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August 30, 2007
4 Creative Uses of Offering Envelopes
A pastor told his congregation one morning that he had good news and bad news. The good news was that the church had all the money it needed. The bad news was that is was still in the pockets of the people.
Though it may seem counterintuitive, offering envelopes have consistently provided a vehicle for the church to generate the contributions it needs to accomplish the ministry God has placed on its heart and mind. The difficult job is keeping offering envelopes exciting for church leaders and the people in the pew.
So, here are some creative ways that offering envelopes can be used to multiply your ministry opportunities.
1. Add personal information. Stock offering envelopes are convenient. You can walk into almost any Christian Supply Store or Christian Bookstore and buy them right off the shelf. It’s easy. But it’s also what everyone else does. Adding your personal information to your offering envelopes ensures that the information directly reflects your church. It has your name on it along with the funds that are important to your church—not just any church.
But that’s just the first step. Adding information that’s important to you helps you communicate the ministry God is already doing in and through your church. It offers visitors a way to see what’s important to you. It also reminds the membership how God is working through the congregation.
Consider this. A teenage girl visits your church this Sunday because she just found out she was pregnant. She’s not sure what to do or where to go for help. But she knows that she can’t tell her parents. She looks at your offering envelopes in the pew that have a special Scripture about the love of God along with designated funds for a community crisis pregnancy center that the church helps support. She realizes that she has found someone who can help her along with a hint of hope.
All this because you took one extra step to add your personal information to your offering envelopes.
2. Implement a color system. In addition to your standard white envelopes that are used for weekly contributions, throw some color into the mix. For example, let’s say your church is currently in the middle of a capital campaign. You’ve added a new line on your standard envelopes for your members to designate funds for capital improvements. But you’re not seeing the results you had hoped for.
Instead, pick a different color envelope for the capital improvement fund. Customize the content to match your church’s campaign title and goal. It’ll be much easier to remember to place “the pink envelope” in the offering plate than to designate funds to a specific line on your standard envelope.
Everyone will notice as pink envelopes are placed in the offering plate during the worship service. The use of the pink envelope will serve as a silent reminder to those present that this fund is just as important as the general fund.
3. Enroll in a mail program. Many churches have purchased boxed sets of standard envelopes for years. Each January they distribute these boxes to their membership and hope (yes, hope) that they don’t misplace or accidentally dispose of these envelopes before the end of the year. If we’re honest with ourselves, it’s difficult for anyone to keep up with anything for an entire year—especially offering envelopes.
A mail program allows you to mail your offering envelopes directly to your membership monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. This provides a way for the church to maintain accurate mailing information and serves as a reminder to church members to be faithful givers.
A mail program has consistently proven itself to be one of the most effective methods you can employ to increase per capita membership contribution.
There is another advantage a mail program offers. If you’re already mailing offering envelopes on a regular basis, why not add additional communication pieces to the mailing? These communication pieces can say what you want to say and look like you want them to look. What a great opportunity to communicate the vision and activities of your church to your membership on a regular basis! At the same time, it reinforces the church’s need for regular contributions.
4. Customize per age group. The discipline of Stewardship should begin early. The earlier a child learns that giving back to God a portion of what he or she is given, the more likely they will become life-long givers. But children like colors and pictures. Not boring black and white envelopes. So make it easy for children to get excited about giving. Add Bible verses, graphics, trivia questions, etc. to your offering envelopes for children. The content on the envelope is only limited by your imagination. Maybe you could even let your children design their own envelope for the entire Children’s Ministry to use?
This same concept can be applied to youth, young adults, married couples, senior citizens, etc. When you make giving fun and interesting, you’ll see participation in the giving process grow.
Giving is as much as a stewardship discipline as it is a discipleship process. These are just four creative ways to use offering envelopes in your church. I would encourage you to include and apply at least one of these in your church’s annual stewardship strategy plan. Then, watch as your membership contributions grow.
Offering envelopes are more than a piece of paper used to seal a member’s contribution; they are vehicles for discipleship and ministry.
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August 29, 2007
Free download on how to handle church contributions
Click here to download a FREE e-paper on how to accurately and legally handle designated church contributions.
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August 28, 2007
Little Green Monster
When we understand the material things we are entrusted with aren’t really ours and that it’s our responsibility to use them wisely, we’ve come to the first step to discovering contentment. It’s not wrong to have earthly possessions or even to have wealth. When you fear not having them or fear losing them, it shows your faith is in what’s parked in your garage or your checking account and not in the One who gave them to you.
Read the rest of the article here.
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August 27, 2007
Electronic Giving Part 2: Future or Fad?
Visa's "Lunch" commercial visualizes the cultural shift that's the driving force behind the conversation on electronic giving.
