When Christians think about stewardship, we often focus on our time, our talents, and our financial giving. Yet stewardship is ultimately about recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and asking how it might be used in service of His purposes.
For many people, charitable giving has traditionally meant making a donation from current income. This remains an important and meaningful practice. Yet there are other ways to steward financial resources that can create a greater impact than many people realize. Gifts of publicly traded shares, estate gifts, and other forms of planned giving are options that many Christians simply have never been introduced to. Learning about these opportunities can help us think more broadly about how we respond to God’s call to steward the resources entrusted to us.
Stewardship is about more than managing assets wisely; it is one way we participate in God’s work in the world. As God’s people use their resources for the good of others, lives are touched, communities are strengthened, and people experience care and belonging.
As Henri Nouwen explains in The Spirituality of Fundraising, “We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you—your energy, your prayers, and your money—in this work to which God has called us.” Stewardship can take many forms, but each offers an opportunity to participate in something larger than ourselves.
At Bethesda, we see this through services such as summer camps, family support services, crisis assistance, and intentional community initiatives. Rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image of God, these ministries help people with diverse abilities and their families experience inclusion, friendship, encouragement, and practical support. They are made possible through the generosity of people who choose to share the resources God has entrusted to them.
One stewardship opportunity that is often overlooked is the gift of publicly traded shares, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. For individuals who hold appreciated securities, donating shares directly rather than selling them first can be one of the most effective ways to make a charitable gift. Donors receive a charitable tax receipt for the full market value of the shares and avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation, allowing more of the value of their assets to support ministry and charitable work.
Another option is to include charitable giving in an estate plan. For some Christians, this is a meaningful way to express their faith and values beyond their lifetime. A bequest or other planned gift can become part of a lasting legacy, helping future generations experience communities where they are welcomed, supported, and able to flourish.
There is no single “right” way to practice stewardship. Different seasons of life bring different opportunities and responsibilities. For some, stewardship may be expressed through regular donations. For others, it may include gifts of appreciated assets or thoughtful estate planning. What matters is the desire to use God’s gifts faithfully in ways that serve others and contribute to the flourishing of our communities.
If you would like to learn more about gifts of shares or estate giving, Greta Nicholson, Bethesda’s Chief Financial Officer, would be pleased to speak with you. She can be reached at Greta.Nicholson@BethesdaBC.com or 604-850-6604 ext. 324.
