Passionate Steward - 10th Anniversary Edition

102 THE PASSIONATE STEWARD
The most powerful argument for this position is that it makes
sense. To reflexively throw money at a problem without first
understanding the underlying issues which give rise to it is
irresponsible. We may take a lesson from the business world. (Not all
secular practices are automatically irrelevant or inappropriate for the
Church.) No business person would make an outlay of resources
without first evaluating both what is needed, and what is on hand.
Individuals, and the Christian community as a whole, must assess how
their time, talent, and treasure are currently being used before seeking
or expending more time, talent, and treasure. Otherwise, dealing
creatively with problems and challenges takes a back seat to raising
money—the very problem which has brought the Church to its current
crisis of stewardship. Once people have reviewed both what they have
contributed of their time and talent, and how it has actually been
received by the Church, then, and only then, does it make sense for
them to entertain how much more of their time and talent they might
give. The Church also needs to engage in this same reflection. Only
once these issues have been addressed, and remediated if necessary,
does it make sense to consider how much treasure might be needed to
fund those ministries to which the individual and the Church have
mutually agreed to commit their time and talent.
Stewardship renewal is akin to catechesis: it is cumulative and
inductive by nature. In catechesis, you don’t just learn about prayer,
for example—you pray. But more than this, you begin a lifetime of
growth in prayer. While most people begin by learning their
bedtime and meal prayers, it is possible to advance as far as
mysticism may allow. Similarly, stewardship renewal must be both
educational and experiential. One learns to be a steward by
practicing stewardship, and the life of the steward is characterized
by progression and growth. Rarely does a sacrificial gift of material
resources precede a commitment first of time, and next, of one’s
gifts and talents. Only once we have invested our selves in some
cause are we prepared to “put our money where our mouth is.”