"Part of Visa’s ongoing “Life Takes Visa” campaign, the “Lunch” national television spot opens with an illustration of efficiency: a busy deli with staff and customers in a series of swift, synchronized movements to the rhythm of “Powerhouse,” composed by Raymond Scott. Customers move throughout the deli line, placing orders that are delivered in perfect timing. They check out quickly and easily, swiping their Visa check cards and moving on without having to sign. When one customer reaches into his wallet to pay for his lunch with cash, the entire line grinds to a halt, food is dropped and customers collide. It is only after he receives his change and moves on that the deli returns to its perfectly orchestrated rhythm."
In spite of what you think, feel or believe about electronic giving, the more important question is: Is it here to stay? Is e-giving the future or just a fad?
"Some estimates indicate the 60% of people on the U.S. (and the percentage has been growing every year) handle at least part of their financial lives through electronic transactions (i.e. paychecks deposited electronically into their bank account or paying utility, mortgage, car, insurance or monthly bills on-line through electronic fund transfer (EFT) or through website on-line payments."
The answer is "Yes!". E-giving is here to stay. The implementation process is what still needs to be worked out.
Does that mean that one day we'll no longer use paper offering envelopes or exchange paper money? Maybe. But it's highly unlikely. The bottom-line (no pun intended) is that e-giving will eventually become one more standardized option rather than the only option.
When newspapers began publishing an online version of their printed piece, the charge was made that people would no longer buy newspapers. The same with books. When e-books were introduced, some claimed that e-books would replace the purchase of printed books. Neither of which has happened. Nor does the market bare any evidence to support either theory.
People want options. And it's no different when considering how we give to the church. We want options because we all live different lives. It's an aspect of the "iPod" revolution that is changing the rules of the game. It puts the choice of how people give into the hands of the giver--not the church. (Just the clairify, the decision has always been with the giver.)
Electronic giving is not the future; it's the present. And without a doubt, it's definitely more than a fad.
Even though I personally pay for almost everything via electronic debit of my checking account or my debit card, I'm not sure I'm ready to see anything that remotely looks like an ATM machine in my church foyer. Or a debit card reader attaced to a brass offering plate. Or even an usher holding a cordless scanner.
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August 23, 2007
Electronic Giving Part 1: The Forbidden Conversation
The Christian Science Monitor highlights a growing interest among churches to experiment with forms of electronic giving. E-giving has been a topic of much controversy in recent years. For some it's a forbidden conversation. Churches are, however, attempting to respond to a cultural shift in how people are exchanging funds. One that consistently supports that the use of paper money and checks is diminishing.
We live in a plastic world where it's easier and more convenient to carry a debit or credit card than to carry a checkbook or cash. This, of course, impacts how people are giving to the church. And churches are becoming more aware that when people are able to give electronically they sometimes tend to give more consistently.
The most popular types of e-giving are credit/debit cards, re-occuring electronic funds transfer from an established checking or savings account, and private booths set up in the church foyer for members to give before or after the worship service.
But this isn't a solution that comes without its own baggage. Some of the difficulties churches are facing are practical and theological.
Perhaps the theological ones are the most obvious. Do you believe that paper offeirng envelopes support the role of giving as part of the worship experience? Do you believe that people should give to the church using credit cards? Some churches know exactly where they stand on the issues surrounding e-giving. And it's not something their open to. But that doesn't keep many churches from entertaining or even experimenting with the concept.
Some of the practical obstacles are integration of financial giving records with the churches existing membership management software. Often times these files are not easily interfaced with existing databases. So giving records may post incorrectly. And that can spell disaster.
Another practical obstacle for those wishing to allow giving via credit cards are the transaction fees that credit card companies charge. These fees typically fall between 1%-3%. That means your giving has to increase by the same amount of the percentage charged by the credit card company just to break-even. If you can't feel good you'll see the immediate increase, then you could risk a negative return or losing contribution dollars trying to "look cool" or relevant.
So, is e-giving the future or just a fad? We'll discuss that in the next post.
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August 22, 2007
Wedding rings and stewardship
I had the privledge of performing the marriage ceremony for my sister-in-law and my new brother in law. As most couples do, they gave each other wedding rings. During the ceremony, there is a part where I explain that the wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible commitment to each other.
As I was reflecting on this event, it occured to me that stewardship is much like a wedding ring. Being a good steward is an outward expression of our inward commitment to follow the life example of Jesus. And such outward expressions come in measurable forms. The most notable is money. But it also encompases time and talents.
If we aren't using our time wisely or giving our time in service to each other through the larger ministry of the church, then we aren't being a good steward. If we aren't developping and using the talents that we have to benefit the kingdom of God, then we aren't being good stewards. And if we aren't using our money (100%--not just 10%) in such a way that honors the reality that it's his money in the first place, then we aren't being good stewards.
