Stewardship: What is it all about?

          Bethel Lutheran Church offers many opportunities for its members to express their gratitude to God for the gifts he has given to each and everyone of us.  However, when one thinks of stewardship, the first thought is the envelope that is put in the offering plate - but it is so much more than that.

            Stewardship is truly appreciating that we live in a wonderful part of God’s creation and that we have been blessed with gifts beyond our expectations.  Stewardship is understanding that part of the responsibility of receiving such wonderful gifts is that God has asked each and everyone of us to be good stewards, in return, of all that we have - our time, our talents, and our treasure.  To be a good steward means to understand that we, as God’s people, have the opportunity to fulfill the whole purpose of God throughout the world.  In essence, to share back with God and with others out of gratitude for what each of us has been given.

            At Bethel, many opportunities exist so all of us can commit to the stewardship of our lives with a focus being on our ability to serve our Lord and each other. Such opportunities include:

·         Worship: The very foundation of our rootedness in Christ.  Biblical people were a worshiping people, and Bethel people are too.  With a sense of awe and wonder,we are fed Word and sacrament and we are empowered to serve God.

·         Mission: Whether it be to help our next-door neighbor or a person half way around the world. Mission embodies what it means to serve.

·         Education: Helping to proclaim the Good News of Christ to all generations (children, youth, and adults).  Learning and worshiping opportunities and events to allow faith sharing to happen in homes and in the daily lives of Bethel’s families.

·         Music: It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song.  All singing together serves to widen our spiritual horizon, makes us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and helps us willingly and gladly join our singing.

·         Teams: Teams are available to help each of us use the individual and special gifts that God has given to us.  Whether it be in teaching, outreach, administration, or evangelizing, a team is in place that can use your help.

·         Offerings: Giving back of the financial gifts that God has bestowed on each of us allows us to move to a deeper practice of our faith.  Whether it be to the General or Building Fund, through the use of an offering envelope or through Simply Giving (automated program to help you conveniently, consistently, and joyfully give your financial gifts to help Bethel’s ministries), all gifts offered to Bethel allow us to express our gratitude to God. 

Simply Giving® Individual Enrollment Form 

             The mission of the church can only exist when we all receive nourishment from God, from Bethel, and from each other.  We hope that each of us will prayerfully consider how our gifts of time, talents, and treasurers can make a difference - now and in the future.

If you would like further information about Stewardship at Bethel, please contact Mark Smith ( or Pastor Wahl at 288-6430 (or by email at wahl@bethellutheran.com)