Social welfare programs met human need responsibly. Christian music flourished. Faithful proclamation continued by men and women, graduates of seminaries and divinity schools. Issues of justice were addressed. The world received cadres of missionaries, whose witness carried not only message, but acted on issues related to health, nutrition, education, and human justice.
Stewardship is influenced by time and culture.
Sometimes it is tough. The early church was persecuted by the state. The Colosseum stands in the center of the city as a reminder of days when the church was not free to be. There was great personal risk in being identified as Christian. Martyrdom was frequent.