And if we're not being good stewards, then it speaks to a lack of integrity in our commitment to follow Christ to the Cross.
Such is a married man or woman who bears the sign of that forever commitment through the wearing of the wedding ring and yet acts as if the commitment was never made.
Both are behaviors that originate within our inner beings--our heart and motives.
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August 21, 2007
Free Children's Envelopes
I find it interesting that we spend so little time trainig our children to give. The spirit of generousity is something that I hope to demonstrate in such a way that my own son develops a generous spirit himself.
And giving a portion of what we have been given back to the church is a habit we should begin teaching by example and opportunity at an early age. Enid Ablowitz writes, "Children learn what they are taught. They mimic what they see."
If we do not spend the time and energy to teach our children to give, then we cannot expect them to understand the importance giving plays within the life of a disciple.
I have a challenge for those of you looking to encourage giving within your children's ministry. Design a contest between your children's Sunday School classes to see who can come up with the best original offering envelope design. Then, turn the winning class' artwork into custom offering envelopes to be used to teach giving through participation.
And if you're the first to respond to this offer, LifeWay Envelope Service will cover the cost of the first 1,000 custom offering envelopes displaying an original design from a child within your church. Yes, FREE!!!! (And you can't beat free!)
So....I'm waiting for the first church to take me up on this offer. Any takers? (My contact information is on the left-hand side of your screen.)
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August 19, 2007
Capital Fundraising for Small Churches
Small Churches are in the same position that many small business find themselves in. The "pains" often center around time, money, and resources. There never seems to be enough time. There never seems to be enough money. And there never never seems to be "the right" or enough resource materials to assist the ministry of the small church.
This is especially true with respect to capital campaigns and building projects. Most churches can't afford to pay an independent consultant a ton of money to help them raise the funds they need to accomplish the ministry needs of the church. It's just not practical.
So, is there something out there for the small church willing to do the work with some pre-defined guidance?
I had a conversation this week with a friend who asked if LifeWay still produced the product Bridge for Tomorrow. I had no idea, so I started asking around.
The good news is that, yes, this product is still available. Bridge for Tomorrow is an out-of-the-box capital campaign program for small churches that costs about $500. It's only sold to churches that are averaging 125 people or less in attendance. And you can order the product by calling 1.800.251.4220.
For a list of other resources available on this subject (some FREE!), just click here.
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August 17, 2007
Jerry Fallwell leaves debt-free legacy
Jerry Fallwell lived what he preached. By his instruction, almost all of his life insurance policy was used to cover the remaining debt of Liberty University--the school he founded in 1971. (Read the ABP story here: Fallwell's Life Insurance Policy erases Liberty University debt.)
Typically we think of tithing when we talk about stewardship. And for most Christians that is as far as they go. What about the other 90%? Doesn't God own that too? Of course he does. We just haven't done a very good job at teaching people what to do with the other 90%.
I believe that many people want to do everything in their power to continue the ministry of their church. And many would be willing to give a portion of their estate to ensure the continued viability of its ministry beyond their own life in this world.
But the conversation has to take place. The options have to be laid out. And the decision has to be made before we exit this world and enter the next.
(If you're looking for a good place to start, read my previous post on this subject: Philanthrocorp.)
Fallwell's legacy ensured the continued ministry of Liberty Univeristy. May we follow his example and do likewise. To God be the glory in our living and our dying!
(Photos from Liberty University.)
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August 15, 2007
Barna discusses Americans and their identity
According to George Barna, who directed the study, the results are consistent with past findings from his research. "We have consistently found that Americans have a hierarchy of self-perceptions," he explained. "Although more than four out of five adults say they are Christian, they do not consider their faith to be their primary defining attribute. They are more likely to see themselves as Americans, consumers, spouse and parent, and even employee than to describe themselves primarily in terms of their faith commitment." [Emphasis mine.]From American Individualism Shines Through in People's Self-Image. (Image courtesy of BarnaFilms. Click here for more info.)
Barna always makes me think. I've never been a big advocate of statistics simply because I know how easily they can be twisted to support just about any position. Nonetheless, Barna does a great job at taking an honest look in the mirror of culture.
It's easy to see what we want to see. And it's just as easy to ignore anything else. But quantitative work (though flawed) offers us a means to measure "what is."
I'm not surprised by these findings. In fact, it seems to support why the issue of stewardship in inherently in conflict with a contemporary American identity that says, "It's all about me." A Biblical understanding of stewardship begins with the knowledge that Jesus is Lord and all that I have (e.g. time, talent, material possessions) is his.
I recently attended a church service different from my own tradition. As the offering was brought forward during the Worship service, the congregation said these words together:
"All things come from you, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee."
