Resolution 1536 a call for stewardship study

by the Center for Faith and Giving

With the passing of GA 1536, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has called for the creation of a comprehensive statement (a Study Document*) on stewardship. This paper, which will be crafted by the Center for Faith and Giving, will return to the 2017 Assembly for a vote on whether or not to receive it into the official record of the church. 

The Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer, the center's director for the past five years, greeted the formidable charge with enthusiasm. "This will be the first comprehensive biblical and theological, document on stewardship ever commissioned by the Christian Church. It will outline stewardship as more than money and bring discussions about earth care, self-care, Sabbath, evangelism, and resource management to the forefront of our life together as a faithful community."  

Initial plans call for a diverse gathering of scholars and practitioners to map out the foundations for the major themes and for an additional group to then develop a curriculum from the materials for use in congregational life. Rev. Barkhauer indicated that there is an urgency within every aspect of this topic. 

"The earth is dying in our hands, we have forgotten the rhythm of rest and work, we have lost our passion for sharing the gospel, and our resources manage us - rather than the other way around. There are issues of economic and social justice and general well-being at stake. We need a 21st Century view of this topic." 

* More information about study documents can be found in the Special Rules of Procedure for the General Assembly. Learn more the process at the Center for Faith and Giving website.