Address delivered at the 2026 Wardens’ Retreat, Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos  |  Saturday, 14th March 2026

Stewardship as Sacred Responsibility and Eternal Preparation

Introduction: The Day the Owner Returned

Permit me to begin with a story. There was once a Cathedral in a small European town. For generations, it stood as the spiritual centre of the Community. Its stained-glass windows told the story of redemption. Its altar had witnessed baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and funerals. It was entrusted to a group of lay officers responsible for its upkeep. Over time, leadership changed hands. Some served faithfully. Others grew casual. Maintenance was postponed. Records became irregular. Personal interests quietly replaced shared vision. Because the Cathedral had stood for centuries, they assumed it always would.

One winter morning, structural damage caused part of the roof to collapse. Investigations revealed years of neglect — not dramatic corruption, but slow, incremental carelessness. The Cathedral did not fall in one day. It weakened over time under watchful Stewards who stopped watching carefully. This story is not about a building. It is about Stewardship.

Stewardship

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells a sobering parable in Matthew 25:14–30. A master entrusts his servants with resources and departs. “After a long time,” the Scripture says, “the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.”

After a long time. The delay of the Master is not the cancellation of His return. We are living in that “long time.” And one day, accounts will be settled.

Stewardship is the faithful and responsible management of something that belongs to another, entrusted to us for a defined purpose and for a season, with the clear understanding that we will one day give account to the owner. At its core, Stewardship begins with the recognition that we are not owners but Trustees. Ownership belongs to God; responsibility belongs to us.

The Psalmist declares in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” This foundational truth shapes the entire concept of Stewardship. Everything we handle — resources, positions, opportunities, influence, even life itself — ultimately belongs to God. We do not possess them permanently; we are entrusted with them temporarily.

In the New Testament, the word used for Steward refers to a household manager — one placed in charge of a master’s estate. Such a person had the authority to make decisions and oversee operations, but never the right to claim ownership. His authority was delegated, and his tenure was accountable.

The Theology of Stewardship: We Are Entrusted, Not Entitled

Psalm 24:1 declares: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” The Church is not ours. The Diocese is not ours. The altar, the treasury, the membership roll, the reputation of the Parish — none of it is ours. We are entrusted, not entitled.

In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it.” The very first human assignment was Stewardship. Before there was preaching, before there were committees, before there were diocesan structures, there was stewardship.

1 Peter 4:10 reminds us: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Notice the language — “stewards of grace.” That means we are not merely managing money or property. We are managing a sacred trust. We are custodians of worship environments where souls encounter God. A steward does not ask, “What can I gain from this office?” A steward asks, “How can I preserve and improve what has been entrusted to me?”

Stewardship and Divine Accountability

1 Corinthians 4:2 states clearly: “It is required of Stewards that one be found faithful.” Not impressive. Not popular. Not powerful — but Faithful.

Luke 16:10 reinforces this principle: “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” In the Kingdom economy, small acts of faithfulness qualify for greater trust.

Hebrews 4:13 warns us: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight… we must give account.” One day, every Warden will stand before the Chief Shepherd — not before the Bishop, not before a Committee, but before Christ Himself. Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

The question will not be: How influential were you? How long did you serve? How many meetings did you attend? The question will be:

• Were you faithful?
• Did the Church grow under your watch?
• Did you guard unity?
• Did you protect integrity?
• Did you strengthen the systems of accountability?

Stewardship is not merely organisational responsibility. It is an eschatological preparation for eternity.

Spiritual Stewardship: Guarding the Flame

Before administration comes devotion. Acts 6 shows us that when practical administration threatened spiritual focus, the apostles reorganised responsibilities so that prayer and the Word would not be neglected. A Warden without a prayer life becomes a manager. A Warden with a prayer life becomes a guardian of the spiritual flame.

Colossians 3:23–24 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Every Vestry meeting is held before the Lord. Every financial decision is made before the Lord. Every conflict resolution is done before the Lord. If Christ were physically seated in your meeting, would the tone change?

