What are the duties of a steward?

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

Answers

The duties of a steward is outlined in the AME Discipline under the heading 'Duties of a Steward'. The stewards of a church are in charge of those things which are of the spiritual growth and function of a church. Their duties include but are not limited to the well being of the pastor, communion, finance, and anything that is not temporal. It is the duty of the stewards to know and love the doctrine of the AME Church. My philoophy: They should have active participation in the on- going of the church - attendance at Sunday School, worship service, Bible study, official board meeting, special services, new member training session, etc. Stewards should have positive attitudes, adaptable to change, embrace collective participation of all members, be a true witness for Christ and in all, let the love of God shine forth as a blinding light which beckons those not of the fold to come running to be saved.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

Question: # 1. What is the AME definition of temopral? # 2. Is it possible that temporal needs can become spiritual in nature? # 3. What was the rational of seperating the trustee and the stewart as officers in the AME Church(our founders).

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2000

"Te,mporal" is complementary to "transcendental." If the pastor is charged to see to the spiritual 9transcendental) needs of the poele, the stewards have as one of their prime duties seeing to the day-to-day (temporal) needs of the pastor. In the 19th century this often meant bringing food from their own farms to assure that the Pastor's table was "set", or donating livestock to the pastor in remuneration for eccelsiastical services.

When new stewards at our church ask what their role really entails, I recommend the following summation: (1) see to the Lord's table (assure the presence of communion elements, a pulpit is available and staffed), (2) see to the table of the poor (assure that outreach and benevolence are funded and executed in the local assembly), and (3) see to the Pastor's table (assure a proper parsonage, transportation, sustenance, and salary for the pastor and family).

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2000

The stewards and trustees are separate because each body has different functions. The AME Bookstore has several publications which outline the duties and functions of each--this is in addition to what has been provided in the Discipline. Briefly the trustees are responsible for the care and upkeep of the building and grounds-- the church property. Stewards are the spiritual leaders--the pastor's cabinet,if you will. They are the pastor's armorbearers. They are responsible for keeping membership records, baptismal records, the communion table--to supervise the stewardesses. Read the books. To serve in either capacity is an honor!

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2000

Greetings! When I responded to you earlier, I didn't think to tell you that the stewards are appointed by the pastor and confirmed by the quarterly conference. Trustees (twice the # needed) are nominated by the pastor and elected by the members. Peace & grace!

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2000