Becoming A Steward

Welcome!

We are are extremely blessed and thankful that you have decided to become a steward of Saint Paraskevi.

On this page you will learn what Stewardship is all about and find helpful tools on how to become a Steward of St. Paraskevi, and a few resources to help you properly manage your time and your money in regards to Stewardship.

We pray that God grant you many blessings in your life.

In Christ's service,

The Stewardship Committee

Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.

An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdiocese, Metropolises, and institutions.

Effective stewardship ministry is not a single event or project. Rather, it is going out to our people wherever they are in their walk with Christ, listening to their concerns, helping them to realize their importance as branches of the True Vine and encouraging them to offer their gifts in His service. We use various resources to support our efforts, but unless we meet with our people personally, sincerely listen to their ideas and concerns, and share a vision for the future of the parish, our efforts will not reach their full potential.

In Oriented Leadership, their book on Orthodox Christian leadership, Williams and McKibben define stewardship as the call of the faithful to share willingly the gifts that God has bestowed on them, including sharing these gifts for God’s work. Stewardship is devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as a Parish, as a Metropolis, as a National Church, and as the Church Universal. Stewardship is our active commitment to use ALL our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love.

Stewardship is caring for the needs of others.
Stewardship is offering one's self to God as He offered Himself to us.
Stewardship is what a person does after saying "I believe..." as proof of that belief.
- Williams and McKibben in Oriented Leadership

In the words of Fr. William Chiganos of Holy Apostles Church in Westchester, Illinois, “…people don’t give to need; they give to vision…. Church people don’t stretch their giving because of need to meet the budget; they give more because they are able to see a vision of people being reached and God’s purposes being accomplished in the life of the church and its ministry.” Parishes with successful Orthodox Christian Stewardship Programs have found that incredible support is unleashed from Stewards who unselfishly and joyfully offer their time, talent and treasures, which in turn enhances the spirituality and ministry of the local parish.

Stewardship FAQ's

1. How do I become a Steward of Saint Paraskevi?

Simply click on the "Become A Steward" button on any page of our website. Fill out the form and click submit after you are done. If you prefer, you can download and print a PDF of the Stewardship Form and return it to the Church office by mail or in person.

2. What does it mean to, "Make a Pledge?"

"Making a Pledge" means that you promise to make a  monetary commitment to your church and that you promise to fulfill that commitment by the end of the pledge year.

3. How much should I pledge?

This is entirely up to you. However, your Church has a budget that is required to maintain the daily operation of the Church's facilities.

We pray that you choose one of the suggested amounts listed on the parish stewardship card and on the online form.   

4. How often should I make payments towards my pledge?

We suggest that you make monthly payments towards your pledge. There are several ways to do this.

A) If you bank online you can set up your stewardship payment as a recurring payment with your bank.

B) You can use your credit card. Fill out your credit card information on the stewardship or online form. 

C) You can send in your stewardship payment by check.

5. What are the benefits of being a Steward of my Church?

Besides being committed to your Church through your Time, Talents, and Treasure, and being an active member of The Body of Christ, you also have access to the following:

A) A priest that is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can contact him directly any time of day.

B) Excellent youth programs for your children. From birth to college age.

C) The finest Greek School program in our area.

D) A Sunday School with dedicated volunteers for your children. From Pre-School age to High School seniors.

E) Many ministries involved with social outreach such as our Ladies Philoptochos Society, The Good Neighbor Fund, The Homeless Ministry, and so many more. Browse our website to learn more about the wonderful ministries.

F) A dedicated group of Parish Council members who truly have the best interests of our Church in mind, and who volunteer many hours of their precious time to your Church as well as being committed Stewards.

G) Being a Steward of Saint Paraskevi also means you have a voice in what happens in your Church through your voting privileges at General Assemblies and Parish Council elections.