Stewardship and Generosity

Paul encouraged generosity at all times: "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." — II Corinthians 8:2

Exterior of the United Methodist Church on a sunny day.

Stewardship — to serve as one who manages another's property, finances or other affairs — is not just means for the church to raise money. It is a way of life that recognizes that everything we have is God's, and we are simply managing those resources while here on earth.

The Bible is filled with examples of grateful response to God's generous gifts. The Bible also teaches about our personal responsibility to share with others and warns against selfishness and misuse of God's economic resources.

Good Samaritan BBQ at the Paoli United Methodist Church, August 2012.

Good Samaritan BBQ in August, 2012. 618 served!

Good Samaritan BBQ at the Paoli United Methodist Church.

100 pork patties, 27 pork loins, 150 pounds of potatoes, 50 pounds of onions, and 24 gallons of green beans went into the Good Samaritan BBQ.

Methodist Approach to Stewardship

John Wesley urged those in connection with him to "Earn all you can and save all you can, so that you can give all you can." He modeled modest living and sacrificial giving. Wesley made sure those early classes of "methodists" took weekly offerings to help others in need.

Today, we United Methodists join others to help all of God's children — whenever and wherever we can, just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes when the crowd grew hungry. Through our congregation, we are the heart, spirit and hands of God's outreaching love. Life grows here through the joy of generosity.

Practicing Good Stewardship

How can you learn and practice good Christian stewardship?

Crawford County Band and Tim Key's Group entertaining at the Good Samaritan BBQ at the Paoli United Methodist Church, August 2012.

Crawford County Band and Tim Key's Group entertaining.

13 of the youth group helped serve at the Good Samaritan BBQ at the Paoli United Methodist Church, August 2012.

13 of the youth group helped serve at the Good Samaritan BBQ.

Skip and Martha Lambdin accept a donation from the motorcycle ride organized by Bob and Anita Seybold of Paoli Peaks, August 2012.

Skip and Martha Lambdin accept a donation from the motorcycle ride organized by Bob and Anita Seybold of Paoli Peaks.