Giving our time, talent and treasure are basics to church stewardship, but we often focus on writing a check or donating money online when the “Stewardship Committee” puts out the call.

In some cases, giving time and talent can make an even greater difference in the life of a church.

Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Sauer is pastor at Manitowoc Cooperative Ministry, an innovative partnership of the historic Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ congregations serving the community for more than 170 years. The city is located on Lake Michigan, south of Green Bay and north of Milwaukee.

“I think of people-power as a major piece of stewardship, especially in the small or perhaps average PCUSA-sized church,” Sauer said. “For us, our membership is primarily middle class and fixed-income folks. However, our faith is great, and we continue to listen to the Gospel calling to be engaged with our community.

“We look to our people, not just church members but community members, to help us be the church. We are continually learning to see our membership as the community, not merely those on the Session’s membership rolls.

“Sixteen years ago, we started free community dinners every Wednesday night,” he said. “Today we serve 200 meals every Wednesday and it is staffed by 30-plus volunteers. And, we are in our second season of Manitowoc Warming Shelter that is run by 130 volunteers. The shelter is open nightly November to April” when temperatures can drop into the single digits or colder at night and sometimes the daily high is still below freezing.

“Officially, our permit allows for 12 people to stay but we need room for 24. Soon we will be starting a campaign to raise several million dollars to purchase and remodel a building for a shelter and more,” Sauer said.

While there are charts and analytics to highlight the dollar value of volunteerism, the real benefit can be seen in both the work of the church and the eyes of the giver.

“The value of the people power donated in just these two ventures surpasses our yearly budget,” Sauer said. “But it goes far beyond just these two events. Because we invest in the community, the community wants to invest in us.  We have community members sharing financial gifts not just for specific missions but with the church because they believe in what we are doing.

1 Peter 4:10 says “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 

Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Paul writes, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

“Our church members are realizing that if they can take on specific tasks in the church based on their interests and passion, then we don’t need as much in financial gifts,” Sauer said. “We have a woman who vacuums the entry hallways before Bible Study; this allows her to be useful and keeps the church looking beautiful.  People who like gardening help with landscaping – and creating gardens instead of just grass.

“Scripture calls us to serve and live the Gospel.  It is easy for the church to relegate service to a ‘professional’ staff because it is easier, but for many congregations this option is not financially feasible,” Sauer said.