| Recently, I was involved in a pastoral discussion concerning pastoral stewardship. Today's blog is addressing that conversation. It's not necessarily directed at Stevens Creek. It's purpose is to encourage pastors to expand their leadership base. Here goes. It has often been said, "the speed of the leader, the speed of the team." I believe in stewardship. I practice it and I promote it every possible chance. I have always been faithful to bring the tithes and offerings to the Lord. I am of the opinion that you cannot give offerings until the tithe is given. Now, am I the largest giver at Stevens Creek? Maybe one day, but not today and truthfully not in my 22 years as serving as pastor. Yes, even in the borrowed living room with 24 people, I had tithers that gave more than I did. Here's my point ... if the pastor is the largest giver in the church then that church will not be a strong financial ministry. Here's why. If the pastor is the largest contributor, then that church is either paying him too much and cannot grow the ministry (I doubt that is the case in most situations) OR the Pastor has not learned the secret of "leading up" and challenging people of greater means to support the work of the Lord. If you are going to grow a strong church, then the Pastor has to lead up. The pastor has to be able to cast vision to people who have resources that can help fund the ministry. If you are only reaching people at your same financial level and below, then you will not have a balanced church. Doesn't the book of Acts say: The promise is for you and your children and for all . We must reach all sectors of people. This means that you will reach some that live like you live, some under-resourced and some more resources. Today, I may be in the top twelve to fifteen givers at The Creek. I really don't know. There have been times that I have been in the top seven, but those were the days that the church was not as strong financially as it is today. I would love to be in the top spot, but only if I could do that with money outside of the ministry. That's probably not going to happen any time soon. I don't play the lottery. I don't have any books to be written. I don't have a long list of speaking engagements. I don't have a cash cow in my back yard. So for now if Stevens Creek is to be a strong financial church, I have to continue to cast vision and ask people to give. I am honest when I look at the congregation and say, "I need your financial support." Without faithful givers, we will not be able to accomplish the mission that Christ has called us to. It takes everyone ... all of us... bringing the Lord's tithe to His church. When we do this, His ministry will thrive. For pastors that may run across this blog, my challenge to you today is to ... lead up. Marty martybaker@stevenscreekchurch.com |
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T90+
14 years ago
1 comment:
That's a good question. I sense the answer is likely different from congregation to congregation. Wouldn't any pastor love to have Warren Buffet or Bill Gates in their congregation.
I have been blessed with experience of being taught under a pastor that was the largest giver in the congregation. It was inspiring experience to watch from year to year as he was blessed to be able to give more than anyone else in the congregation. Not that it was his boast or or driven by his ego, but simple a petition before God to be blessed enough to give more each year. Now of course his income was derived from sources outside the church. He is blessed with a fine business acumen and witty ideas to act upon.
So i echo your exhortation to leaders in the church. For your money is truly where your heart is.
Mike P.
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