What is Orthodox Christian Stewardship?

Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God.  A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith.  Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs.  As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him.  Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts which they have been blessed.

An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church.  Our parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.  Each year the Steward is expected to carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent and treasure to support the Parish and its Ministries.

Stewardship is devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as a Parish, as a member of our Orthodox Faith. Stewardship is our active commitment to use ALL of our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ’s redeeming love.

Stewardship reminds us that everything we have has been given to us by God – not for us to have, but for us to care for as stewards, or caretakers. This is why we call those who are actively living the Orthodox Christian life “stewards,” because to live the Orthodox Christian life fully means to recognize that we have received everything from God, and therefore we offer some of what we have received back in thanksgiving.

Stewardship Contributions

You are an important member of our church community.  Your involvement in the church and passion for your faith do not go unnoticed.  Our faith teaches us to have a giving spirit and help out those around us.  Giving not only helps out your church community flourish, it also brings blessings into your life.  In light of this giving spirit, we hope you will consider making monthly or annual contributions to our church.  With your help, the church will be able to thrive and provide for our community and parishioners in many important ways.  We ask that you be as generous as possible with the support of your time, talent and treasure.  

Listed below are examples of some suggested amounts, however, the church will be grateful for whichever Stewardship contribution you make. 

MONTHLY DONATION	ANNUAL DONATION
$50	$600
$75	$900
$100	$1,200
$150	$1,800
$200	$2,400
$400	$4,800
$600	$7,200
$800	$9,600
$1,000	$12,000

Definition of a Church Stewardship

A voting member of the parish is a Baptised or Chrismated Orthodox Christian at least 18 years of age who submits a signed stewardship card, participates faithfully in the life of the Church and commits a portion of their time, talent and treasure to the Church.  The Church also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their commitments.  Keep in mind that true membership in the Body of Christ also involves living according to His word and within His Church.  

See below for complete definition from our diocese.

Benefits of Stewardship

As a steward of our Church, you will be entitled to additional benefits not afforded to a parishioner at large. These include:

• Board eligibility – Our Church board is comprised of Stewards in good standing who have been Stewards for a minimum of 6 months
• Voting – You are eligible to vote for board members
• Discounted Fees – Stewards are given discounted fees for Church services and hall rentals.

 

Definition of a Steward in Good Standing as defined by our Church Bylaws

We adhere to the definition as stated in the Uniform Rules and Regulations for parishes of the Serbian Orthodox Church of North and South America.  Article 26 defines it as such:

•  Every person who is baptized and Chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner and member of his or her local parish and church-School Congregation where he or she resides.  The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox faith to his or her life; to adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith; faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services; participate regularly in the Holy Sacraments; respect all authority and all governing bodies of the Church; be obedient in matters of faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute materially and financially to the support of the Church’s sacred mission; and be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox faith and traditions to all people. 
• Pursuant to the Constitution, a Church-School Congregation is an organized religious community of parishioners headed by a priest of a specific territory who have voluntarily obligated themselves to assist in the administration and maintenance of local church property for the benefit of the Church and its religious life.  These parishioners shall be referred to as parishioners in good standing and, as such are the parishioners that have the right to attend, participate and vote at Assemblies and may also be nominated for election to the Executive Board or as delegate to Diocesan Assemblies and Sabors.  In order to be considered as a parishioner in good standing and to have the rights and privileges set forth above and elsewhere in these Rules and Regulations, the parishioner must, at minimum:
  • Practice all the religious and moral duties as described above;
  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Be current in his or her financial obligations or stewardship obligations;
  • Abide by all the regulations set forth in these Rules and Regulations as well as the local Bylaws-Addendum, and
  • Cooperates in every way towards the welfare and well being of the parish.  Each Church-School Congregations shall adopt procedures and maintain records to enable the priest and Executive Board to determine whether the person meets the criteria set forth in these Rules and Regulations applicable to parishioners in good standing.  Parishioners in good standing may be referred to in such records and other documents as members, stewards or in similar terms.