Stewardship and Trust in Times of Transition

Devotional

Day 1: Faithful Stewardship in Times of Crisis

In moments of uncertainty and transition, we are called to act with wisdom, faithfulness, and boldness, just as the steward in Jesus’s parable did. Rather than being paralyzed by fear or self-interest, we are invited to use our resources—time, talent, and treasure—to serve others and contribute to the flourishing of our community. This is not about shortcuts or dishonesty, but about being strategic and courageous for the sake of God’s mission. When we face challenges as a congregation, we are reminded that each decision, no matter how small, can be an act of faithfulness that honors God and supports the well-being of all. [01:01]

Luke 16:1-9 (ESV)
He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.”

Reflection: When faced with a difficult decision this week, how can you act boldly and faithfully to serve others rather than retreating into fear or self-preservation?

Day 2: Trusting and Supporting God’s Appointed Leaders

Just as a ship’s crew must trust their captain and each other during a storm, we are called to trust the leaders God has placed among us, especially in seasons of transition. Our church council and vision task force are prayerfully guiding us through uncertain waters, making decisions for the good of the whole congregation. By supporting, praying for, and encouraging our leaders, we participate in God’s work and help ensure the flourishing of our church community. [01:55]

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can encourage or support a church leader this week as they guide our congregation through change?

Day 3: Every Gift Matters in Building God’s Vision

Each person’s contribution—no matter how small—helps complete the bigger picture of God’s vision for our congregation. Like pieces of a puzzle or seeds in a garden, our gifts of time, talent, and treasure come together to strengthen our mission and support our transition. When we offer what we have, we trust that God will use it to bring growth and clarity, even if we do not see the full results ourselves. [03:17]

1 Corinthians 12:12, 18-20 (ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ... But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Reflection: What is one gift—of time, talent, or treasure—you can offer this week to help build up our church community?

Day 4: Investing in Relationships for God’s Kingdom

Our resources are not just for our own benefit, but are meant to be used to forge meaningful relationships and contribute to the flourishing of others. By reaching out, mentoring, volunteering, and serving together, we become a living expression of God’s love in the world. Investing in relationships is at the heart of faithful stewardship and is how we participate fully in God’s mission. [06:08]

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Reflection: Who is someone in our church or community you can reach out to this week to encourage, support, or build a deeper relationship with?

Day 5: Serving God Above All Else

True stewardship means using all that we have—our resources, our gifts, even our buildings—to serve God and participate in the work of His kingdom. As we face change and uncertainty, we are called to act faithfully with what God has entrusted to us, seeking to bring glory to His name and to serve others above our own comfort. When we do this, our gifts build relationships, strengthen ministry, and help God’s love flourish in our midst. [07:23]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more intentionally put God’s kingdom first this week, even if it means letting go of comfort or control?

Sermon Summary

In a season of transition, the story of the shrewd manager from Jesus’ parable offers a surprising lesson. The manager, faced with a crisis, acts boldly and strategically—not out of self-interest, but to build relationships and secure a future. This challenges us to consider how we use our own resources, not just for personal gain, but for the flourishing of others and the community. Money and possessions can easily entangle us, but they can also be transformed into tools for generosity, relationship, and mission when used wisely and faithfully.

Our congregation is navigating uncertain waters, much like a ship’s crew in a storm. The church council and vision task force are entrusted with guiding us through the sale of our building and discerning our next steps. While not every decision is visible to all, trust and prayerful support for these leaders are essential. Each member’s contribution—whether time, talent, or treasure—may seem small, but together they form the larger picture of God’s vision for our church, much like pieces of a puzzle coming together.

Stewardship is not just about finances; it’s about cultivating a future we may not fully see, like gardeners planting seeds for generations to come. Our leaders are preparing the soil and tending the garden so that our ministry can thrive beyond this moment. The call is to trust, support, and pray for those leading us, and to invest ourselves in the life of the church through service, generosity, and relationship-building.

Ultimately, we are reminded that our true calling is not to cling to comfort or buildings, but to use all that we have—our resources, our gifts, our very selves—to serve God and one another. By coming together with trust, courage, and generosity, we participate in God’s ongoing work and ensure a vibrant future for our congregation and the wider community.

