If you are leading in a congregation or presbytery right now, you likely do not need one more reminder that money is tight and that change can be hard. You already know that. What may be more helpful is a different set of questions. The kind of questions that spark imagination and foster stewardship feels exciting, purpose-driven, and joining alongside what God is already doing.
In this Pentecost season, we are reminded that the early Jesus followers did not simply preserve what they had. They responded to the fire of the Holy Spirit with courage, creativity, and shared life. They preached in new ways. They formed new communities. They shared resources so that ministry could grow. In that sense, they were innovators. They trusted God enough to live differently and to try something new.
That same Spirit is still with the church now!
So perhaps the next stewardship conversation with your congregation, presbytery, or ministry setting could begin with these three Pentecost questions.
1 – Where do we already see the Spirit moving, and how can our visioning, budget planning, and mission giving help nurture that life?
This shifts the conversation away from anxiety alone and toward signs of energy, need, and possibility. It asks, “What do we see God doing?” before “How do we fill this gap?” The spark of Pentecost shows up first as fire on people, willing to listen to the work of the Spirit.
2 – What is one small, Spirit-led experiment we sense God inviting us to try this year?
Not everything has to change at once. Sometimes innovation begins with one faithful step, one partnership, one shared role, one new invitation. This makes innovation concrete, specific, and do-able. A single spark can be enough to light the next small fire.
3 – Who beyond our walls might want to be part of this story with us?
Individuals, organizations, businesses, and community partners may be more open than we think when they are invited into something meaningful and hopeful. This question reminds us that stewardship is also about relationships and mission, not just internal maintenance. The spark of Pentecost spread as people heard the good news in their own language and chose to join in.
This isn’t just stewardship. It’s visioning and innovation. Yes, we tell the truth about real pressures while also trusting that God is still creating new possibilities among us. We honor traditional practices and also make room for fresh imagination.
Within the Synod of the Northeast’s new vision, the Grants pillar is one way we are trying to live this out together, shifting toward practices that build community, deepen accountability, and cultivate sustainable, gospel-rooted ministry across presbyteries and congregations. It is one small example of how our shared structures can help catch and carry the Spirit-led sparks you are tending locally. Check out the grant opportunities and timeline here: https://synodne.org/grants/ .
In my work in fund development, I hope to walk alongside you in this, helping fan those sparks into sustainable, Spirit-led funding that supports the ministries God is already growing among us. Please reach out! I would love to hear what you are noticing and experimenting with, and how the Synod can help share your story.
By Suzanne Campise
MDiv. Fund Development Intern
Photo by Warren on Unsplash