Epiphany Stewardship Office
1900 111th Ave NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763.862.4346

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions...and the answers.

Isn’t committing to stewardship of time, talent, and treasure asking a lot of us?

Yes it is. Committing to stewardship of time, talent, and treasure is an important part of living a Christian life. Real Christian living asks a lot of us and is not easy.

Making a commitment to stewardship is a particular challenge with the current emphasis on materialism, consumerism, and leisure time. We realize that we are involved in a gradual conversion process. This process involves a conversion of heart, of mind, of values, of budget, of calendar, and of time. In this conversion process, we are called upon to say “yes” to God and to a way of life he has spelled out for us in the Bible.

What difference will stewardship make in our lives?

The difference can be seen in several areas of our lives. First, the difference is in the focus of giving. Instead of focusing on the needs of the group to whom we are giving financial support or helping with our talents, the focus is primarily on God and our relationship with the Lord and also on us and our need to give.

Second, the difference is in the motivation for giving. Stewardship is an integral part of our spiritual life and we give in that context because we are grateful to God for what the Lord has already given us. We give freely because we want to, not because we have to.

Third, the difference is in the result of our giving. As we practice stewardship, we find that we grow spiritually and that our faith is deepened. In fact, we find that our lives are changed for the good.

Is stewardship of treasure only a gimmick for raising more money for the Church?

No, not even close! First, stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is based on God’s Work, not on fund-rising to meet the needs of the Church. Secondly, stewardship is based on the individual’s need to return a portion of the time, talent, and treasure allotted to us. Thirdly, giving of time, talent, and treasure is not limited to the Church. It can be given to community agencies and organizations, and other worthy causes.

What portion of my/our time, talent and treasure should I/we give?

Giving of our time, talent and treasure mainly involves a change of attitude about out giving. What is most important is that our giving reflects gratitude for the blessings we have received, of using the gifts and talents for the good of others. Through prayer and thought one comes to know what one’s response might be. Scripture speaks of the tithe, or 10 percent. What is important is that the commitment of one’s time, talent and treasure is made between oneself and a loving, generous God, and is primarily based on a person’s need to give in gratitude.