First published on this website in August 2004 and last updated with new material in November 2012

This article seeks to trace the recent history of stewardship thinking within the Church and to consider some biblical principles and issues to help us understand the subject today. It is designed as background material for any church considering the mobilisation of their resources and for any Christian leader wishing to teach on possessions and on giving.

The story of stewardship
The 1960s and 1970s - The 1980s - Into the 1990s
Lay ministry - Developing thinking on giving
From 2000 to today - Four new initiatives - Summary of the changes

Some underlying principles
The biblical terms for steward and their implications
Principles of giving and spending
Creation or redemption?
Personal income or capital?