I'm not sure I could have said it better myself.
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August 14, 2007
Ken Hemphill talks about Making Change
Dr. Ken Hemphill [Ken] is not only a scholar (he has a Ph.D. from Cambridge University in England) but also a pastor. He most recently held the position of president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His current role is national strategist for Empowering Kingdom Growth-a joint effort between LifeWay and the Convention. Ken is also the author of Making Change: A Transformational Guide to Christian Money Management.
Ken and I first met at the Convention meeting in San Antonio. After our lunch, I was convinced that I wanted to interview him for this blog. So, I asked him. And he graciously accepted my invitation.
So, this is the script of our e-mail interview. (No editing.)
Ben: Tell me about your observations that led to writing Making Change.
Ken: First, I must be candid to tell you that the impetus for this book came form Morris Chapman. Morris expressed to me his concern for the lack of resources available to and through our local churches for the advancement of the kingdom and the fulfillment of the Acts 1:8 challenge which requires us to advance the kingdom to the ends of the church. Having said that, I would quickly add that my observation of our local churches and my conversation with out pastors made it abundantly clear that a tremendous need existed for a biblical tool that would help people to deal with financial issues from a kingdom perspective. We are foolish to think that we can be successful in fulfilling any portion of the Acts 1:8 challenge without allowing the Lord to provide the exceedingly abundant resources through us.
Ben: How does Making Change contribute to your role as national strategist for Empowering Kingdom Growth?
Ken: My role is to provide tools that will equip and empower the local church to be an effective kingdom tool. I believe that the local church is the primary tool God chooses to use to advance His kingdom on earth. Thus my role is to assist the local church. I continued to hear pastors and laypersons complain about the apathy in their church as it relates to service and giving. Further, I heard them complain about the general lack of understanding concerning the Cooperative Program. For that reason, I felt we must look allow the Bible to speak related to money management, stewardship, and the cooperative funding of mission. I think Making Change answers those questions in a style and format that is user-friendly.
Ben: What did you hope to accomplish by writing this book?
Ken: I continue to hope that the Holy Spirit will use this book to bring conviction and transformation in the area of our financial stewardship for the sake of the kingdom. But beyond that, I am praying that God will use this material to bring revival. Many Christian leaders have recently focused on the need for revival or awakening. We generally partially quote 2 Chronicles and call for a prayer meeting. But God tells us in 2 Chronicles that we must turn from our wicked way. When Israel asked God how they might return, He quickly responded that they must cease to steal from God by neglecting His tithes and offerings.
Ben: What feedback have you received about Making Change?
Ken: The response has been very positive from pastor and laity alike. They like the format which is to allow the Bible to speak for itself and they like the comprehensive nature of the study. It deals with money issues as diverse as earning it, spending it, saving it, and giving it.
Ben: Can you identify one change that is more important than another both for churches and believers today?
Ken: Absolutely! We must have a change of heart before we will ever have a change of thinking or action in relationship to giving or serving. Until we have God’s heartbeat we will always treat money, time, and talents as if they belong to us and we have the right to give or withhold them as we desire.
Ben: Your subtitle of "A Transformational Guide to Christian Money Management" suggests that Christians should manage their money differently? Why? And in what ways?
Ken: You are on target with both your observation and your question. First we manage the Lord’s money given to us in kingdom stewardship and not “our” money. Second, the money, time, and talents given to us have both the potential and opportunity to advance the kingdom until the King returns. Third, the management of God’s resources entrusted to us in this life will have a bearing on our service to the King for all eternity. We often fail to recognize that we were created to serve the King forever. This earthly kingdom is already passing away but we are “born again” to an eternal kingdom. Finally, we manage the Father’s resources with His kingdom in view so that one day we will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Ben: Why do you think the spending habits of non-Christians and Christians are largely the same?
Ken: I think that many Christians actually live their lives as if this life is all of life. In other words, we live and spend without the kingdom in view. I think this happens because of the pressure of the world to have and to spend. Further, I fear that we have not always taught the full counsel of God’s Word in relationship to money and thus we behave like the world because of our ignorance of God’s Word.
Ben: Why are many pastors not already teaching this material?
Ken: I can speak for pastors but I know that many have been frightened away by some of the church growth “gurus” who said you can’t reach “boomers,” or “busters”, or whatever the current group under discussion, if we talk about money. It is significant that some of the more recent research has actually refuted this original claim. Yet beyond that, we cannot teach or refuse to teach certain biblical principles based on research data. We must teach the whole counsel of God’s Word. I am sure that other pastors may not teach this material because the issue of money tends to be a “somewhat sensitive” issue in most churches. The “sensitivity” is often related to our own disobedience to God’s principles for managing His money. This is the area where we can provide the greatest release for our people.
