What do you think of when you hear the term “stewardship?” The common answer is tithe and the giving of money. Pastor Michael Harpe, the current director of Stewardship Ministries at the North American Division, shows the deeper meaning of stewardship and how faithful stewardship is using God-given talents to make the world a better place.
The North American Division has taken a bold step with its mission statement: to spread a distinctive, Christ-centered message of hope and wholeness across North America and beyond. This mission is rooted in the biblical mandate to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,” as stated in Matthew 28:19-20. It’s a mission that requires spiritual and material resources, and the Stewardship Department is dedicated to marshaling these resources through innovative means.
One such innovation is “Generosity Reset,” a program designed to reshape the perception of stewardship, making it a positive and integral part of the Christian experience. Harpe’s approach is grounded in love; he advocates for establishing a relationship with God first and then giving as a natural expression of that relationship. This philosophy is encapsulated in this week’s presentations designed to address stewardship’s practical aspects while nurturing its spiritual core.
The Stewardship Department’s vision is clear: “We see stewardship ministries in North America as an opportunity by God’s grace to breathe fresh positive life into your experience.” It’s a vision that resonates with Harpe’s own experiences and promises to transform how stewardship is perceived and practiced within the church community.
As the North American Division continues its mission, a wealth of resources is made available for parents, kids, and adults alike, all aimed at fostering a spiritually enriching and empowering culture of generosity. A number of materials are available for churches on the following website: nadstewardship.org/resources. It’s a mission that goes beyond the church walls, reaching into the hearts of individuals and inviting them to be part of something greater—a mission to spread the good news of Christ’s soon return to the entire world.
It’s not too late to learn more about the deeper meaning of stewardship. Join Pastor Harpe in the Welcome Center, Gaines Auditorium, at 4 p.m. for his final presentation entitled, “Crushing Debt and Wealth Management.”
—Benjamin Lawson
Comments