A sea of azure, turquoise, and lapis filled the pews of the Sunrise Church in Lauderhill, Fla., when the congregation dressed in blue, a color symbolizing loyalty to God, for its annual Stewardship Day, at a time when many of the members were still recovering from catastrophic flooding.
Michael Harpe, North American Division (NAD) Stewardship Ministries director, gave presentations in three sessions throughout the day under the theme, “Time, Talent, and Treasure: Living a Life of Generosity.” The presentations aimed to clear the popular misconception that stewardship mainly concerns tithe and offering, and explained that it is rather about having a healthy relationship with the Lord.
During the first seminar, Harpe spoke on the principle of protokairotic living, coined from two Greek words combined meaning “first opportunity.” These words reflect the importance of making it one’s highest priority to seize the first opportunity to spend time with Jesus — an essential part of being a steward entrusted with God’s mission.
Harpe gave a presentation on the significance of stewardship in the life of a Christian for the main service. “Stewardship is not just about money,” he explained. “It is, first and foremost, about our relationship with Jesus. A good relationship with the Lord is our covering — our body armor — that we need to arrive safely in His Kingdom.”
Even when hues of red and orange dyed the evening skies, the members’ enthusiasm did not waver as Stewardship Day climaxed with the third seminar, entitled “Economic Game Change.” Harpe explained that a significant upturn in one’s financial situation — an economic “game change” — can only come after a significant upturn in one’s relationship with Jesus. To emphasize this point and engage the youth, Harpe initiated rounds of an entertaining activity called, “Access 2 Success,” at select moments during the seminar.
This Stewardship Day was an impactful one that will surely be etched in the hearts of the Sunrise congregation as they use “Time, Talents, and Treasure to Live a Life of Generosity,” to glorify God.
Florida | April 2024
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