Stewards & Stories: Real Voices, Shared Wisdom, United in Mission

Interview with Magrey deVega

Rev. Annalee Allen has an in-depth conversation with Rev. Magrey deVega, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, Fla., and author of the forthcoming book A Time for Wisdom: Finding Hope in Ecclesiastes (Abingdon Press, 2027). Rev. deVega offers a fresh perspective on mortality, doubt, and what happens after we die. "Even if the lives we mourn," Rev. Devega tells Annalee, "There is still something of their essence that lives on within us....and in eternity in the heart of God."

The 7 Principles of Stewardship: For Church Leaders

In this episode of Stewards and Stories, we conclude our four-part series on The Seven Principles of Christian Stewardship with a timely, practical conversation on leadership, generosity, and culture. Annalee Allen is joined by returning guest Rev. AJ Thomas to explore how church leaders, clergy, and laity alike play a vital role in shaping how generosity is taught, practiced, and experienced within a congregation. AJ emphasizes that stewardship begins with leadership by example, calling leaders to model joyful, faithful generosity in their own discipleship and decision-making. Together, the conversation highlights the importance of focusing on abundance rather than scarcity, connecting giving to real ministry impact, and regularly telling the stories of lives changed through the church’s mission. From offering testimonies to weekly “mini stewardship moments,” listeners will hear practical, accessible ways leaders can create meaningful connections between generosity and transformation. The episode also introduces In God’s Hands, a stewardship worship resource designed to help churches bring theological depth and clarity to offering moments, while reinforcing generosity as an act of faith rather than obligation. This closing episode invites listeners to reflect on their leadership, recommit to practices that nurture generosity, and remember the privilege of investing in God’s work through the church. Key themes include: * Leadership through example in stewardship * Moving congregations from scarcity to abundance * Connecting giving with mission and real-life impact * Practical tools and resources for stewardship leaders

The 7 Principles of Christian Stewardship: Principles 6 & 7

In this episode of Stewards and Stories, we continue our exploration of the Seven Principles of Stewardship by unpacking Principles 6 and 7 with guest AJ Thomas. Annalee Allen leads a thoughtful conversation about why the local church is the primary and most meaningful place for Christians to practice generosity, and how giving is far more than a financial transaction. AJ reminds us that generosity is an act of discipleship rooted in love, trust, and relationship with God, not obligation or guilt. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to reconsider what it truly means to “give first” and develop a faithful rhythm of generosity in both abundant and challenging seasons. With grace and compassion, AJ addresses common struggles around tithing while encouraging incremental growth and spiritual formation over time. The episode concludes by focusing on Principle 7: My church is transforming lives every day, highlighting the powerful truth that behind every ministry, budget line, and mission statistic is a real person whose life is being shaped by God’s love. When the mission is clear, generosity follows, and lives are changed. Whether you are a clergy leader, lay leader, or committed church member, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope as you consider how your generosity participates in God’s ongoing work through the local church. Key themes include: * Why giving through the local church matters * Generosity as spiritual discipline and discipleship * Grace-filled approaches to tithing and growth * The connection between mission, generosity, and transformed lives

The 7 Principles of Christian Stewardship: Principles 3,4, & 5

What does it really mean to live generously, and how does our relationship with money shape our relationship with God? In this episode of Stewards & Stories, hosts Caroline Wood and Emily Allen continue their series on the Seven Principles of Christian Stewardship, diving into principles three, four, and five with guest Rev. AJ Thomas. Together, they explore the transformative power of generosity, the deeply spiritual nature of money, and the profound connection between our hearts and our financial choices. From the redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge to the quiet faithfulness of the widow’s offering, this conversation challenges the false divide between finances and faith. You’ll hear why generosity is more than an action, it’s a spiritual posture, and how giving, saving, and loving God are all intricately connected. Whether you're a church leader, a stewardship team member, or simply seeking to align your financial life with your faith, this episode offers practical wisdom and theological insight to inspire your journey. Key Themes: * Generosity as the antidote to selfishness * Why money is a deeply spiritual issue * John Wesley’s wisdom: earn, save, and give * How giving draws us closer to God Listen in and rediscover how every financial decision can become an act of faith.

The Seven Principles of Christian Stewardship: Principles One and Two

In this episode of the Stewards and Stories series on the Seven Principles of Stewardship, host Rev. Annalee Allen welcomes Rev. AJ Thomas to explore the foundation of Christian stewardship. Together, they begin with a simple but profound truth: everything we have is a gift from God. The conversation traces how our instinct to claim what is “mine” shapes the way we live—and how stewardship invites us into a different posture: living with open hands instead of closed fists. Rev. Thomas shares how recognizing God as the source of all we have can transform our outlook on possessions, generosity, and trust. You’ll also hear the first two principles of stewardship unpacked in practical ways: * Everything I have is a gift from God. * God is generous, and we are created in God’s image to reflect that generosity. Through scripture, real-life stories, and simple practices, this episode invites us to shift from ownership to stewardship and rediscover generosity as part of our spiritual identity. If you’re seeking a deeper understanding of faith, resources, and purpose, this episode sets the stage for the journey ahead in the Seven Principles of Stewardship series.