Stewardship: A ministry of accountability

		Stewardship  Corner  Jay Conzemius

Bringing the concept of Stewardship to a parish or a diocese requires many things, but probably the most important is the commitment to be accountable.

Accountability has been a particular pressing and prominent topic in recent months because of the scandals facing the Church. I am completely convinced that we (the Church) will rise up from these scandals as a holier Church because the Church has not been afraid to be accountable.

In terms of stewardship, there are essentially two levels or kinds of accountability.

Each revolves around our use of all of the gifts we have received from God as individuals (personal gifts) and as a Christian community (communal gifts).

At the heart of our faith and stewardship is the reality that God is the source of all we have. We trust in God in a very real way as the Source of everything.

Our response to God's generosity is best evidenced when we attempt to use our gifts to live our lives as Christian disciples. We do not only do this alone; we do this individually and collectively within the context of the community of the baptized.

What are some things we can do to become more accountable, both individually and communally?

Individual accountability

• Discern what gifts God has given me. Pray and think about ways to use my gifts: my time, my speech, my talents, my work, etc. Am I using these gifts in the way God intends for me?

• Pray and think about how I use my money, my possessions. How do they use me? Do I really need four televisions in my house?

• Ask myself, "What changes in my life can I make that will better reflect what I say and what I believe?"

• Explore how honest I am in my relationships (with God, and with others: my spouse, family, workplace, community, church).

• Think about how the words and actions in my everyday life do or do not reflect gratitude to God.

• Imagine how I can celebrate what God has done for me. Then do it.

Communal accountability

• Reflect on the shared gifts we have been given by God.

• What is the best means of reporting to the community the ways in which gifts are being used and shared?

• Look at our recordkeeping. Are our records accurate? What systems do we have in place to help ensure our records are accurate. Is our operation efficient?

• Pray and discern: Have we created an environment where people feel welcome and a place where, because of our responsible use of shared gifts, people would want to share their gifts with us? If not, come up with a plan that will make this happen.

• Imagine how we can celebrate what God has done for us. Then do it.

Jay Conzemius is director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Madison. For further information on stewardship issues, contact him at 608-821-3040.