Stewardship and Governance: Models and Potential Benefits and Challenges

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Stewardship and Governance
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Review of the model of stewardship presented by Wilson (2016).
Kent Wilson’s presents a historical and biblical model of stewardship. Most Christians
think that servant leadership is the modest and best leadership model, but Wilson presents it
differently. According to him, servant leadership is a subset of steward leadership. Kent Wilson
defines stewardship as the control and management of resources that belong to another
individual so as to meet the owner’s objectives or goals (Robinson, 2017). He continues further
to extinguish between non-profit and business models of stewardship. This is because, the
principal identity of a non-profit leader is to act as a steward of resources belonging to other
peoples (Wilson, 2010). This means that steward leadership is the best model for non-profit
leaders.
The historical roles of stewards present in the Greco Roman world are well described and
exposed. On this, the nine characteristics that apply to contemporary management are outlined.
Next, Dr. Kent exposes the biblical integration with leadership. In this, he shows how the biblical
model of stewardship differs from the classical approach. One element that is a requisite in both
systems is trustworthy on the people managed (Wilson, 2010). For example, Wilson argues that
Biblical stewards are accountable and answerable to God. This is by ruling as in the image of
God, which is the set divine pattern of the divine owner. In conclusion, the clarity of how Wilson
presents the different stewardship models generates a persuasive case for stewardship leadership.
Review of the model of stewardship presented by Block (1993).
Block (1993) defines stewardship as the choice to officiate the precise distribution of
power. It’s the willingness to accountability without compliance. Block’s models of stewardship
are focused towards how institutions are governed and managed. According to Block,
stewardship begins with accountability to a larger body such as an organization, team or
community. More emphasis is made on service over self-interest which is a model of
stewardship, since being genuinely accountable means not being in control of the world around
us (Block, 1993). Therefore, a level of trust is needed. As a commitment to service, the
accountability model requires the application of good parenting as a type of governance.
Secondly, we have partnership which is a stronger cousin to patriarchy. Genuine services
require people to act on their account. However, partnerships are fundamental in governing the

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growth of institutions. It includes major elements such as exchange of purpose, absolute honesty,
mutual accountability and the right to say no. In partnerships, there should be contact without
control since it’s not all about getting our way (Block, 1993). Block also focusses on choosing
adventure over safety as a model of stewardship. Individuals are empowered to be in positions
that help them discover themselves and define their purpose. However, empowerment without
commitment can be devastating. This is because an employee is given the mandate to become the
creator of their position in the organization.
Block model of stewardship.
Selected model: Choosing service over self-interest.
According to Block (1993), stewardship calls for the trust of those in leadership
positions. This model requires leaders to place service ahead of their self-interests. This is
because for a leader to serve effectively and efficiently, he or she should give up control. This
model borrows from Gandhi’s elements of service based on power, and they include;
• Contribution is considered our humanity.
• Power can only be granted from those below.
• What may be true is known by all parties involved.
Over the years, leaders who implement this model are held in high regard (McKinney,
2014). They are sought for guidance and direction since they are believed to be competent and
knowledgeable. One such custodian of this model happens to be in the fifth century BC. This
was a time that the Roman army was surrounded and there was a need for a leader who could
lead the country into victory hence seizing the moment. The Roman army chose a farmer known
as Cincinnatus to guide them. Cincinnatus came and conquered and gained fame for his devotion
to his country. This is a perfect example that demonstrates how the legendary hero gave his all in
a time of crisis for his country (McKinney, 2014). Even after the task, the gentleman gave up the
reins of power and went back to farming.
Also, George Washington, the first president of America exemplifies this type of
stewardship model. George Washington is considered an aristocratic leader, and when called to
defend the interest of his nation, he arose to challenge all odds (McKinney, 2014). This was