The Ecumenical Stewardship Center Board of Directors has voted to dissolve the corporation in 2021 and to entrust to Lake Institute on Faith & Giving ongoing stewardship
A longstanding and productive collaboration with Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy results in a new future for the work of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center (ESC).
ESC will conclude its ministry to the public on March 31, 2021 and pass on its archive of resources, the network of partner organizations, and capacity to convene Christian institutional leaders around questions of giving, stewardship, and theology of money to Lake Institute.
This focus is well-aligned with Lake Institute’s mission to foster a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between faith and giving through research, education, and public conversation.
Key commitments from Lake Institute in carrying forward the legacy of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center will include:
- Preservation, republishing as appropriate and making widely available to the public the archives of Giving Magazine, the ESC blog, and other ESC educational resources.
- Review, repurposing, and promotion, as appropriate, of other educational resources and materials of Ecumenical Stewardship Center’s Resource Catalog, making them available to those who might put them to use.
- Convening of critical stakeholders and regular participants in ESC’s established constituency to consider the need for an ongoing community of practice among stewardship professionals at the denominational and judicatory level.
Lake Institute is honored to receive this gift of resource and network from the leaders of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. The good work lead by ESC over the past 40 years will continue to be an asset for religious leaders in philanthropy and giving through this decision.
“The Ecumenical Stewardship Center Board of Directors gratefully and enthusiastically supports this transition,” said Marcia Shetler, ESC executive director/CEO. “We are confident that the Center’s mission and ministry of helping faith communities thrive as they learn to live generously will continue to be fulfilled by the Lake Institute in forward-looking, innovative ways.”
David P. King, Ph.D., the Karen Lake Buttrey Director of Lake Institute shared his perspective as well, saying, “The Ecumenical Stewardship Center has been a long-time contributor to the vitality of stewardship and development work among religious institutions; Lake Institute is honored to be entrusted with the legacy of this important organization, and grateful for the leadership of ESC’s board and staff. We look forward to carrying on this legacy by continuing to share the wisdom and practical resources cultivated by ESC with religious stewardship and fundraising practitioners.”
About Lake Institute on Faith & Giving
Lake Institute on Faith & Giving exists to serve the public good by exploring the multiple connections between philanthropy and faith within the major religious traditions. Its mission is to foster greater understanding of the ways in which faith inspires and informs giving. Lake Institute is a program of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Follow us on Twitter or “Like” us on Facebook.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram, and “Like” us on Facebook.
About the Ecumenical Stewardship Center
As a Network for Growing Stewards, the Ecumenical Stewardship Center helps the church thrive as it learns to live generously.
Our vision of generous giving and faithful stewardship:
- a recognition that God is the author of all life;
- a response to the gift of God’s grace;
- a channel through which God’s generosity can flow and God’s love can be shared;
- a spiritual discipline at the center of Christian discipleship;
- a responsibility of every follower of Jesus Christ.
The Ecumenical Stewardship Center lives out its mission and vision with a view of ecumenism as God’s gift, and with actions that are generous, collaborative, innovative, and prophetic.