Ministry Next Steps

It is not news to any of you that we are experiencing very tough economic times. It probably doesn’t surprise you that in response, some churches and some church members are pulling back from God’s call under the banner of good stewardship. Surveys have documented that Christian giving is down in 2011 and churches are hurting. While the symptom is financial, the problem is much deeper. Somehow, we are convincing ourselves that it is ok to balance our personal accounts by giving less to God. Churches are cutting budgets, reducing ministry efforts and reducing salaries to balance the books. Yes, Jesus calls His church to execute good stewardship, but we cross the line from stewardship to disobedience when we failed to answer His call on our lives or failed to execute the ministry to which He has called us. There is no blessing (for our churches or their congregants) in members seeking to balance their personal budgets by under-funding church support. Such an equation never balances. I'm reminded of the account in Haggai when the remnant returning from exile chose to give priority to their personal financial affairs rather than restoring the temple.

Haggai 1: 4-6

Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvest little. You eat , but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.


This warning seems so appropriate. Even those who have retained their jobs in this economy are feeling strained, frustrated and dissatisfied. Many have seen their home values and savings diminish over night; as if they were putting money in bags with holes. I think we are at a critical juncture. In times of hardship, the church needs to do more not less. Local churches will be tempted to strengthen their funding raising efforts to address their short falls. However, the real need is to raise disciples rather than raise funds. While, the subject of my message is offertory giving, I’ve never considered fundraising it’s purpose. It is not. It is a tool of discipleship, a message of relationship. It is our relationship that is under attack, not simply our budgets. Our giving is a mirror of the relationship. It let’s us see on whom we depend. It let’s us see whom we love. It let’s us see whom we serve. Jesus’ words still ring true; we cannot serve both God and money.

I have been developing a teaching outline for a bible study on my material. It summarizes the key components of the message that I believe God has given me and includes sample scriptural support for each component. It represents the most current synthesis of that message. It is a 6-7 week study (1 – 11/2 hr sessions). It expands on what I taught at Wheaton Bible Church and Second Baptist Church of Wheaton over the summer. I believe God is calling me to more aggressively pursue opportunities to teach this series. I ask that each of you prayerfully consider whether you can assist in securing opportunities for me to get the message out. If you feel moved to help, contact me. The need is great.

Yours In Christ!
Larry