Discovering the Heart of Generosity and Stewardship
I recently had the chance to talk with the Fundraising Masterminds podcast team about something that’s very close to my heart: biblical stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered how to live a life of generosity, or how stewardship extends beyond finances, this episode is one I encourage you to listen to.
In our conversation, we examined the deeper meaning of stewardship, touching on everything from relational fundraising to the freedom to fail. For me, stewardship extends beyond the principle of managing resources; it’s about managing the life God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, and relationships—as a reflection of His character.
I’d like to share some of the key points from the podcast and offer my reflections on the life-giving power of Intentional Living and Giving.
What Is Stewardship Really About?
Too often, we hear the word “stewardship” and immediately think about money. But stewardship is so much more than just finances. Stewardship is about recognizing that everything we have—our time, talents, and resources—comes from God. We are not owners; we are caretakers. Everything belongs to Him, and our job is to manage what He has entrusted to us with wisdom and faithfulness.
In the podcast, I talked about how stewardship impacts every area of our lives. Whether we’re managing our schedule, using our skills in the workplace, or making decisions about our finances, each action reflects our role as stewards of God’s blessings. When we understand that, it changes the way we live. It brings purpose to every part of our day and aligns our lives with God’s will.
Key Reflection: Stewardship is not just about giving financially; it’s about managing everything God has placed in our hands for His glory. How are you stewarding your time, your talents, and your relationships?
Generosity: The Heartbeat of Stewardship
One of the core principles of stewardship is generosity. Generosity doesn’t just happen when we have extra—it’s a lifestyle. It’s a reflection of our trust in God’s provision and a demonstration of His love. In the podcast, I shared how true generosity flows from a heart that trusts God, knowing that He will supply all our needs.
For years, I’ve encouraged people to give not out of obligation but out of joy. When we give cheerfully, we reflect the very nature of God, who gave His only Son for us. Generosity is an act of faith, and it brings freedom—freedom from the fear of lack and freedom to live fully in God’s abundance.
One of the things I’ve learned over time is that generosity isn’t about the amount we give, but the heart with which we give. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a significant financial contribution, every act of generosity makes an impact when done in love.
Personal Reflection: When was the last time you gave joyfully, without hesitation or expectation of return? What small act of generosity can you do today that reflects God’s love?
Freedom to Fail: Stewardship Is a Process
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned—and something I shared on the podcast—is the concept of the freedom to fail. Early in my career, I was blessed to have mentors who encouraged me to take risks. They gave me the freedom to try new things, even if those things didn’t always work out the way I had hoped. And through those experiences, I grew.
Stewardship is a process, and we won’t always get it right. But God doesn’t expect us to be perfect;
He expects us to be faithful. Part of being a good steward is being willing to take risks, to try something new, and to trust that God will guide us, even when we stumble.
In the podcast, we discussed how the fear of failure often holds us back from living fully into our calling as stewards. But when we embrace the freedom to fail, we open ourselves up to God’s leading. We learn from our mistakes, and we grow in our ability to steward His resources wisely
Encouragement for Leaders: Don’t be afraid to step out in faith, even if you’re uncertain of the outcome. God allows room for failure, and it’s often in our failures that we find the greatest opportunities for growth.
Closing Thoughts: Living a Life of Intentional Stewardship
This podcast conversation was a reminder of the incredible responsibility—and privilege—we have as stewards of God’s resources. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, raising a family, or working in the marketplace, God has entrusted you with time, talents, and treasure to manage for His glory.
Living a life of stewardship means living intentionally. It means taking stock of what God has given you, being faithful in how you manage it, and trusting Him with the results. It means giving generously, building relationships that matter, and stepping out in faith—even when you don’t know the outcome.
I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode for a deeper dive into these topics. My hope is that this conversation inspires you to reflect on your own journey of stewardship and to live more fully into the calling God has placed on your life.
Listen to the full episode here and join me in discovering the joy and freedom that comes from living intentionally as a steward of God’s resources.
