Well, we know Facility Stewardship is necessary. But that begs the question: who is it even for? The short and easy answer is anyone entrusted with a facility to steward and care for. But I want to look at this from a more personal level.
New Perspective of Stewardship
Earlier this year, I was reading a devotional on Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV), which says the following:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
I am sure that you have read this many times and heard several messages on this text. You may even remember singing songs about this verse at vacation bible school many years ago. Most of the messages I have heard regarding this piece of scripture focused on the nine types of fruit. All of which I wish I did a better job living out, but that is for another day.
This devotional brought out a new perspective for me. Here is a section from the YouVersion devotional on June 4, 2023:
“Paul lists nine character qualities that should be evident in someone’s life if they’re walking according to God’s ways. However, just like the the fruit of the tree is not meant for the tree itself, but for others, so also the fruit of the Spirit in a Christian’s life is not meant for themselves, but for others. We are to love one another, take joy in one another, have peace with one another, and be kind to one another.”
“However, just like the fruit of a tree is not meant for the tree itself, but for others…”
I had never thought of this scripture in that way. Those nine fruits of the spirit are not meant for me. But they are meant to be shared and are for the benefit of others.
Of course, this made me think about Facility Stewardship. Who is it meant for? If I own a facility that I have been entrusted with, is my stewardship only for me? Tying it back to the above scripture, are Facility Stewards the “tree”? If so, then our effort — our fruit — is for others.
As a steward, we should rest in knowing we have done what God has asked us to do by stewarding His possessions (our facilities, our staff, etc.). But the question is who is the real beneficiary of the fruit we generate through our stewardship? I would suggest it would include:
- Church staff
- Church members and families
- Guests
- Community
- Testimony
- __________ (you fill in the blank and add to this list)
Impact of Facility Stewardship
In conclusion, Facility Stewardship is far more impactful than most people realize. It is a task that should not be taken lightly. If you are curious about how you can steward your facilities better, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team of experts; we are here to support you. Onward!