Ben: Is there room within the role of the church to define for its members how they should spend their money? Or is that role better left with financial planners?
Ken: First, I would say that we must speak clearly and forcefully where Scripture speaks. When you look at the outline of Making Change, you will find that I have a chapter on spending money. The average couple today spends $1.20 for every $1 they earn. You don’t have to be a certified financial planner to figure out that won’t work. In short, we must address spending from a biblical perspective. The fact that we speak to this issue does not mean that some persons in our church would not greatly profit from seeking advice from a financial planner. I have friends who feel called to be financial planners and I have great respect for their work. I would suggest that people choose financial planners who have a Christian worldview. If your financial planner does not share your kingdom perspective, it is unlikely that they will have your heart for giving and advancing the kingdom.
Ben: What would you say to someone that says, "I give my 10% to the church, so leave me alone!"?
Ken: Very candidly I would tell you that you would have very few persons to make such a comment. According to recent studies by George Barna, less than 3-5% of persons who give to church actually tithe their income. If you couple this fact with the fact that about 37% of regular church attenders do not give at all, you will see how seldom you might receive that response. Yet if someone did respond as you have indicated, I would say to them that God is concerned about how we manage all of His money not just the tenth that we are privileged to return to Him to participate with Him in advancing His kingdom. Further, I would suggest that Scripture teaches a progression in our giving so that the maturing Christian can move beyond the tithe to hilarious giving and then to “grace” giving which involves the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
Ben: What would you say to someone that says, "Giving of service and giving of money are one in the same. And I serve the church faithfully, so that is my tithe."?
Ken: I would agree with their desire to give of their time, but would disagree that the gift of time negates the Scriptural demand to give money. Such an argument shows both a lack of faith and a lack of kingdom vision. Our goal is not to see how little we can give but to see how much God will enable us to give. I find it exciting to think that all I can use all my earthly resources in such a manner that they have Eternal Impact.
Ben: When teaching someone about giving to the church, what's more important: amount or behavior?
Ken: We must always focus on attitude of the heart in relationship to every area of Christian living. The Pharisees tithed of their mint, dill, and cumin and yet did so out of legalistic pride. Jesus indicated that they should have mastered such a trivial matter as the tithe and yet have progressed in their spirituality enabling them to consider weightier matters. Based on Jesus teaching, I would suggest that when we deal with behavior we cannot neglect amount. I find it difficult to think we should ever suggest that people should disobey a basic teaching of Scripture.
Ben: Knowing what you know now, if you could go back in time to when you pastored your first church, what would you tell yourself with respect to money and giving?
Ken: I would certainly want to teach all that the Bible teaches on this matter. I would want to provide seminars, personal counseling, and other opportunities to help people deal with the whole range of spending, debt, investing, and giving. I would approach the whole issue with a sense of excitement about the tremendous investment the King has made in us, enabling us to serve with Him to advance His kingdom. Now, that’s exciting!
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August 13, 2007
Spending habits of church and non-church members
Just for kicks I went looking for some stats on consumer spending and how it impacts church giving. I read this desciption under LifeStyle Spending at EmptyTomb.org.
The PotentialIf church members in the U.S. had tithed (given 10%) in 2003 (latest year available), there would have been an additional $156 billion available for the mission of the church. Rather than reach their potential, church member spending is similar to that of Americans in general, such as the following.
Click Here to read more.
The part that bothers me the most is not the $156 billion (yes BILLION) that they estimate the church missed out on. The statement that "church member spending is similar to that of Americans in general" is absolutely chilling.
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To give or to serve: that is the question
I think Trent raises a good question in his post "Money, Spirituality, and Charity."
Most of us are between these two extremes. We work at jobs that are much more financially lucrative than that of the volunteer, but almost none of us can hope to achieve those huge levels of wealth. Yet by our efforts, we can make a huge difference, too. Let’s say I were to set aside 10% of my income for the year for charitable giving, or all income over a certain limit. This could at least partially fund a social worker’s job - because of your giving, someone could spend their day making a difference in the world. Thus, someone with marketable skills that don’t translate well to public service can still give a great deal spiritually.
Basically, Trent raises the question that if God has gifted you to make money and you leave a portion of that to the church, does that equate with those who choose to give their lives in service to the church or other social-based organizations who make much smaller salaries but see direct results of their efforts?
I think this is a question that a lot of people are asking.
I really think the answer is "both - and". Just because you are able to give a large sum of money doesn't remove your obligation of service through action. However, just because you give your life to public service or social-based organizations doesn't make you more spiritual than others.
To the super-weatlhy, giving away money is sometimes seen as a status symbol. (This is a hang over from the ancient Greek-Roman world where philanthropy was a "sport" of the wealthy.) God's not interested in making a "splash" of press for you. Rather, he's interested in all of you. Your money and your talents.
