Stewardship of Life Institute
Philosophy of Stewardship
Stewardship is about relationship. First our relationship with God, from whom all blessings flow. In right relationship, we put God at the very center of our being. With God at the center, every other relationship settles into its right place, including:
Our relationship with our time, talents and treasures. We don’t own our time, it’s given to us to use wisely as we walk on the earth. Most people find it easy to think of time in this way, but it’s harder to think of talents and treasures as things we don’t own, aren’t entitled to and have no right to hoard.
Our relationship to the earth. The earth is God’s, and produces an abundance of the essentials for our lives: Food, water, air, resources for keeping warm and building shelter. The earth belongs to God but is entrusted to us to use. Stewardship involves thoughtful consumption of resources so all will have enough and the processes that sustain life will not be harmed.
Our relationship to others. Jesus commanded us to love God first, and then our neighbor as ourselves. In a world where greed, anger, hatred and selfishness abound, Stewardship calls us to embrace God’s love more fully, that we may embrace others.
Stewardship is a journey. Like all faith disciplines, Stewardship takes awareness, prayer and practice. This website is devoted to inspiring and equipping Christians to walk that journey.
SOLI Lectionary Commentaries
SOLI Grant Programs
To promote Stewardship education across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Stewardship of Life Institute is pleased to launch in 2023 the Sharron Blezard Innovation Fellowship, as well as resuming our traditional Stewardship Grant Program. The deadline for applications is April 1. Details below:
The Sharron Blezard Innovation Fellowship
The fellowship provides up to $40,000 to create a resource for ministry that encourages people to embrace their role of steward in creation. The Fellowship is named for the Rev. Sharron R. Blezard, a longtime SOLI writer and editor who died of breast cancer in July 2021.
Click here for an application.
Click here for an RFP in English. En Espanol.
Click here for information on Sharron Blezard in English. En Espanol.
SOLI Stewardship Education Grants
The Stewardship Education Grants are SOLI’s grants up to $16,000 for projects that encourage creative, collaborative, grassroots efforts to teach stewardship to church leaders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods, congregations and affiliated partner ministries.
Applications are accepted twice a year. Deadlines are September 1 and April 1.
Click here for an application for the Stewardship Education Grant.
Click here for an FAQ that gives details about the program, as well as examples of previous successful grant projects..
The Stewardship Education Grant Program began out of recognition that across our church many leaders do not have the information or tools they needed to lead their churches into financial stability. We welcome ELCA seminaries, judicatories, congregations and other church partners to put together ideas and programs that will assist the leaders they serve.
Six Weeks of Money
Money talks… but do we know how to listen faithfully? Six Weeks of Money is a unique stewardship education resource for congregations, small groups, and stewardship committees.
This series helps people reflect on their personal money stories, uncover the emotional and spiritual layers of giving, and start honest conversations about generosity.
With leader guides, video support, and downloadable resources, it’s a great way to stir meaningful engagement without awkward “fundraising speak.”
📥 Ready to start the conversation?