Administrative and Financial Integrity: Excellence as Worship

1 Chronicles 29 shows King David publicly accounting for resources used for the temple. Transparency was not modern corporate thinking; it was biblical. Excellence in record keeping is worship. Transparency in finance is worship. Timely audits are worship. Proper documentation is worship.

Proverbs 11:3 says: “The integrity of the upright guides them.” Nothing destroys the witness of the Church faster than compromised Stewardship — and nothing strengthens it more powerfully than consistent integrity. We must resist:

• Informal handling of sacred funds.
• Personal influence in church contracts.
• Poor documentation.
• Succession without structure.

God deserves order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 reminds us, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Order is not rigidity — it is reverence.

Stewardship as Kingdom Preparation

The parable of the talents ends with these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” Notice: He did not say, “Well done, chief executive.” He did not say, “Well done, senior officer.” He said, “Good and faithful servant.” The highest title in the Kingdom is servant. Mark 10:45 reminds us that even the Son of Man “came not to be served but to serve.”

If Christ served, how much more we? We serve not for recognition. We serve not for applause. We serve in expectation of the Kingdom. Every faithful act of Stewardship is a rehearsal for eternity.

A Call to Service

My brothers and sisters, the Master will return. It may be after a long time, but He will return. When He does, may it not be said that under our watch the altar lost its dignity, the treasury lost its transparency, or the Church lost its unity.

May it be said that under our Stewardship:

• Systems were strengthened.
• Worship was protected.
• Integrity was guarded.
• The light burned brighter.

This is our season of trust. Let us not be casual with it. Let us serve in expectation. Let us lead in preparation. Let us steward with eternity in view.

The Stewardship of the Wardens

It can be daunting or even mystifying to contemplate the task of being a Warden. A Warden is a lay official in a Parish or congregation of the Anglican Communion, usually working as a part-time volunteer. The holders of these positions are ex-officio members of the Parish Church Council (PCC) or the Standing Committee as used in the Cathedral. Their responsibilities include the following:

• To be leaders and good examples to the congregation in all things that bring peace and progress to the Church.
• To arrive at the Church early and organise the Stewards before the service commences.
• To welcome visitors at services and make them feel welcome.
• To look after all monies coming into the Church purse and ensure that monies due for payment go out accordingly without unnecessary delay.
• To duly inform the PCC or the Standing Committee about the income and expenditure of the Church monthly and oversee the execution of approved works.
• To attain higher levels of responsibility, integrity, and spirituality in the faithful service of the Lord, as true and profitable Stewards of God’s resources in His Church.
• To assist the Vicar with good counsel and to consult with him for the peace and progress of the Church.
• To seek out poor and indigent members of the Church and assist them on behalf of the Church.

The Vicar and the Wardens are the joint signatories to the accounts of the Church. Their relationship is one of trust and confidence. Wardens receive all dues, make all payments, and superintend all approved works. They must always give Vicars their due respect as agents of the Bishop in the Parish or in the Cathedral. Likewise, Vicars should always remember that the Wardens are representatives of the congregation. Wardens are not masters of the Vicar, nor vice versa — however, the Vicar is in charge of the Parish, serving as the ‘vice’ of the Bishop.

A Warden is the Bishop’s officer. When the Provost or the Vicar admits a Warden to office, they are formally appointing them on behalf of the Bishop. If a Warden needs to resign in the course of the year, it is the Bishop they write to. Cooperating with the incumbent is a constitutional requirement of the office.

Key Relationships in the Task of a Warden

Relationship with Your Vicar

First and foremost, the Wardens’ relationship with their Vicar will be hugely influential in the Parish. To put it plainly: if a Warden cannot give support and public loyalty to their Provost or Vicar, then it was probably wrong to have stood as Warden in the first place. Loyalty and support need not be uncritical — Vicars should welcome constructive ideas and advice. But there must be a measure of mutual understanding and solidarity between incumbent and Wardens. A regular meeting, however informal, between the Provost or Vicar and Wardens is desirable for effective teamwork. The relationship is one of fellow-workers, not of a lord with his chaplain, nor of a master with servants.

