In September 1998 the Evangelical Alliance UK hosted a consultation of 18 church leaders and representatives from Christian organisations who met to discuss attitudes towards stewardship and giving patterns of evangelicals in Britain.

A nationwide survey of evangelicals in the UK conducted by Redina Kolaneci, formerly of StewardshipServices, revealed that many Christians, including church leaders, lack a proper understanding of biblical principles of stewardship.

The survey showed a decrease in levels of giving amongst evangelicals to churches and Christian charities. It also highlighted that many church leaders were unwilling to teach about stewardship and giving from their pulpits.

Those attending the consultation agreed that further discussions should be initiated to address these issues, and in May 1999 the Stewardship Forum was formerly launched as an Evangelical Alliance Partnership for Change.

Presently the Stewardship Forum is steered by a working group comprising:

• John Smith: UK Director, Evangelical Alliance
• Redina Kolaneci: Senior Fundraising & Stewardship Consultant, McConkey/Johnston International
• Keith Tondeur: Director, Credit Action
• David Jones: Chief Executive, Stewardship
• Myles Wilson, Independent Advisor
• Helen Calder: Associate Director, Finance & Operations, Evangelical Alliance
• Martin Lee: Executive Director, Global Connections
• Pat Finlow: Head of Fundraising, Oasis Trust

All the members of the Stewardship Forum working group share a vision to see Christians better equipped to understand why and how to give effectively.