Steward

One who managed property and goods under the law of consecration; also someone given a specific ecclesiastical responsibility. According to the “Laws of the Church of Christ,” members of the church were to make donations to the bishop, who would record the transaction in an agreement of consecration. These individuals then received back enough property and goods to support themselves and their families. The property or goods received by a person were considered a stewardship, and he or she was considered a steward over the property. Individuals with certain responsibilities in the church—such as bishops or those charged with publishing JS’s revelations—were also considered stewards over their assignments. Revelations explained that faithful management of earthly stewardships would lead to further opportunities for stewardship in the next life. JS taught that the pattern of stewardship reached back to Adam, who received the “keys of the Universe” from Christ and would eventually return them to him. All stewards were accountable to earthly and heavenly authority for the management their stewardships. See also “.”