Trent's argument (And I'm not picking on Trent. He just happens to be the author of the post.) assumes that chairtable giving and service are mutually exclusive. That's a falty premise.
Giving and service flow freely from those who have a generous spirit. And that only comes from those who understand that their skill and talent come with expectation and responsibility.
Money can't buy your way into heaven. And service won't either.
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August 10, 2007
An honest reflection
I was moved when I saw this. I wanted to share it with you too.
I would encourage you to find a quiet moment to reflect upon this piece of art and the prayer printed to the right of it.
This is the posture (and the prayer) of a steward.
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August 9, 2007
Common Excuses
I found a list of 24 common excuses for not preaching on giving. Some of these are unbelievable, and I hope pastors don't really use these. (But I've lived long enough to know different.)
Some are funny. And others are not so funny.
The one that surprised me the most was the very first one. "Money is a sensitive and divisive issue in my church."
WOW! If money is divisive.....what about the Gospel?
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The Mission - A new look at CP
A friend told me about a conversation he had with his Dad when he was about 7 years old. He asked, "Why are we Southern Baptists?" His Dad said, "We're Southern Baptists because of the Cooperative Program. We send missionaries all over the world to tell people about Jesus."
At 7 years old, that was enough information for my friend to feel good about being a Southern Baptist. But he is no longer 7 years old. And again he's asking "Why am I Southern Baptist?"
Part of the challenge of communicating to the postmodern generation (and that includes me) is that you can't assume that we immediately share the same value in the same things. It doesn't mean that we don't. But just because we've [Southern Baptists] been doing something for a long time doesn't provide the substance necessary to justify our [postmoderns] continued participation.
So, before we can answer the question "How?" we must address the question "Why?"
The Cooperative Program (CP) is one of the hallmarks of the Southern Baptist denomination. Unfortuantely, in recent years it has become the subject of much political debate. And the net result is a decline in participation from churches. Further, many church members aren't even sure why their church has a line item for CP.
These are the brutal facts. And the direct result of our inability to "tell the story."
Recently, I've had the opportunity to talk about this with John Kyle. John is part of the Executive Committee of the SBC, and his responsiblity is growing CP. He has a vision for this program that I believe is--in many ways--silenced in the midst of the all the political wars.
When he talks about CP, he talks about "The Mission." CP is not merely an investment fund; it's the vehicle that provides the infrastructure to accomplish the Great Commission both in the US and abroad.
It's real people, touching real people, in real trouble, in the real world.
The Mission is to reach people with the message of Christ. And we do this through missionaries, seminaries, disaster relief, attacking world hunger, etc.
I could bore you with statistics. But we've tried that. It doesn't work. What needs to take place is an honest coversation where we recognize the role CP has played in our history and talk about the role it needs to play in our present and future.
Without that, this dream will pass away with my parents generation. And that would be a tragedy.
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August 8, 2007
Salvation through stewardship
I had the opportunity to sit down with some people from Crown Financial Ministries for dinner last night. (Crown is the founding partner of the "It's A New Day" campaign.) This really is an amazing organization that believes financial integrity begins with a relationship with our Creator.
During our conversation, they shared with me that more than 17,000 people became Christians last year while going through the Crown program. I was completely surprised. This number absolutely jumped out at me and grabbed my attention.
As I've been reflecting on our conversation, I wonder if the issue of personal finances and debt are the next great vehicle for evangelism for the modern-day church and if this our opportunity to represent not only our beliefs and values but demonstrate behavior that is shapped by our beliefs and values.
Everyone struggles with money: both Christian and non-Christian. But it's how we deal with it that makes us different. Just about everything in life can be dealt with in a positive, healthy way or in a negative, destructive way.
I believe too many Christians and non-Christians are dealing with the issues of personal finance and debt in negative and destructive ways. And for the most part the church has offered no alternative.
This is where "It's A New Day" and the partnership with Crown become so important. This partnership offers churches a way to present an alternative to the negative and destructive behaviors that are--in many ways--shapping and shrinking our lives.
In doing so, we expose those who choose to listen to another way of living. And in turn offer them a chance to change and live differently. Isn't that the heart-beat, the core of the Gospel message?
Financial freedom is just the beginning. True freedom, ultimate freedom only comes through Jesus Christ.
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The poetry of stewardship
Heavenly Treasures
by Connie C. Bratcher
Treasures come in many forms-
Money, houses, and land,
Cabins in the mountains,
Condos on the sand,
Fancy cars and clothing,
Diamonds, silver, and gold.
No good thing is withheld from those
Within the Shepherd’s fold.
But, these material gifts we enjoy
As we travel this earthly sod,
Can be a curse, rather than a blessing,
If we let them become our god.
