The Bible speaks a lot about stewardship. It’s not just about money; it includes our time, gifts, relationships, and those we are entrusted to care for. I think this is especially important when a person of faith is put into a position with a title. I have never liked titles. Titles seem to negatively change people. All of a sudden a humble person becomes authoritative, territorial of their power, entitled to recognition, and there is an expectation of elevation status by those who were once all seen as equals.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter: 4:10).
When you are asked to set your faith aside and focus only on planning faith-based events. When faith is reduced to activities rather than lived belief then no wonder so many people of faith are walking away from God.
A bad experience keeps people away from volunteering or even trusting enough to even sign up. If a faith based group is not growing maybe take a self-check on how you are portraying leadership.
This list is not exhaustive but has this been your experience? Maybe just one or maybe even all:
-leadership wants you to have duties but they take no time to train you
-leadership of groups reprimand you after the fact for not knowing what they should have trained you on so you would know so you don’t get lectured on what you are doing wrong
-uses the term, “you are awesome, but…” then fill in the blank of what you are doing wrong
-you do all the research on a topic for a group and they use none of it, ask others, talk around you, and do not rely on any of your expertise (bang head against the wall would feel better)
-repeating “do not go after people, but focus on policies and procedures”
-then the group goes after people throwing out all your work on policies and procedures
-people in the group take credit for your work and no one says anything
-you put your work for all to see and the group asks a question, you suggest looking at your work, and they dismiss it or just say “I keep forgetting you do all that”
-experience Fake alliances, Fake people, Fake, Fake, Fake, ………..
-there is always someone who steps in after the task is complete and assumes the role of the expert; like it had been their idea the whole time
Good stewardship flows outward to bless others; not treating people like your subordinates. Our daily choices and effort matters to God. Stewardship is serious as it reflects our faithfulness. Stewardship is faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to you including your resources, gifts, and your very life for His purposes and glory.
What is even more troubling is when faith communities themselves begin to reflect the very behaviors they should be standing against. When people use one another for their own gain, speak poorly of each other instead of seeking understanding, and push aside anyone who asks honest questions, something important is lost. Faith should not be about control, appearances, or protecting positions of influence. It should be about humility, accountability, and a sincere commitment to caring for others.
True faith is not measured by titles, events, or public displays. It is revealed in the quiet ways we treat one another—with kindness, honesty, patience, and grace. When faith is lived with integrity, it builds trust and healing. When it is used for personal advantage or to silence others, it loses the very purpose it was meant to serve.
Even in the midst of frustration and anger, I still believe that authentic faith exists. It is found in those who choose humility over power, truth over appearances, and love over judgment.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
I heard this song, God Talk to Me, made by DcrypTos
I've been walking through the shadows feeling heavy in my chest
Tryna hear Your whisper softly but the world is such a mess
I've been fighting with my thoughts I've been drowning in the noise
So I'm reaching for the heaven-light I need to hear Your voice
God talk to me...
Break through the silence let my spirit breathe
I'm calling out I'm listening I'm down on my knees
Give me a word give me a sign set my heart free
God... talk to me
Yeah God... talk to me
Speak to the hurt in me
Speak to the hope in me
Speak to the storm till it falls at Your feet
Speak to the doubt in me
Speak to the dream in me
One word from heaven makes the whole soul breathe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8JoMHjGJa4&list=RDR8JoMHjGJa4&start_radio=1