Stewardship refers to the responsible management of something entrusted to one's care. In many religious traditions, humans are considered stewards or caretakers of God's creation. The Greek word "oikonomos" means manager of a household, referring to one who administers or oversees the household on behalf of the owner. In Christianity, stewardship involves using one's time, talents and resources to serve God and others. It is the faithful administration and use of God's gifts. Several Bible passages discuss human beings' role as stewards of the earth and its resources.

2. Meaning of Stewardship
The word “steward” is rooted in the Greek word “oikonomos,”
The ancient culture used theses two words togather Means
Administration or Management of household" or Ruler of the house”
Its a Compound of two Words “Oikos” - “househould”
“nomos” “Law or rule”

3. The English word steward:
An official appointed to supervise arrangements or keep order at a large public
event, for example, a sporting event, Hotels etc....
A person employed to manage another's property, especially a large house or
estate

4. 1. Adam as Steward
(Genesis 2:15)
God called Adam to “work” and to “keep” the garden
God commanded Adam to take care of things on his behalf
From the very beginning, God given the responsablity to Adam.

5. 2. Joseph as Steward
Joseph one of the best examples of biblical stewardship (Gen. 39)
But he was given stewardship over the whole house and everything his master belonging (Gen.
39: 5 - 6)
Referring back to the biblical stewardship definition —“the manager of a household”
He was the managar of Household in Potiphar’s house

6. Religious understanding of Stewardship

7. Judaism
Jews believe that God created the world (Genesis) and gave human beings a special
responsibility within creation to cultivate it, guard it and use it wisely
This is known as stewardship
God gives man control of the environment
But most Jews believe that human being should act responsibly, check the environment is
not treated badly
Man has to work within creation and look after it

8. Islam
Stewardship means caring for something on behalf of someone else, to whom it belongs.
The word ‘khalifah’ is used in Islam to refer human being are the stewards of God’s
world
In the Qur’an, God calls Adam (the first man, God created) his khalifah
This means that God entrusted Adam and all future generations of people to look after
the world

9. Muslims believe that people will be judged upon how well they have respected and followed
the command to care for the world, which is on loan from Allah.
This idea of stewardship is very important within Islam

10. Hinduism
Many Hindus would not talk about being stewards of the Earth
All Hindu believes that, they have certain duties towards the Earth
Hindu beliefs about stewardship include the following:
1. Respect for animal life
Because many Hindu gods have appeared as animals
Because people may have been animals in previous lives. So
Animals must be respected

11. 2. Respect for Nature
Because the last stage of life is to live in the forest to find union with God.
FOUR STAGES OF LIFE
1. Bramacharya
Period of Studentship
2. Grihastha
Period of Householder
3. Vanaprastha
Period of forest dwelling
4. Sanyasa
Period of Total renunciation

12. Sikhism
Respecting the light of God in the universe - Reducing pollution and protective resources.

13. Christian stewards are caretakers and caregivers
Matthew 14:13-21, 25:31-46; James 2:14-17)
Philippians 4:11-13

14. Proverbs 11:24-26
Philippians 4:6
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
1 Timothy 6:17-19

15. 1 Peter 4:8-9
1 Corinthians 13:3
2 Timothy 1:7
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 - Obeying God by setting apart of all thier income for other
Luke 18:18-30 - Hard to obey the word of God

16. Christian stewards acknowledge the greatness and goodness of God through prayer
Isaiah 40:28-31 - Renewing the Strength
Jeremiah 29:11-14 - To receive the answar from God

17. Genesis 41:37- 45 - Joseph was given the responsibility
Christian stewards follow Jesus’ teaching to sacrifice what they have out of gratitude for their many
blessings (Mark 12:41-44)
Matthew 28:16-20 - we are gien the responsibility (Proclamation of Gospel)
Numbers 18:25-32 -People of Israel were given the responsibility (Tithe and Offering)

18. Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of Talents
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Luke 16:10 -13