When we love the gift more than the Giver,
We’re treading on dangerous ground;
For those things we valued so highly
Aren’t the treasures we thought we’d found-
Our souls are left impoverished,
Hungry and thirsty within,
As we find we’ve left our first Love,
And fallen into sin.
I’d rather have nothing of material worth,
As I sit at the Master’s feet,
Than to have the wealth of all the world-
And miss Heavenly Treasures so sweet.
Read more Inspirational Messages in Poetry.
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August 7, 2007
A word from Paul
Paul Littleton has agreed to be a guest contributor to this blog. This is his first post. And we're excited to include his voice in the conversation as we try to sort out the role stewardship and giving play in the life of the believer and in the practice of local church ministry.
If you type “steward” into the search bar on Wikipedia the most basic statement it will return is: “a servant who manages another's property.” Often when we think of stewardship we think of tithing – giving a tenth of our income to the Lord’s work in the church. But the English word “steward” means much more than that. A synonym for “steward” is “manager” or “governor.” It conveys the reality that the things over which we are stewards are not our own, but belong to someone else.
In the case of Biblical stewardship that someone else is God. Biblical stewardship teaches us that we should not think that 90% of our stuff or time or anything else we have belongs to us and the other 10% is God’s. Biblical stewardship teaches that 100% of all that we have and all that we are belongs to God. The question we have to answer is, “How are we using God’s stuff?” What are we doing with it? Are we giving 10% to the church and then using the other 90% to feed our materialistic impulses? If that’s the case then we are not being obedient to Biblical stewardship.
In the gospels Jesus tells a number of parables about talents (or in Luke 19, minas). The nobleman didn’t give out ten minas and tell his servants that they were free to do whatever they wanted with 90% if they would only be faithful with the other 10%. They were called upon to be faithful with all of it.
A steward in medieval times was the manager of the nobleman’s properties. He was given a generous tract of the nobleman’s land upon which to live. His job was to manage all of the nobleman’s economic affairs – the farming of the land, the local market, collection of revenues, etc. The steward would have never thought of these things as his own. They all, including the land upon which he lived, belonged to the nobleman. He would only do with those things what he was convinced would please the nobleman.
It is no mistake, then, that when English translators looked for a word to describe the relationship between us, our stuff and God that they chose the word “stewardship.” Our stuff is not our own. We are managing what God has given us – be it our resources, our time, our families or the earth. May use 100% in ways that would please God.
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People still come first
There's a revolution going on in the world. It's an individual revolution. It's personified in the "iPod" movement. We want to choose who, when, and how much. There was a day when you could create generic messages for broad groups of people and expect to reach a majority of them. But today is different. (Read "Friendraising before Fundraising".) Today is about creating a relationship which first gives you permission to offer a message.
The same is true for church. I once heard a pastor justify his decision to support a group's position within his church because they had greater collective monetary value than the other. (Yes, this really happened. And it happens more than we want to admit.) I believe this very situation is exactly why stewardship has become a synonomous with money.
But we've (church leaders) missed an important element. People give to other people, causes, things they believe in or are moved by. That means an emotional connection exists before their generosity flows.
If we'll spend the time we need to build relationships with people, we'll get their permission to ask for their support. And it will come in the form of money, time, and service. But it never works the other way around.
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August 6, 2007
New Design!
Welcome to our newly redesigned blog on stewardship and giving! (If this is your first visit, then you won't know what it looked like before. But trust me....it's MUCH better!)
We'd love to know your thoughts on the new look and feel.
(Thanks Lauren, from LifeWaystores.com for doing such a great job!)
P.S. If you haven't signed up for e-mail updates, you can do that in the box at the upper right-hand side of your computer screen.
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Clergy and Laity on tithing
"The study also found that most people - both clergy and laity - believe that Christians’ giving does not have to be limited to religious causes or organizations. Just 3 percent of clergy and 1 percent of laity feel that Christians should only support Christian causes. Three out of 10 clergy and 1 out of 10 churchgoers feel Christians should give preference to Christian causes or organizations in their giving, and another third of each group feel Christians should support Christian causes when they can, but should be free to support non-religious organizations when there is no religious equivalent (such as cancer research or animal welfare)."Read the entire article here.
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Tithing: Should we be worried?
I'm the first to say that tithing only speaks to 10% of the picture when it comes to stewardship and giving. What about the other 90%? That's the question that I don't think is asked often enough. However, tithing is still a subject worth exploring.
Here is an article from Beliefnet.com that exposes for us a reality that is swelling beneath the radar screen. It's my parents and grandparents generation that are the backbone of the church when it comes to giving. These are the people who give sacrifically. But their children (my generation) doesn't seem to be as quick to donate to the church.
