February 12 - 1B, 2007
SOLI/Update
www.stewardshipoflife.org
People's money follows their values
Want to buy a cheap ticket for the 2008 Superbowl? On one website, the cheap seats -- the upper level, in the corner of the field, way behind the end zone, go for $2,400. Prime seats on the lower-level near the 50-yard line go for $6,300.
Although that's an astonishing amount of cash for most of us, fact is that somebody buys those tickets. Enough somebodies, in fact, to fill an entire stadium.
The point is, people always seem to have plenty of money for the things they value. Whether it's a vacation home, a nice new car, a private-college education for their children or cosmetic surgery to make them look 20 years younger, lots of people have cash to spare.
So if our churches are barely scraping by even in a culture that has plenty of money, there is clearly a failure somewhere. The question is, whose? Are the people failing because they are ensnared by the devil's empty promise that wealth brings happiness, and as a result spend their money on themselves and their pleasures?
Or are church leaders failing to preach the Gospel with power and clarity? Failing to worship God with such zeal and passion that people no longer value the church in their lives?
Yes, that is an grossly simplistic analysis, but it highlights a reality that many struggling churches are not willing to voice out loud -- that many people aren't coming and aren't giving because they just don't value church. And at least part of that reflects ambivalence they feel with the preaching and worship life their churches have to offer.
As Christians involved with stewardship, we know that the church offers something people can get nowhere else. We know salvation and a continuing relationship with God is more valuable than a beach house, an Ivy-League MBA, a Lexus -- and certainly tickets to a sporting event.
But are we conveying that to our members in such a way that they get it? Evidence suggests many members of the public are more excited about the Superbowl.
--Rob Blezard, Editor and Webmaster
Reprint rights gladly offered for local congregational use. Please just include the following notice: "Copyright (c) 2007, The Rev. Robert Blezard, www.stewardshipoflife.org. Used by permis
New This Week:
God's Mission in the World
Here's a great resource for a congregation to explore one of the world's most chronic stewardship issues -- global poverty. Produced jointly by the ELCA and the Episcopal Church, this resource looks at the goals of the "One campaign" through six study sessions. Available for free pdf download or for purchase. Click here for “God's Mission in the World,” and then look for links to download the PDF or to order for purchase. Check out the other free resourcsion." Inquire about other uses.es on the page as well. From the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and The Episcopal Church.
Timely gifts
"We are daily blessed with so many things and yet there are times that we feel especially like God has been smiling on us. It is always a blessing when we are able in a concrete way like thins to be part of God's blessings." Click here for the latest weekly column by Pastor Dana Reardon. To read past columns, click here.
No Gift Too Small
Do you or your fellow church members sometimes think you have nothing to contribute to congregational life? It may be you are focusing on what you do NOT have to offer, rather than what you DO have. Here's an essay that may help you to shift thinking. Click here for “No Gift Too Small,” from Building Church Leaders.
Are You a Good Steward of your Health?
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