We talk a lot about stewardship. What does it really mean? What does it mean for Fresno? The FBC is in the community transformation business. In this context a steward takes the time to understand an issue deeply before acting. A steward develops collaborative and peacemaking skills to ensure outcomes that stick. These skills demand self-mastery because self-interest, control and reacting all create barriers. From Fresno Pacific University folks I have also learned stewardship is a disposition. Disposition has to do with your temperament and motivation. We always know when someone has a personal agenda. A steward is focused on the best interests of the whole. To sum it up, a steward in action does the right things, for the right reasons in the right way.

This is a tall order. Yet, the personal and collective benefits are so compelling many are already committed. Our pipeline is widening and deepening. When stewards are leading in all sectors our resources and knowledge will be wisely invested. The result—prosperity and well-being at such levels the negative social and economic indicators that have branded us for so long will become history.