Bishop Hougland identified collective and individual spiritual growth as a top priority for his ministry. His charge to the EDWM Stewardship Committee is to assist parishes to grow into a greater appreciation of what stewardship means.
The task is changing our understanding of stewardship from the short term pledge drive intended to raise money for the coming year’s operating budget to a year-round lifestyle response to the innumerable blessings we receive from God. To be sure, fund- raising and budget concerns are still important, but it is only one of many parts of stewardship. Care for God’s creation in the form of our planet, caring for those less fortunate, inviting others to join us (evangelizing), and feeding the hungry are examples.
TENS provides training and resources for stewardship efforts across the Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Western Michigan has a diocesan membership with TENS. Contact Sara Philo at sphilo@edwm.org for the log-in information to take advantage of this resource.
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