,” and “A little more money is the answer to my financial problems.” In the midst of this financial chaos the church has a tremendous opportunity. What could be more relevant to people than a source of very low cost, unbiased information and counsel that teaches and trains them in wise financial management? And what better opportunity for an open door into discussion of deeper matters of life and faith? The question may arise, how do we present financial principles from a biblical perspective to non-believers? I have found that simply pointing out that the Bible is an excellent economic textbook from which believer or non-believer can benefit is a good starting place. What the Bible says about earning (be diligent), saving (it’s wise to save … but don’t hoard), debt (be very cautious — the borrower is slave to the lender), and spending (be disciplined and live with contentment) is sound financial counsel that will benefit anyone. And even Scripture’s counsel on giving generously, which for the non-believer may not be to a church, is counsel that will lead to a more satisfied and fulfilled life. The core values of being culturally relevant, easily understood, and grace filled that are built into the Good $ense resources make them ideal for use with non-believers. Good $ense workshops have been presented through local YMCA classes, the HR department of businesses interested in helping their employees, in ministries to single moms, through counseling centers concerned with the impact of financial pressures on marriages, and through other “neutral” locations in the community (one church held 14 Debt Reduction Workshops throughout their community). There’s a tremendous need and the church may be the last institution that can address the issue in non-market terms. Don’t overlook the outreach potential of a high-impact stewardship ministry! Dick Towner is the executive director of the Good $ense stewardship ministry for the Willow Creek Association Top