Supporting the Provost or Vicar

A Vicar will hope to look first to Wardens for advice and counsel in running the Parish and implementing Church policies. Being an incumbent can be a lonely calling, and the support of Wardens can be vital. Constructive criticism given in a relationship of trust is often needed by the Clergy — as by any other public figure.

Leadership in the PCC and the Standing Committee

A Warden is automatically a member of the PCC and its Standing Committees. A Warden’s input will help shape the Parish’s plans on mission, finance, maintenance and development of the church building, staffing, and much else. In particular, a Warden may need to help members appreciate their place in God’s wider Church — their responsibility to care for the church building handed down by previous generations, to give generously, and to collaborate with the Diocese at large.

Formal Duties of Wardens

Wardens are required to:

1. Maintain a Church Property Register of all lands and all articles belonging to the Parish church.
2. Maintain a Log Book recording all alterations, additions, and repairs to the Church, its lands, and articles, as they occur.
3. Produce the Church Property Register and the Log Book to the PCC early in the calendar year. At annual ceremonies, the Provost or Vicar should be given a list of any changes to either document from the last twelve months.
4. Inspect the fabric of the Church and articles belonging to the Church, and make an annual report to the PCC meeting before the Annual Vestry Church Meeting.

Sincere Advice to New Wardens and Vergers

• Be true to yourself – your Parish needs all of your talents.
• Find a mentor – to help accelerate the development of your effectiveness.
• Listen to the people of the Parish – identify and understand the real needs of the Parish and gain the support you will need to address them.
• Make the Wardens–Vicar team work effectively – invest the time needed to get to know and appreciate your colleagues and build understanding and trust.
• Make thoughtful proposals – well-grounded proposals stand the best chance of leading to change.
• Make sure your Parish has time for the future, not just the present – however difficult, find time to focus on what lies ahead. Immersion in the present can give a false sense of security.
• Don’t take criticism personally – expect people to resist change and seek to personalise their anxiety. Keep going!
• Seek advice – it can make a critical difference.
• Be optimistic and positive in what you do – it will spread!
• Support and look after your Vicar – work to enable your Vicar to achieve all he or she can. Take good care of them: they need your support.
• Spread the load – do not take on too many other jobs in the Parish. Identify strengths available in the PCC or congregation and encourage others to take on non-Warden responsibilities.
• Pray! Do not underestimate the difference it makes to ‘let your requests be made known to God.’ He is your greatest resource.

A Word to Every Warden and Verger

1. Deepen Your Personal Spiritual Discipline

Commit to consistent prayer, Scripture study, and moral vigilance. A spiritually weak steward cannot guard a spiritually strong church.

2. Strengthen Accountability Structures Immediately

Review financial systems, documentation processes, reporting practices, and succession planning in your parish. Fix weaknesses before they become crises.

3. Mentor and Prepare the Next Generation

Identify and train at least one person who can continue the work after your tenure. Stewardship that does not reproduce is incomplete.

True Stewardship demands humility, because it recognises that the role is temporary. It demands diligence, because the responsibility is weighty. It demands integrity, because accountability is inevitable. Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that nothing is hidden from God’s sight and that we must give an account to Him. The Steward lives with that awareness — not in fear, but in reverent responsibility.

Ultimately, Stewardship is service rendered in expectation of the Kingdom. It is managing earthly responsibilities with eternal consciousness. It is serving in such a way that when the Master returns, He finds what was entrusted not diminished, but preserved, strengthened, and multiplied.

“May we so serve that when the Chief Shepherd appears, we shall give our account with confidence and hear those eternal words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

Sir (Prince) Dapo Opeaye, LLM

2026 Wardens’ Retreat

Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos  |  14th March 2026

Ayo Sogbuyi

Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.