By Christopher N. Sealey
Xulon Press
Longwood, Florida
2003 US $12.99
Reviewed by Benjamin C. Maxson, Director, General Conference Stewardship Ministries
Christopher Sealey makes a worthwhile contribution to stewardship thought with this book. He seeks to present a broad approach to stewardship as a lifestyle, built on a solid biblical foundation. His two chapters on the Levitical system of offerings provide detailed research and application of the various offerings and their relevance to stewardship thinking.
The author’s chapter on “Stewardship as an Evangelical Tool” presents a strong focus on salvation and the forgiveness of sin. However, he appears to make stewardship a requirement for salvation rather than an outgrowth of the saving experience. Sealey states, “Our understanding of the principles of true stewardship is critical to our salvation. Our adherence to those principles determines our eligibility for eternal life.”
I also wish that Sealey could have seen giving as an outgrowth or application of the stewardship relationship with God. He appears to narrow too much of stewardship down to giving and thus appears to contradict the book’s title. On the other hand, there is a great deal of good in this book. His last two chapters focus on a practical application of stewardship to church life. These are especially valuable and can be very helpful to an effective stewardship program in the local congregation. Find the author’s website at http://www.chrissealey.com.
