In a recent Finance Committee meeting we were discussing the church’s need for more money. We agreed that better communication with the congregation was needed. Someone suggested that it must be hard for a preacher to talk about money. I responded that I didn’t know any pastor who actually enjoyed preaching on this subject. I certainly do not take pleasure in asking for money. But I indicated that I am unapologetic when it comes to talking about Christian stewardship which includes the use of our time, our talents, and our treasure (money). Jesus talked more about money than almost any subject.
Several years ago I read an article published in the Anglican Digest. The author started by saying, “Sometimes you hear people say, ‘The church is always asking for money.’ That statement is untrue. It is the world which is always asking for money, not the church.” He went on to point out that the grocery store never fails to ask you for money when you shop. Your mortgage company insists on a check every month without fail. Most of us get bills in the mail with great regularity, but not one from the church. “Who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn?” the author asked. “Your Uncle does that. Your Father does not.” He stated with great profundity, “There is no free lunch—except at the church.”
I had never thought of it quite the way this writer stated the obvious truth. The church does not charge admission. You can get professional counseling for free. If you’re sick and in the hospital, the pastor will make a “professional call” without charge. You get a monthly newsletter without a paid subscription. If a loved one dies the funeral home will certainly charge you; the church will not.
The truth is you can attend church for years without contributing one cent; and no one is going to kick you out. You will not lose your membership. There are never even any membership dues. The truth is the church asks for money less than anyone else!
And yet. . . and yet no one uses your money to accomplish greater things than the church. The church is here to offer the love of Christ to a broken, hurting world. It offers character training for your children through quality Christian education. It offers your family the love and support of a covenant community who will be there for you in times of need.
Of course, just because the church offers its services without charge doesn’t mean no one has to pay. The utilities for the church have to be paid. Buildings are not free. Staff requires salaries. There really isn’t a free lunch, even at church. Someone has to pay for the food we eat. The church could not exist without generous supporters who understand the value of the church’s ministry. Thank God there are those who are willing to be good stewards of what God gives them. Thank God there are obedient disciples of Jesus Christ who respond to God’s call to give. Thank God there are those who don’t want a free ride but are willing to carry more than their share of the load. Thank God there are those who have discovered the joy in giving and sharing.
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5 comments:
joker1
How apologitic we should be as memebers to have a new pastor come into such a situation. Times are hard but God is Gracious. There is enough monies to go around. But it depends on our priorites. What are we willing to sacrafice? our eating out? our hobbies? our souls? God doesn't need our monies, but it should be an honor to give. No one can out give him that has given everything. Sorry for the monologe, but you hit a nerve.
I hope everyone reads that blog about giving - it would be great material to refer too in a Stewardship drive.
THANX Cathy for your positive response. As to your comment, joker1, American Christians are not much into making sacrifices are we? We give thanks for Jesus dying on the cross for us but pretty much ignore his call to pick up our cross and follow his example of making personal sacrifices.
As a family of five in this economy, with meeting our financial responsibilities, as well, as keeping three children clothed and in school, it is very difficult to maintain this type of support for our church. But it does occur to me that we spend t-shirt money here and there for the kids' school; fundraisers for their school; etc., to help out the school. Even if I must start out little and increase bit by bit, I MUST support our church in the same manner I support other organizations. I try to rationalize that my volunteer work with church functions helps because there is so much of the time I feel we can't contribute money. But, our church is a functioning ministry that needs money to sustain and thrive. This is the area I have been praying about and looking to God to help me by having more faith in Him and not worrying about not having enough money to go around. God is at work here; let's hang on for the RIDE!
As a family of five in this economy, with meeting our financial responsibilities, as well as keeping three children clothed and in school, it is very difficult to maintain this type of support for our church. But it does occur to me that we spend t-shirt money here and there for the kids' school; fundraisers for their school; etc., to help out the school. Even if I must start out little and increase bit by bit, I MUST support our church in the same manner I support other organizations. I try to rationalize that my volunteer work with church functions helps because there is so much of the time I feel we can't contribute money. But, our church is a functioning ministry that needs money to sustain and thrive. This is the area I have been praying about and looking to God to help me by having more faith in Him and not worrying about not having enough money to go around. God is at work here; let's hang on for the RIDE!
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