Stewardship is a subject few enjoy or even want to discuss. But Pastors Curtis and Meador not only discuss it, they seem to enjoy it. And you should too. The authors explore Stewardship, not as a necessary evil of Church life, but as a gift from God to his people. They help us think pastorally about our vocations and the duties of those vocations. They put Stewardship into the pulpit before it enters the conference room. They know that the crucified and risen Jesus changes the way we see our God, our neighbors, our vocations and yes, even our money.
—Rev. Todd Wilken, host of Issues, Etc.
Pastors Meador and Curtis have done a masterful job of exploring the what, the how, and the why of Christian stewardship. From the identity of the steward to the culture of the congregation, they provide a guidebook for pastors, congregational leaders, and members as they live out what it means to be a steward by God's design. I encourage pastors and leaders to read and study this important book together.
—Rev. Dr. Wayne J. Knolhoff, former director of stewardship for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and former Director of the Center for Stewardship at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis
Stewardship for the Care of Souls is a wonderful book that will help pastors, church leaders, and individuals think wisely and biblically, rather than merely pragmatically, about the importance of stewardship in all aspects of our life, including, but not limited to finances. Nathan Meador and Heath Curtis bring years of pastoral ministry experience to this project, weaving together theological commitments, biblical understanding, wisdom from their years of service, and insightful counsel for teaching and addressing these vitally important issues in the life of a congregation. This brief volume is another excellent contribution to the outstanding Lexham Ministry Series.
—David S. Dockery, president, International Alliance for Christian Education and Distinguished Professor of Theology, Southwestern Seminary
Pastors Nathan Meador and Heath Curtis provide a Christâ·centered, pastoral guide to guiding souls from idolatry to joyful generosity. Through the school of hard knocks, faithfulness to Christ’s word, pastoral care, and careful analysis, they have gained a wealth of wisdom. I’ve seen these men in action, winsomely teaching pastors and lay leaders, giving candid, downâ·toâ·earth, and roadâ·tested insights into changing a congregation’s stewardship culture. The book’s conversational style and faithful teaching invites inexperienced and seasoned pastors and lay leaders to consider a plan that will strengthen and benefit the Lord’s church for decades to come. I’m so thankful this wisdom is in print.
—Rev. David C. Fleming, executive director for spiritual care, DOXOLOGY: the Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel
Every pastor should read this book. The engaging stories reveal how attention to the care of souls marks the pathway for creating a culture of faithful stewardship in your church.
—Rev. Dr. Gary G. Hoag, president & CEO, Global Trust Partners
For the past twenty years there has been a growing movement toward recapturing the theology of the faithful steward for the body of Christ. Much of this work has focused on the paraâ·church world. What has been missing is a winsome, robust and Biblically grounded resource specifically for pastors. Nathan Meador and Heath Curtis have now produced just such a resource. Written by seasoned pastors for pastors, Stewardship for the Care of Souls is an absolute gem. You will find here a compelling call to rethink most everything you thought you knew about ‘stewardship’ and discover how God’s gift of stewardship can transform your church culture and open your church up to be a place that truly preaches the fullness of the gospel. By viewing stewardship as pastoral care, Meador and Curtis have given us a fresh approach to this critical discipline of the church. I pray every pastor reads this book, and seminaries will include it in their curriculum. It is a treasure!
—Dr. R. Scott Rodin, president of The Steward’s Journey, and author of The Steward Leader, Stewards in the Kingdom, and Steward Leader Meditations
Nathan and Heath skillfully craft a refreshed perspective on stewardship. With soul care at its core, pastor shepherds discover how the whole counsel of God can enrich congregations in a stewardship-grounded identity that brings life and joy. Outflanking the usual pastoral chatter about giving techniques, this connection to stewardship as soul care will add depth, freedom, and joy to your pastoral passion. As a secondary win in this artful endeavor, your ministry will very likely be abundantly funded.
—Brad Leeper, principal at Generis
I appreciate the way Nathan and Heath approach the topic of stewardship—it's more about caring for the heart of the giver rather than about the money that is in their wallet. As spiritual leaders of the church, we need to help our people understand that it isn't what we want from them but for them. Changing the culture of stewardship takes intentionality and commitment. This book is a great foundational resource to begin moving forward toward the soul care of the giver.
—Sherri Adams, Generis consultant and executive director of stewardship and generosity at Christ Church, Oak Brook IL
Stewardship isn't a sales pitch. Nor is it a step-by-step manual on "how" to raise money. At its heart, Stewardship is about transformation. Nathan and Heath nail it. Finally, a thoughtful discussion focused on shepherding the hearts that make the decisions to fund churches and ministries all over the world. I strongly recommend considering the core message of this timely book.
—Brent Halvorsen, Church Generis strategist, Generis Partners, LLC
The cultural shift away from Christendom toward a more secular society makes it increasingly necessary for Christians to give an account of what they believe and how they live. This is true for all areas of Christian faith and life, including the way we think of such things as property and responsibility toward others. Rather than focusing on methods or results, Meador and Curtis consider why Christians think and talk about (much less practice) lives of stewardship. The answer they give is grounded in the biblical narrative and its description of a Creator who freely makes all things. He has made human beings in His own image and, through the gracious work of Jesus, remakes His people for participation in His work of caring for and restoring creation. This book provides a solid foundation for anyone who seeks to encourage a life of faithful stewardship.
—Peter H. Nafzger, M.Div., Ph.D. assistant professor of practical theology; director of student life, Concordia Seminary
Here is a book worth reading; a refreshing perspective on stewardship. Anchored in the biblical theology of stewardship with a continued focus on the practical care of souls, Revs Meador and Curtis use their own stewardship stories to draw the reader into a richer view of stewardship in the life of the Christian. The why of Christian stewardship remains the heart of center, entirely informing the what and how. There is plenty of practical application in these pages but not as you have experienced before. The pastoral art of teaching and preaching along with the culture that embodies a congregation’s routine are challenged and pressed beyond simple program and useless cliché. Here is real meat for those hungry to engender in souls a theology of stewardship that sanctifies all of life.
—Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO, Lutheran Church Extension Fund
