The nation’s economy is in a crunch. Unemployment rates are high, gas is high, utilities are high, the dollar is falling…translate this to church and the SBC: giving is down and the Cooperative Program is down. Many churches are having to slash budgets (including mine—our budget year ends the last day of June and it looks like we are going to have a 20%+ budget shortfall). And now come the calls that we need to give more—pastors do it from the pulpit, deacons do it (I personally know of one church from my past where a different deacon is now getting up in front of the congregation each Sunday to talk about why they tithe and how it has changed their lives), the SBC does it.
There is a general anxiety about how everything from churches to associations to conventions are going to keep operating. And of course, the answer must be give more!
But perhaps we are looking at this the wrong way.
Certainly, there are some people (and some churches when it comes to the SBC or their local associations) who, even in this economy, can and should give more. And we must be good stewards with what we have—be it personal finances, church, or convention.
But in the Bible when is the work of the church ever about the money?
There’s a passage at the end of Matthew 6, I think we often forget about. Right after teaching on helping the needy, prayer, and fasting, Jesus teaches about treasure. Where our treasure is our heart will be also, therefore we are not to lay up treasures on earth but those in heaven. We either love God or we love money, we can’t have it both ways.
And then in 6:25-34, Jesus says do not be anxious—and it all has to do with what money will buy. Don’t be anxious about life—about making sure we have the things we need to drink or eat or wear. After all, look at the birds and the flowers. Consider how our Father feeds and clothes them, and are we not of more value than they?
We should not be anxious because our heavenly Father knows all our needs. But if we “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things will be added to you.” So if we dedicate ourselves to seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness, God will give us everything we need.
Now here’s the question: do we live as if we actually believe this passage?
Again, stewardship is a must—it’s a part of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness—but perhaps when we look at the struggling budgets of our churches and our convention, our first reaction should not be, “People, you must give more!”
Maybe instead our first reaction should be to take a step back, examine ourselves and what we do as churches and as a convention of churches, and ask: “Are we truly seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness?” Maybe just maybe our budget woes stand as a warning from God that we are missing the mark and twisting our priorities in seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness as we attempt to disciple the world.
“But in the Bible when is the work of the church ever about the money?” Excellent question, Mike. I have been in meetings in which the assumption was that if there was not a clear source or adequate funding in place, we couldn’t do it.
I think that we need to walk by faith, not by sight.
Good post, my friend.
I used to belong to a church where several people (read: big givers) would quit giving if they didn’t like something and they’d let the pastor know that. As a result of seeing that my attitude has very much become: “You know what, if God wants money somewhere for something he can deliver it in the mouth of a fish–he doesn’t need your money. But if you think that attempting to rob God is the best way to enact change…well…good luck!” It’s rediculous how bound we make ourselves to money and how much we think it has the power to… Read more »
Somehow, I am afraid that in all our frantic controversy, this very good post got missed by many. God has all the resources he needs to accomplish his work.
I certainly thought it was brilliant.
Now to come up with a post about pride and humility…
But seriously… like I said in it, many churches are facing budget problems, mine included. As pastor I get to hear, “These people could give more and would but…” as in: if we make this change to satisfy these people, our budget will get better. And while I hope that in their sanctification they truly give as they are willing and able and have set in their hearts before God (2 Corinthians 8-9), my aim is not to change things to influence a certain group or family to give more. What I’m trying to show people is we need to… Read more »
I do not think that budgetary problems in churches are usually financial. Out of severe poverty and under extreme persecution the Macedonians gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability.
The problem is passion, commitment – well, sanctification.
The problem is passion, commitment – well, sanctification. To which I then ask: why aren’t these people more sanctified and passionate?!?!? And I remember John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth.” And I think of all these books I read that speak about how the word often seems to work slowly (it is after all like a seed that is planted, then sprouts, then grows, then produces fruit, so it takes time), but we must faithful preach the word. And then I think about 2 Timothy 4 where Paul tells Timothy to preach and instruct with… Read more »
Dave, I agree that our churches could use more passion–and sanctification.
Yet, budgetary problems are not always spiritual. When a church has extended itself to the max to try to do as much mission work as possible–local and global–and unemployment jumps to double digits, housing prices plummet, two or three major employers move from the city, it creates budgetary problems.
The real anxiety comes from trying to do the same work but with less resources. It can be heart-wrenching. Budgetary problems are not always spiritual problems.