Key Takeaways

1. Strategic Faithfulness in Crisis When faced with uncertainty, bold and wise action rooted in faith can open new possibilities. The shrewd manager is commended not for dishonesty, but for his ability to act decisively and creatively in a time of need. In our own seasons of transition, God calls us to be both faithful and strategic, using what we have to build up the community and serve others. [01:01]
2. Trusting Leadership in Unseen Decisions Just as a ship’s crew must trust their captain and each other during a storm, we are called to trust the leaders God has placed among us. Even when we cannot see every detail or decision, our support and prayers empower those who guide us through challenging transitions. Trust is an act of faith that strengthens the whole body. [01:55]
3. The Power of Collective Stewardship Every individual gift—no matter how small—contributes to the larger mission and vision of the church. Like pieces of a puzzle, our time, talents, and treasures come together to reveal God’s purpose for our community. Stewardship is a shared journey, where each person’s participation is vital to the flourishing of all. [02:41]
4. Planting for a Future Beyond Ourselves True stewardship means investing in a future we may never fully witness, much like gardeners who plant seeds for generations to come. Our actions today—pruning, planting, and nurturing—prepare the way for future ministry and growth. Faithful stewardship is an act of hope and trust in God’s unfolding plan. [03:17]
5. Generosity as Relationship-Building Resources are not meant to be hoarded or used solely for self-preservation; they are tools for forging meaningful relationships and supporting God’s work. By giving generously and investing in others, we reflect God’s love and participate in the flourishing of the whole community. Generosity transforms both giver and receiver, drawing us deeper into God’s mission. [04:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
[01:01] - Lessons on Money and Relationships
[01:55] - Navigating Transition: Trusting Leadership
[02:41] - Stewardship as a Puzzle
[03:17] - The Power of Collective Gifts
[03:45] - Gardening Metaphor: Planting for the Future
[04:15] - Strategic and Bold Stewardship
[05:00] - Using Resources for God’s Mission
[05:26] - Trusting and Supporting Our Leaders
[06:08] - Investing in Relationships and Service
[06:40] - Navigating Change Together
[07:23] - Prayer for Wisdom and Generosity
[07:50] - Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 16:1-13 (ESV) – The Parable of the Shrewd Manager —
> He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Observation Questions

What actions did the manager take after learning he was going to lose his job? (Luke 16:3-7)
According to the sermon, what qualities did Jesus commend in the shrewd manager? [01:01]
How does the sermon describe the role of the church council and vision task force during this season of transition? [01:55]
What metaphors did the sermon use to describe stewardship and the church’s journey? [02:41]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus use a story about a shrewd (even dishonest) manager to teach about faithfulness and stewardship? What point is he making about how we use our resources? (Luke 16:8-9)
The sermon says the manager’s actions were not about self-interest, but about building relationships and securing a future. How does this challenge common ideas about money and possessions? [01:01]
The sermon compares the church’s current situation to a ship in a storm and a puzzle coming together. What does this say about the importance of each person’s role in the church during times of change? [02:41]
The gardening metaphor in the sermon suggests investing in a future we may not see. How does this shape our understanding of stewardship and ministry? [03:17]

Application Questions

The shrewd manager acted boldly and creatively in a crisis. When have you faced a situation where you needed to act decisively for the good of others, not just yourself? What did you learn from that experience? [01:01]
Our church is in a season of transition, and not every decision is visible to everyone. How do you personally respond when you are asked to trust leaders without knowing all the details? What helps you trust, and what makes it difficult? [01:55]
The sermon says every gift—time, talent, or treasure—matters, even if it seems small. What is one “small” way you could contribute to the church’s mission this month? [02:41]
Think about the gardening metaphor: planting seeds for a future you may never see. What is one act of service or generosity you could do this week that might bless someone in the future, even if you never see the results? [03:17]
The sermon calls us to invest in relationships, not just programs or buildings. Who is one person in our church or community you could reach out to, encourage, or support this week? [06:08]
Generosity is described as a way to build relationships and participate in God’s mission. Is there a resource (money, time, skill) you have been holding back that you sense God might be inviting you to share more freely? What would it look like to take a step of generosity? [04:15]
The sermon invites us to pray for and support our leaders. How can you practically encourage or pray for someone in leadership this week? [05:26]

Sermon Clips

Money may, and often does, entangle and corrupt. But it can also be a vehicle for courting relationships. It is not about self-interest, but contributing to the flourishing of others. [00:01:01] (15 seconds) #MoneyAsRelationship

Every gift of time, talent, treasure may feel small on its own. Together they strengthen our mission, support our transition, and bring God's vision for this congregation into more precise focus. [00:02:56] (20 seconds) #GiftsUniteMission

Money may and often does entangle and corrupt, but it can also be a vehicle for forging relationships of value. It is not about self-interest, but contributing to the flourishing of others. [00:04:30] (18 seconds) #MoneyBuildsRelationships

This is precisely what we are called to do as a church community. We serve God, not by clinging to buildings or comfort, but by utilizing our resources, time, talent, treasure, and yes, once again, even our buildings, to foster relationships, support ministry, and enhance God's work in the world. [00:04:48] (31 seconds) #ServeBeyondComfort

Trust the leaders God has placed. Our church council and vision task force, as they guide us through this transition, pray for them, support them, and give them space to act faithfully, engage in faithful stewardship. [00:05:47] (21 seconds) #SupportAndPrayForLeaders

``Every gift of time, talent, and treasure strengthens God's work and ensures a thriving future. Invest in relationships. Reach out, mentor, volunteer, and help make the church a living expression of God's love. [00:06:08] (23 seconds) #FaithfulStewardshipInAction

The navigation ahead requires that we come together with trust, courage, and generosity. It is then that we will navigate together, this change and participate fully in God's mission in this pivotal season. [00:06:31] (21 seconds) #InvestInGodsWork

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Transcript

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