Financial Stewardship & Management

Parish stewardship is often misunderstood as fundraising alone. While fundraising may be one expression of stewardship, it is not its purpose. Stewardship encompasses the thoughtful use of all the resources entrusted to a parish, including:

• Financial gifts
• Volunteer time and leadership skills
• Buildings and land
• Relationships and community connections
• Care for creation

That grounding in gratitude remains essential today. Stewardship can be understood as organized gratitude: a deliberate and intentional way of giving thanks to God through action. Time, talent, and treasure are offered not out of obligation, but as a response to what has been received. In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from requirement to gift, from compulsion to freedom. 

Theological conviction shapes practical action. Financial stewardship is not a demand to give more; it is an invitation to reflect more deeply. It creates space for parishioners to consider how their giving aligns with their faith, their gratitude, and their hopes for the church’s future. When stewardship is framed in this way, it becomes a ministry of accompaniment rather than pressure, allowing parish leaders to speak about money with honesty and confidence.

In practical terms, parish financial stewardship involves understanding how resources are gathered, managed, and communicated. Parish income is often more diverse than it first appears and may include:

• Regular offerings and pledged gifts
• Special donations
• Fundraising activities
• Grants and rentals
• Bequests and legacy gifts

Recognizing this diversity allows parish leaders to plan responsibly and speak clearly about sustainability and priorities.

Good stewardship depends on transparency and accountability. Clear processes, appropriate oversight, and regular communication build trust within the congregation. When parishioners understand how funds are used and can see the impact of their generosity, they are more likely to feel connected to the parish’s mission and confident in its leadership. Transparency is not only about reporting figures; it is about telling the story of how resources support people and ministry. This work does not belong to one person alone. While clergy and churchwardens play essential roles, stewardship is strongest when it is shared across leadership and embraced as a collective responsibility.

Many parishes discover that intentional stewardship practices bring benefits well beyond financial stability. Parishioners who are invited clearly and respectfully to make a written commitment are more likely to honour that commitment. This reliability provides a stronger foundation for budgeting and planning and allows parishes to move from short-term reaction to longer-term visioning. 

Stewardship also offers insight into the overall health of a parish, revealing patterns of participation and engagement that help leaders discern next steps.

It is important to acknowledge that stewardship conversations can raise discomfort. Some parishioners may carry past experiences of feeling pressured or excluded. Others may worry about transparency, privacy, or the perception that the church focuses too heavily on money. These concerns are natural and deserve to be taken seriously. Addressing them begins with clarity and honesty. A financial stewardship effort is not a request to give more; it is an opportunity to reflect intentionally and prayerfully on how one supports the mission and ministry of the church, followed by an invitation to share one’s resources.

Beginning or renewing a stewardship practice does not require large-scale initiatives or specialized expertise. It often starts with conversation and reflection. Parishes benefit from considering what is already working well, where gaps exist, and what stewardship is hoped to support in the coming years.

Small actions, such as expressing gratitude for current support or including stewardship themes in worship, help normalize the conversation and build trust over time.

Parishes are not expected to undertake this work alone. Support and resources are available through:

• The Director of Communications and Development, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
• The ADO Learning Commons
• The Stewardship Resource Hub

Stewardship is a journey rather than a destination. When financial stewardship is grounded in gratitude, transparency, and shared responsibility, it becomes a life-giving ministry that supports parish leaders, encourages volunteers, and strengthens the church’s witness in the world.

This year’s materials are available on the TENS website at https://www.tens.org/. Previous years’ materials can also be found there. All materials are unlocked with the password. 

The password for this year is Luke1:46. Please note that there are no spaces, and the password is case sensitive. You are invited to share this password widely through newsletters, websites, and social media to help your community access these tools. The password will remain active until February 2026, when the renewal period concludes.

In addition to the annual campaign resources, TENS offers a wide range of free materials that do not require a password. Their resource library includes articles, toolkits, and practical guidance covering tools and best practices, stewardship formation, and liturgical materials. 

Their webinar library is also available online, offering both past recordings and upcoming sessions that can be accessed or registered for at any time.

TENS also publishes a monthly newsletter designed to support stewardship leaders at both parish and diocesan levels. It offers reflections, ideas, and practical insights to deepen stewardship formation. All are welcome to subscribe and to encourage others to do the same.