Episode 12: Make A Commitment To God

Why do organizations building a stewardship spirituality ask us to make a commitment to God?  As Father Andrew explains in this episode, making a commitment moves us from merely intending to embrace stewardship to owning our stewardship. We evolve from being simple helpers to active ministers. We anticipate needs and lean forward to serve. Our commitment becomes the foundation of our character. And how can this change a faith community? Father Andrew has seen Catholic parishes where just 20% of the members are actively engaged in stewardship activities increase that percentage to 70% as the parishes embrace a commitment to stewardship.  

Father Andrew Kemberling is a parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn, Colorado. For 14 years he was pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial, CO. With Mila Glodava, Director of Communications and Stewardship, he wrote the book "Making Stewardship a Way of Life: A Complete Guide for Catholic Parishes" (published by Our Sunday Visitor, 2009). The parish received many awards for its pioneering embrace of stewardship as a touchstone of parish life.  Fr. Andrew was born in Tucson, Arizona, and joined the Benedictine order in 1985. He was ordained a priest in 1988.