Comparing Practical Theology across Religions and Denominations

While significant research has examined congregational involvement in providing for those in need, few studies have looked at the denominational theology that informs these initiatives or influences the non-profit systems created to provide them. Drawing on research from the Faith and Organizations project, a national research/practice initiative designed to explore the relationship between religions and faith based organizations, we compare the practical theology behind stewardship of social welfare and educational programs in Catholic, Mainline Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish, Quaker, and African American Christian entities. We return to older, expanded definitions of stewardship and identify three stewardship systems based on religious practical theology and outline the strengths and weaknesses of each system and offer practical suggestions for strengthening connections between faith communities and faith based organizations.