A Different Planet or a New Perspective? Rethinking Stewardship and Generosity to Expand Mission

A New Blog Post from The Rev. Dr. Rick Young, TPF’s President

Have you ever walked away from a conference and wondered whether you were on a different planet? I recently had that feeling as I left the 2026 Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference that brings together leaders from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and other ecumenical partners. This year, nearly 300 people gathered in Baltimore to deepen their understanding of generosity and stewardship. Texas Presbyterian Foundation helped develop the conference and has been involved since its inception.

This year’s conference featured four exceptional plenary speakers. Robert Hall spoke about the importance of relationships in generosity and stewardship. The Rev. Bethany Peerbolte discussed using TikTok to reach people both within and beyond the church. Shane Claiborne emphasized caring for “the least of these,” and Rev. Sarah Fisher focused on bringing believers together under a broader ecumenical tent. The Rev. Chris Lee preached about the need for civil discourse and stronger community connections.

Alongside these thought-provoking presentations, four workshop blocks offered a wide range of opportunities to explore generosity and stewardship in greater depth.

My mind was blown by the innovative and, at least to me, somewhat strange ways of meeting people where they are. The church I grew up in was worlds away from the church of today. That does not mean today’s church is flawed; it means we must adapt and evolve. Doing the same things in the same old ways will not always meet today’s needs. “Adapt or die” may sound blunt, but the need to adapt is worth remembering.

For TPF, these conversations connect directly to our purpose: We exist to enable and expand mission. Helping our partners adapt their approach to stewardship and generosity is one way we fulfill that purpose, so they can continue serving their communities in a changing world.

The leadership team of Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026 took the proverbial bull by the horns and pushed—and sometimes pulled—us into a brave new world. I must admit that it left this old head of mine spinning.

Are you ready to learn more? You can CLICK HERE to visit the Stewardship Kaleidoscope website. Additionally, to learn more about TPF’s approach to expanding mission, you can CLICK HERE.