Firm Foundations

Near the end of a year, it is good to share this through the congregation, as folks are wanting to consider their tax consequences. Perhaps once yearly someone could stand in front of the congregation and share how they gave stock instead of cash.

This kind of prayer reveals a person whose life is his or her own, and God is in a compartment off to the side—and a not-too-relevant compartment at that.

It is that time of year again—time to give the minimum. Not only should you not feel guilty about it—I am actually encouraging it.

The word is TRANSPARENCY. That means folks can SEE what is happening with finances. When people can’t see they don’t TRUST. When people don’t trust they don’t GIVE.

When one trusts grace there is renewed attention on how our time, talent, and treasure all conform with what Christ has revealed to us. When one trusts the gospel there is an easy and confident way to our living that actually enjoys being a giver of this amazing grace.

Right now is when your community needs reminded that God came anyway—more importantly, God is here anyway.

Stewardship is living in the wisdom that relationships triumph things. Things are fine, but they don’t last, and neither do their satisfactions.

The point is that we want to affirm people for their giving

So often we give in to the illusion that things “are the way they are” and that we can’t fight or change the outcomes. We lay limp and hand over our power of choice. That is bad stewardship.

Could your church use a Gratitude Jar?

Bring what you have. Encourage others to do the same. Give it to Christ for a blessing. Then feast on the miracle. This is the gospel we believe, and the gospel we share.

Connection fosters compassion. Compassion gives birth to generosity.

God often uses believers to spur one another on in acts of faith, service, and giving.

The dictionary says that a witness is “someone who has personal knowledge of something.” They “attest (testify) to a fact or event.”

True Religion will go under. But God’s true religion will always rise. Stay faithful, friends.

The point is this—be in ministry, not in retreat. Invest in the gospel, not in the island. Trust God. All will be well.

Simply from a fund-raising point of view we need to remember: PEOPLE DON’T GIVE TO BUDGETS.

It is that time of year when thoughts turn to the annual stewardship campaign.

Positive reinforcement anytime beats negative reinforcement every time. Reinforce strengths. Praise progress.

As you consider classes and small groups for the fall, be sure to offer opportunities for your folks in budgeting, insurance, investing, giving, and planned-giving–all from a Christian perspective.