While I don't believe it's a crisis yet, I do believe that its one of those "brutal facts" that we can't affort to ignore. My generation has been labeled Generation Debt. And debt erodes disposable income--income that the church depends on to exist.
For many people, tithing has become another line item in the budget. And one that easily cut out as an "extra." Personally, I'm less concerned with the amount of money my generation gives. (Not to discount its importance.) I think the big picture is the fact that what's missing is the behavior of tithing. This is most alarming.
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August 3, 2007
Responsibility, Part 2
Building on the previous post, responsibility also comes with a sense of accountability.
While I was having lunch with Ken Hemphill at the SBC in San Antonio, we discussed the changing role of offering envelopes in the life of the church. He said that one of the most remarkable changes occured when we stopped asking people to complete the information on the front of the traditional offering envelope.
I was reminded of what those old offering envelopes looked like. (Much different from the four-color options available today.) It had a place to record how often you read your Bible, how many visits you made, etc.
Ken said that this initiated a shift in that we no longer held people accountable to their responsibility as believers first and active church members second.
Reflecting back on that conversation has made me realize that responsibility and accountability need each other. We cannot be responsible if accountability is absent. And accountability has no place without responsibility.
Stewardship is often an unpopular subject because it involves both responsibility and accountability. And we don't want to be held accountable because then we might have to change or alter our lifestyles and decision making.
Further, those things that bring responsibility and accountability also seem to precipitate a feeling of satisfaction. Perhaps the reason so many find a lack of satisfaction in their own personal lives as believers and in their church life is because the two greatest contributors to satisfaction are missing: responsibility and accountability.
The very thing we fear the most (driving people away because we hold them accountable to their commitment) may be the "road to salvation", if you will, in restoring satisfaction and fulfillment to the abundant life Jesus promised every believer.
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Responsiblity, Part 1
Ben Cole has a great post today on SBCOutpost.com. What struck me was his observation that as a result of listening to NPR, he was exposed to people and things within our culture that otherwise he would have never know about.
This reflection led him to wonder why he travels around the world at the drop of a hat yet intentionally passes over "the projects" in his own home town.
Stewardship carries with it a sense of responsibility. A sense that God has given us the time, talents, and money we have for a reason. And he expects us to find a way to use or "spend" those resources in such a way that it impacts the lives of others--especially the marginal members of society.
But this is not a responsibility that comes from a sense of fear. Fear that God will punish us if we don't do anything with what he has entrusted to us. This responsibility, rather, comes from a sense of gratitude in light of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.
That means before we can bring value to the concept of stewardship, we must first look for individuals to experience the response of gratitude in light of the sacrifice represented by the Cross.
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August 2, 2007
Budget and Facility Planner
I recently attended a conference where Ty Salter from Church Ministry Finance presented this planner. It's a great worksheet. It first asks you to complete some necessary financial information. Then, it projects or forecasts your borrowing capacity.
This is a great tool that churches can use to determine how much they can spend on their next building project.
To get there, Click Here and look for "Budget and Facility Planner" on the left hand side of your screen. It's in Excel format.
Posted by bstroup at 9:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 1, 2007
Pastors and their money
Micah Fries has a great post highlighting an article from Associate Baptist Press about what pastors do with their wealth.
Belieftnet.com interviewed Rick on the same subject.
The temptation will be for some to assume that this is the way that everyone should live. But that misses the point. The substance of the Warren's decision lies in the fact that they have acknowledged God as owner and seek to live and spend differently in response to their faith.
Posted by bstroup at 11:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The church and money
Church Marketing Sucks posted about the dilemma a lot of churches have over how to use available funds. In, The Church and Money: Plasma TV or Feed the Poor, Anne Jackson explores the story of the woman who annointed Jesus with very expensive oil. The disciples were very upset because they believed the oil should have been sold for a sum and used to help the poor. But Jesus pointed out that it was not a waste but an accurate picture of the sacrifice the he would eventually make for all humankind on the cross--a very expensive one that to some was considered a waste.
We treat the subject of money in the church the same way that many of us do in our homes. We don't talk about it and often ignore it. This leads to tension, especially when the use of money is seen as futile or careless.
To Anne's point, our goal is to bring the message of the Gospel to people. Whatever cost that involves, it's worth it. To the other side of the argument, carlessly using God's provision is unacceptable.
At the end of the day, we have to talk about money. We have to talk about how we use money and what we believe about money. Ultimately, our goal is not to build personal empires of brick and mortar. Our goal, rather, is to influence the world with the message of the Gospel. We do that by using the resources God has given us.
Too often churches would rather place church funds in a CD earning 4.67% than risk the cost of reaching out to the community in which it exists. It comes down to this worldview: Whose money is it, anyway?
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