Stewardship
Stewardship at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church embodies the rich and multifaceted concept of guardianship over the treasures that God has entrusted to us. It is a divine call to responsibly manage not just financial resources, but all aspects of our lives under the guidance of faith. This encompasses our time, talents, bodies, and the environment, always acknowledging that these are not merely our own, but blessings granted by our Creator to be used with wisdom and compassion.
In the broader scope, stewardship is about intentional living — it is a conscious effort to align our daily choices with the values of the gospel. It means making decisions that reflect our commitment to God's will, showing discipline in our personal lives, and ensuring that our actions contribute to the well-being of others. It's about being faithful servants who invest in spiritual growth, support the church's mission through active participation, and extend a hand to those in need, thus fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
At the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, stewardship also reflects an enduring commitment to education, recognizing that nurturing the mind is as vital as nourishing the soul. It involves mentoring and developing leadership skills within the congregation, encouraging members to take initiative and lead by example in all areas of church life. This also translates to our duty towards the earth, promoting sustainability, and care for the planet as an expression of our reverence for the Creator's work.
Stewardship is about living a life of gratitude, demonstrating through our actions that we cherish the abundance we have been given. It is a practice of giving back, not just in terms of material wealth but also through volunteer work, community service, and the everyday acts of kindness that exemplify the character of Christ. By practicing stewardship, the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church aims to be a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of living a Christ-centered life that seeks to bless others as we have been blessed.
In essence, the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church envisions stewardship as a holistic way of life that encapsulates financial responsibility, personal development, community service, and environmental care, all as forms of worship and adherence to the faith. It calls upon each member to view themselves as caretakers of God’s myriad gifts, using them judiciously, joyfully, and in ways that resonate with the teachings of Scripture and the Adventist belief in preparing for the imminent return of Jesus Christ.